Creating Value in Your Compressed Air System

Compressed air systems are typically viewed as a necessary evil in a facility’s operation. While we may understand their importance, we cringe every time the equipment supervisor says the looming words “AIR COMPRESSOR.” So why do we feel this way towards compressed air?  Is it because they consume so many resources to keep them running?  Is it because we feel guilty that we have not been servicing them on time?  I am sure there are many reasons. I am here to propose that we take control of our compressed air systems and manage them as we would any other piece of equipment.  There are efficiencies and services to be taken advantage of in today’s compressed air market.  I will touch briefly on several topics in this article, and will dive a little deeper into each category in the coming issues of this publication. 

Choose the right equipment:  Choosing the right equipment for your application is the first essential step to managing your system.  I am going to go out on a limb and say the first step to choosing the right equipment is becoming brand neutral. Each manufacturer has it own little quirks that may fit well with your operation.     

Managing your system:  In today’s struggling economy, many facilities have stricter guidelines for managing facility equipment.  There are several sub-categories that I would like to discuss regarding the management of your compressed air system.

• Service:  As air compressors become more and more advanced in technology, they inherently require more service.  The better your service, the longer the equipment will last.  Most compressor distributors have complete service programs that eliminate your need to worry about dealing with the servicing of your compressors. 

• Leak Management:  An average compressed air system loses 35% of its compressed air through leakage.  There is not, and will not be a compressed air system that is totally void of leaks, but there are many tools out there that will enable you to effectively minimize the loss.

• Defining Operating Pressure:  What pressure does your facility require? The rule of thumb here is that for every 10 psig in excess pressure you are producing, you are increasing your power consumption by 5%. 

• Mandate Compressed Air Usages:  Did you know that each cfm of compressed air will cost you about $200.00 per year (based on $0.12/kwh)?  Taking a look into how you are using compressed air is an essential tool to managing your compressed air system. 

Compressed Air System Audits:  True and complete compressed air system audits are a very valuable tool in developing a strategy to get the most efficiency out of your system.  An air audit will give an in depth view of both the supply and demand sides of your compressed air system. Although a good air audit will not be free due to the amount of time and resources to get them right, they are well worth the money you’ll save. 

Ensuring that our customers get the most out of their equipment is a priority at Peterson Power Systems. For further information regarding industrial compressed air systems, contact David Groleau at 510-508-2488 or email him at DAGroleau@petersonpower.com.