Compressed Air Best Practices-August 2008

Focus Industry COMPRESSED AIR AUDITS | 08/08 | We use a Sierra insertion-type mass flow meter (www.sierrainstruments.com) to measure compressed air flow. We usually install them on the main header pipe just after the clean up equipment and storage tank. Amp meters are used to identify kW usage. Also used are data loggers supplied by ACR and pressure transducers on the compressor room header and also out in the plant. It is important to measure all the above variables to ensure you create an accurate supply-side profile. We are looking at including equipment-independent dew point measurements (using our own instrumentation) as part of our audits in the near future. Auditing Training from Gardner Denver Gardner Denver’s Enhanced Services Program (ESP) provides training in the process and procedure for compressed air system evaluations. An emphasis is placed on ensuring an accurate base-case capture as well as reliable solution performance modeling. It is important that all project stake holders have confidence in the process and that the outcome is as promised. The training modules include: • • • • • Data collection methods and controls Data handling and analysis tools “Dynamic Efficiency” (cfm/kW) as bench mark and management ratio Cost modeling of base-case and solution options Solution design selection and testing Application of configuration and automation tools Business case development Presentation Implementation Validation How do you present the audit information to management? Gardner Denver has been a tremendous resource to us when it comes to auditing. Mike Bakalyar and Paul Glace trained our auditors from day one and they have provided the process, tools and methodology required to execute successful audits. We use a report format that Gardner Denver (www.gardnerdenver.com) has prepared. It has an Excel workbook which takes the voluminous amount of info we compile from data logging the system and puts it into a concise 20-page report which can be presented to the customer. Summarized information gives averages for flow pressure and kW. We present system efficiency in cfm per kW. It also provides a two-page executive summary that shows decision-makers where they are now and where they could be by following best practices. I have also learned to provide options and different scenarios. Each customer has different priorities depending upon where their company is at that specific moment. Rather than try to anticipate their priorities, we provide options. We therefore offer three-to-four scenarios with different payback scenarios. Almost every system can be improved. Despite what you’d think, I have found some large corporations who won’t approve a project with a 18-month payback. I have seen others choose a 30-month payback project over a 12-month payback because their corporation had just embarked upon a “Go Green” initiative and they wanted the higher energy savings numbers we could provide with a new variable speed drive air compressor and cycling refrigerated air dryer. Many of the quick payback options do not include new compressors and dryers but better system control. Each customer is different. We are pleased to see more and more “Go Green” initiatives taking hold. Many corporations with multiple plants in North America are showing these types of initiatives. • • • • • For more information, contact Mike Bakalyar, Gardner Denver, tel: 217-222-5400 x7341, email: Mike.Bakalyar@gardnerdenver.com, www.gardnerdenver.com Is Cummins-Wagner involved with blowers and vacuum pumps? Yes, we started with these product lines in 1996 and have built it into a significant business for us. We represent the Gardner Denver Sutorbilt, CycloBlower and DuroFlow blowers and Elmo Rietschle vacuum. Rietschle is headquartered only 10 miles from our office in Maryland and it works out very well! www.airbestpractices.com 43 http://www.sierrainstruments.com http://www.gardnerdenver.com http://www.gardnerdenver.com http://www.gardnerdenver.com http://www.airbestpractices.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Compressed Air Best Practices-August 2008

Compressed Air Best Practices- August 2008 Contents From the Editor Utility-Air News The August Audit of the Month: A Vacuum System Audit Energized for Savings at Seattle City Light and Tacoma Power Know Your System CASE: Compressed Air Supply Efficiency Ecos Air: Managing Incentive Programs Kaeser Compressors: Loyalty, Energy and Growth Building Relationships at Cummins-Wagner McIntire is Moving Forward The 2008 A.I.C.D. Conference & Exhibition Tuthill Vacuum and Blower Systems Resources for Energy Engineers: Training Calendar & Product Picks Wall Street Watch Advertiser Index Job Market

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