Understanding Compressed Air Audits - What Can They Do for You?

Performing a compressed air audit of your system is the first step in determining issues that could be hindering your unit’s efficiency and unnecessarily increasing energy costs. There are several levels of compressed air audits that can be performed – walk-through assessment, system assessment, or a full system audit. 

 

This process typically takes ½ to 2 days and includes an overview of the plants compressed air system including an analysis of the distribution system to check for leaks, pressure drops, and compressor sizing issues. The compressed air system will be mapped out, and a report of findings and solutions will be proposed. 

 

For a more thorough review, a system assessment is available that includes a walk-through as well as readings collected to identify system dynamics. The compressed air system mapping will feature pressure and demand profiles. The findings of the report and the proposed solutions will be provided at the conclusion of the assessment.  

 

• Energy usage data logging – logs the energy the air compressors are consuming.
• Air measurement – identifies a factory’s true compressed air demand and operating schedule.
• Air leak detection & control – identify how much air is being lost due to leaks.
• Air quality – measures the number of particulates in the air system such as water and oil.
• Maintenance review – assesses the effectiveness of the current maintenance plan.
• Monitoring & control program – makes recommendations to maintain optimum efficiency.

For more information on walk-through evaluations, system assessments or system audits, please visit https://www.compressedairchallenge.org.

Manufacturing Benefits of an Air Audit

Manufacturers using compressed air regardless of the industry – food and beverage, automotive, textile, power, electronics, plastics to name a few will often find that a compressed air audit will pay for itself. Depending on the results of the audit, manufacturers can expect to see improvements in energy efficiency and system reliability and lower operating costs. 

As an example, during an audit, some manufacturers find that their plant air systems operate at a higher pressure than the actual demand of the plant due to pressure drops, air leaks or excessive bends in piping design. If a plant requires 100 psi, but due to air loss they must produce 120 psi, they are wasting 20 psi. Performing an audit of your system can help you identify sources of energy waste like this. 

Do Your Homework - Run AirCompare℠

Before scheduling an air audit, we welcome you to run an AirCompare report to better understand how the type of compressor technology you are employing may be contributing to your energy costs. After receiving your results, you may elect to receive a more thorough cost analysis of your current compressed air solution. 

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