Last week, we learned about a label and film packaging manufacturer that decided it was time for an upgrade when too much downtime began interfering with the company’s high-speed printing process. Following an MBox data logging study that revealed variations in air demand and pressure drops throughout the system, the company upgraded to a GA 55 VSD full feature compressor and AIRnet modular piping.
Local Utility Provider Offers Rebate for Upgrade
Because of the level of savings that could be achieved with the new technology, the local utility provider agreed to pay 63 percent of the project’s installed cost. The deal included the AIRnet piping system because of the promised reduction in pressure drop and subsequently, energy consumption.
And the Benefits Keep Piling Up…
Though a reduction in energy consumption often has the most impact over the long term, there are other areas that benefit from upgrades and are equally as valuable. One immediate benefit was a reduction in noise levels. The previous compressors were so loud the company had to initiate a hearing conservation program; with the new compressed air system, noise is hardly an issue. And because the new system requires just one compressor to do the work of the previous two, floor space in the dedicated compressor room has been freed up to be used for other purposes.
Flexo printing is a customer-driven business and the facility had to constantly adjust to changing customer needs. With the modular and easy-to-connect and install AIRnet piping, pneumatic equipment can be added wherever it is needed without having to bring in a solder-certified pipe welder.
Other benefits from the compressed air system upgrade include a cleaner process—advanced filtration and oil/water separation eliminates the need to reclaim oil or send out contaminated water for disposal—longer service intervals and no downtime during servicing, and a low life cycle cost.
Get Started
If your facility is in need of an upgrade, contact us to discuss scheduling an MBox study to reveal opportunities for compressed air system optimization. Learn more about Atlas Copco’s comprehensive compressed air solutions portfolio by visiting the compressors and generators page of our website.
