Choosing the right piping material
A large component of reducing compressed air system energy costs and increasing plant efficiency is choosing the right air distribution system. Piping is quite often overlooked when it comes to optimization projects. It’s also one of the first project costs cut when an installation budget needs trimming.
Nightmare of an installation - Part III
Ask and you shall receive…Here is Part III of Nightmare of an Installation…
Applying motor temperature ratings
Motor temperature ratings are given by the type of insulation used on the wire as well as the utilization rate. These two parameters determine the expected lifetime of the motor windings.
Waterfall and agile project management with compressed air
“Waterfall” and “Agile” project management are two methods with roots in the software development world. They were created out of necessity in a demanding industry with highly customized deliverables. Each (in its own way) is systematic, results-driven, and focused on delivering a successful, customer-oriented solution. These approaches to project management have naturally spilled over into other industries and corporate cultures. There’s also a clear application for these two approaches in compressed air system design and ongoing system maintenance and monitoring. In fact, to have lasting success, you should apply both in concert.
All I really need to know I learned from a compressed air audit chart
We’ve done numerous blog entries about the benefits of compressed air audits and leak detection. We’ve talked about how they can baseline your system, build a demand profile, and be an invaluable tool for optimization projects. But, we haven’t discussed how to read an actual chart that you might get back from a reputable compressed air auditor. At first glance, the charts can be a bit intimidating, but if you know what to look for, you can learn a lot about your system.
70% savings: how one customer saved big by replacing a modulating compressor
A Kentucky lumber mill was planning to add a new line, and the plant manager was looking into buying another air compressor. A colleague at a sister facility estimated they would need at least an additional 75 hp to meet the increased demands, so the plant manager requested pricing on 75 hp and 100 hp units. The existing system was based on a 40 hp modulating compressor, running nearly continuously.
Choosing between an air-cooled or water-cooled compressor
For larger industrial plants, a common consideration when selecting a rotary screw compressor is whether to go with an air-cooled or a water-cooled version. Both designs certainly have their advantages and naturally their disadvantages.