Skyrocketing energy prices – how your compressed air system could be intensifying your costs pressures.

Operational efficiencies to help reduce the impact of rising energy prices

There are a number of things you can do to save energy costs on my compressed air system. Understanding your energy management and monitoring strategy will help to reduce your energy bills. Applying effective energy efficiency practices could save more than 20% of projected manufacturing energy demand, according to the Carbon Trust. BCAS, (the British Compressed Air Society) is calling for UK businesses to take simple steps to cut their compressed air energy usage figure by a more realistic 10%. BCAS TASKFORCE could realise savings of £147.5 million to British businesses.

1 – Does your compressed air system get shut down when not in use?

If you leave your compressor running after working hours, it can use as much as 50% of the energy consumed when running at full load. Also, compressed air should never be supplied to idle or equipment not in use. This loss will add to your energy costs. Install shut-off valves to eliminate air supply to equipment not in use.

2 – What's the operating pressure of your compressed air system?

Check the system pressure and resist the urge to turn up the pressure to compensate for leaks or drops in pressure due to piping problems or clogged filters. Inspect and replace filters systematically to ensure the quality of your air and prevent pressure drops. Go beyond the air compressor and compressor room as there is likely to be several air-line and point-of-use filters. Every 2 PSI reduction cuts energy consumption by approximately 1%.

3 – When did you have your full compressed air system serviced?

This is a more in-depth service than just the compressor. It involves reviewing the whole system, leak detection, and identifying any aspects which are not running as efficiently as they could be. Pipe systems older than five years can have leaks of up to 25 per cent of your running cost – and approximately 80 per cent of air leaks are not audible, so you need specialist help in detecting them.

The good news is this could be free.

Cambs Compressors engineers can provide an expert for a Compressed Air System Safety Survey & Energy Audit free. This will also quickly identify any other inefficient equipment, maintenance procedures, and give you the relevant low cost/no cost measures to reduce your energy costs – such as leak detection and repair to reduce system waste.

To ensure we can provide the highest service levels and most responsive support, our Flexible Maintenance Support Agreements are only eligible to facilities operating within 50 miles of St Ives, Cambridgeshire but don’t worry, we’ll confirm this before wasting any of your time.