Compressed Air Best Practices - September 2008 - (Page 16) | 09/08 Focus Industry FOOD PACKAGING & PROCESSING | COMPRESSED AIR AUDIT OF THE MONTH Auditing a Food Packager & Processor D. Recommendations and Actions The following recommendations and actions were implemented at this food processing and packaging facility. With an eye for future growth and optimizing energy efficiency and air quality, the decision was made to upgrade the facility to a new system. Rather than retrofit the aging air compressors with newer control systems, the decision was made to install a new 150-hp variable capacity control (spiralvalve) air compressor. The existing air compressors will be used as stand-by capacity and/or one or two may be sold. The new 150-hp variable capacity control (spiral valve) air compressor is a lubricated, singlestage rotary screw. The machine will be using food-grade lubricant. It is controlled by a spiral control valve which reduces energy consumption as the load is reduced. The machine is capable of delivering 752 acfm. Until the planned expansion occurs, it is expected to be running between 45–55% of its capacity. The annual cost of energy consumption of this machine will only be $35,045 vs. the current level of $64,545. Sullair’s Variable Capacity Control (VCC) How the Spiral Valve Operation Works The compression volume varies to suit the air demand by progressively opening or closing internal bypass ports on the air-end. Capacity is matched to system demand, reducing cycling time and extending component life. Part load capacity and efficiency can produce energy savings up to 17%. Variable Displacement Air-End Sullair’s variable displacement air-end maintains constant system pressure to the plant. Since the VCC compressors use large, efficient, slow-running rotors, lower power consumption is achieved at the top end of capacity. Oil foaming does not occur, air is not wasted to atmosphere and bearings last longer. The motor and air-end run at optimum speed and therefore maintain optimum efficiency throughout the full variable output range. Sullair VCC compressors react instantly to rapid changes in demand. The effective rotor length is progressively reduced as the demand is reduced which provides the most efficient part load control system to 50% output. This system is extremely simple and provides a cost-effective, energy-efficient control alternative. www.sullair.com 16 http://www.mikroporamerica.com http://www.sullair.com http://www.sullair.com http://www.mikroporamerica.com
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.