Plant Services - February 2008 - (Page 56)

Compressed Air EFFICIENCY Other mechanical drains typically have a manual bypass. If you open the bypass and a signiﬁcant amount of condensate comes out, the drain needs to be repaired or recalibrated. Remember, manufacturers recommend that mechanical drains be taken apart and cleaned monthly to prevent clogging. Some facilities consider the maintenance that electronic or mechanical drains need to be excessive and, therefore, elect to install manual drain valves, fully intending to open these drains periodically. en, they fail to do so. It’s not uncommon for auditors to open a manual drain valve on More resources at www.PlantServices.com/thismonth Energy surveys – “So, you want a compressed air energy survey?” Valving – “Shuto and special duty valves” Level 1 audits – “Pro ts and compressed air” Unit cost of compressed air – “How much is too much?” FRLs – “Operation peak performance” System analysis – “Selecting a service provider” Audits – “On the hunt” Economic analysis of dryers – “Don’t get hung out to dry” Leaks – “Stop the bleeding” For more, search www.PlantServices.com using the keywords air, FRL and hose. the bottom of a coalescing ﬁ lter or air receiver only to have gallons of nasty-looking condensate and oil drain from the equipment. If you have condensate drains at any of these locations, ensure they function properly by checking the air/ lubricant separators, receivers, dryers, coalescing ﬁ lters and distribution low points So, you still want an air audit? Getting one is pretty simple, but make sure to complete the above checklist of ﬁve air system maintenance items before you call anyone. Chances are good that your system will perform signiﬁcantly better. You might even eliminate the immediate need to pay for an outside air audit. If you still want to improve performance and reduce the air system operating cost, go ahead and make the call. As independent auditors, we seek to develop cost-saving recommendations that reduce air system operating cost by 25% to 50% while improving system performance. So clearly, air audits are a sound investment. Just complete the checklist before we arrive and make us really work for our fee. Andrew Shea er is a research engineer for the Energy Resources Center at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Contact him at sheaf fer@uic.edu and (312) 413-3615. We Rent Solutions Cooling Heating Dehumidification Rental Experts We keep manufacturing plants running at peak capacity. Don’t let temperature or humidity control problems degrade production rates or quality. Our engineers speak your technical language. Chillers Cooling Towers Pumps Heat Exchangers Air Conditioners Spot Coolers Air Handlers Dehumidifiers Heaters Boilers Generators 800-586-8336 CarrierRentals.com 56 We are the rental cooling, heating and dehumidification experts. .PLANTSERVICES. F http://www.PlantServices.com/thismonth http://www.PlantServices.com http://CarrierRentals.com http://CarrierRentals.com http://www.plantservices.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Plant Services - February 2008

Plant Services - February 2008 Contents From the Editor Letters The PS Files Up and Running Crisis Corner What Works Asset Manager: Why Six Sigma? Technology Toolbox: Ensuring a Calm Response Cover Story: Best Practices Awards Lubricants: A Slick Success Story Motors: Reliable Torque Compressors: Before You Call for Help Web Hunter: Exploiting Intellectual Capital In the Trenches Product Picks Classifieds Fast Facts Energy Expert: Energy, Climate and Food

Plant Services - February 2008

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