Reduce the pressure. If your equipment can handle a lower pressure, a one bar drop in pressure is likely to reduce your energy bill by up to 10% !
For more energy tips from Airchannel click here.
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Saving the Energy, Saving the Environment!
Airchannel would like to help!
With our primary objective being to take responsibility for our customers' compressed air system Airchannel is very focused on minimising our customers' energy use for compressed air. This means that we will always endeavour to make your system as efficient and effective as possible, thereby not only reducing your costs but also helping to reduce carbon emissions.
So from today on you will be able to find here simple tips on how to save energy.
And let's start with the first one!
Energy tip no. 1
Be aware. Ensure your workforce is aware of the cost of compressed air so they do not waste it (e.g. using it to clean a floor that could be brushed)
Click here to find out more about energy savings.
With our primary objective being to take responsibility for our customers' compressed air system Airchannel is very focused on minimising our customers' energy use for compressed air. This means that we will always endeavour to make your system as efficient and effective as possible, thereby not only reducing your costs but also helping to reduce carbon emissions.
So from today on you will be able to find here simple tips on how to save energy.
And let's start with the first one!
Energy tip no. 1
Be aware. Ensure your workforce is aware of the cost of compressed air so they do not waste it (e.g. using it to clean a floor that could be brushed)
Click here to find out more about energy savings.
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Airchannel Announces Energy Efficient L90 Air Compressor
There’s great news, as CompAir launches its completely redesigned L 90 kW to 132 kW oil-injected screw compressors, which deliver high-end range of machines that addresses operators’ key concerns for reduced cost of ownership.
Commenting on the new CompAir range that is available from Airchannel, Alastair Shanks, Managing Director said “This range of compressors is better in every way - including a new compact footprint, reengineered components, increased air output and reduced parts’ and maintenance requirements.”
There are four models in the new range; L90, L110, L132 and L132 SR variable speed unit, that deliver capacities from 17.45 to 22.87 m3/min and pressures of 7.5, 10 and 13 bar.
With rising energy costs being a major concern for customers across the globe, its essential to consider the compressors lifecycle costs. The new range incorporates specific features and components that will improve energy usage, reduce maintenance downtime and parts’ costs and deliver better overall performance. The result is a range of gear driven machines that deliver up to 15 % more air output with a lower CO2 burden improving the compressors’ environmental credentials too.
The new range of compressors provides a minimum 15 % increase in air volume flow with greater energy efficiency than the previous models and also uses CompAir’s new gear drive, which increases reliability and efficiency even further.
Airchannel customers can gain maximum energy efficiency improvements with the L132 SR variable speed machine, which can reduce running costs by 25% on average. This compressor uses an innovative Switched Reluctance (SR) drive that varies the speed of the compressor according to air demand and could give a minimum saving of at least €15,000 running at 4000 hours a year, based on average energy costs.
The combination of innovative component design, a 20% reduction in parts and excellent accessibility to all areas of the machines makes the new range of compressors easier to service and more cost-effective to operate.
The Alpha Air End EK230 has an integrated oil filter and thermostatic valve, limiting the number of tubes and hoses that would otherwise require routine replacement. Higher reliability is also achieved with fewer points of leakage and the unit design means that there is greater space for cooling air to circulate, to prolong its life.
All major components are arranged to enable maintenance engineers easy access for routine servicing, helping to reduce equipment downtime. Specific attention has been paid to the oil separator, which includes a hinged cover and also an easy-view oil-level indicator.
At just 3.2 m2, the new compressors have an exceptionally small footprint, meaning they can take up to one third less floorspace than comparable models, making them ideal for installations where space is at a premium. The low speed air-end, radial fan and a noise damper at the cooling air inlet also ensure that the machines run quietly, with low noise levels starting from 73 dB (A) on the L90 model.
Commenting on the new CompAir range that is available from Airchannel, Alastair Shanks, Managing Director said “This range of compressors is better in every way - including a new compact footprint, reengineered components, increased air output and reduced parts’ and maintenance requirements.”
There are four models in the new range; L90, L110, L132 and L132 SR variable speed unit, that deliver capacities from 17.45 to 22.87 m3/min and pressures of 7.5, 10 and 13 bar.
With rising energy costs being a major concern for customers across the globe, its essential to consider the compressors lifecycle costs. The new range incorporates specific features and components that will improve energy usage, reduce maintenance downtime and parts’ costs and deliver better overall performance. The result is a range of gear driven machines that deliver up to 15 % more air output with a lower CO2 burden improving the compressors’ environmental credentials too.
The new range of compressors provides a minimum 15 % increase in air volume flow with greater energy efficiency than the previous models and also uses CompAir’s new gear drive, which increases reliability and efficiency even further.
Airchannel customers can gain maximum energy efficiency improvements with the L132 SR variable speed machine, which can reduce running costs by 25% on average. This compressor uses an innovative Switched Reluctance (SR) drive that varies the speed of the compressor according to air demand and could give a minimum saving of at least €15,000 running at 4000 hours a year, based on average energy costs.
The combination of innovative component design, a 20% reduction in parts and excellent accessibility to all areas of the machines makes the new range of compressors easier to service and more cost-effective to operate.
The Alpha Air End EK230 has an integrated oil filter and thermostatic valve, limiting the number of tubes and hoses that would otherwise require routine replacement. Higher reliability is also achieved with fewer points of leakage and the unit design means that there is greater space for cooling air to circulate, to prolong its life.
All major components are arranged to enable maintenance engineers easy access for routine servicing, helping to reduce equipment downtime. Specific attention has been paid to the oil separator, which includes a hinged cover and also an easy-view oil-level indicator.
At just 3.2 m2, the new compressors have an exceptionally small footprint, meaning they can take up to one third less floorspace than comparable models, making them ideal for installations where space is at a premium. The low speed air-end, radial fan and a noise damper at the cooling air inlet also ensure that the machines run quietly, with low noise levels starting from 73 dB (A) on the L90 model.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Speedy response out of hours proves invaluable
Airchannel were called out by AETC, an existing customer, to a Sullair LS-16 compressor (75kw), which had no back up. Airchannel responded to the call within 1 hour and found a major failure to the Star & Delta contactors. Due to the critical nature of the process, which uses compressed air for a test rig for jet engine turbines, time was of the essence. The make and type of contactor used were not readily available, it was now 5.15pm and the customer was insistent on having compressed air that night.
A phone call was put into Speedy Compressors, Wednesbury branch and a request was made to respond the same evening. Airchannel prepared the site and by 7.30pm the same evening we had a 600cfm Diesel compressor, 1000ltr Bowser & 2” main hose on site providing compressed air to enable production to resume.
Airchannel through an existing supplier found replacement Cutler Hammer contactors to enable an effective repair to be made.
The timely repair of the equipment meant that AETC only lost three hours of critical production and the overall impact to their business was minimal. Cornelius Peters, AETC Engineering Manager, called Nick Wiseman, Airchannels RSM to say it was the best response to a site problem they have received from any of their contractors.
Airchannel shows the way for food hygiene
Compressed air is a widely used utility in the food processing industry and many production processes depend on it for their operation. Whilst reliability of supply is essential in pure production terms, a critical factor is the quality of the air supply. Airchannel has taken the lead in the supply of products and services to help all food producers both maintain and improve current standards to comply with these requirements.
At any stage during the food production or packaging cycle there exists potential for contamination, which could compromise food safety, leading to potential health risks and the threat of a product recall. The use of compressed air carries its own risk in this environment, with a number of potential sources of contamination in the air supply in the form of solid particles of oil, dirt, and water in the form of humidity.
Airchannel has taken a lead role working with The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS), in conjunction with the British Retail Consortium (BRC), in the creation of a code of practice - a code that lays out the minimum recommendations for compressed air quality in new installations, to assist food producers in regulating their supply of compressed air.
The Code has ultimately been put into place to improve confidence in food safety, however the worry is that food manufacturers could face cost increases, since they may be required to upgrade their existing systems. To help alleviate this concern, Airchannel can carry out an audit which will include monitoring and recording air quality as part of HACCP procedures.
At the same time, the pressure to reduce the running costs of the air system is increasing. Therefore, how to achieve high standards of compressed air with a reduced environmental carbon footprint, and the lowest owning and operating costs possible is a key issue.
"Compressed air users should not be alarmed about the new code of practice," said Alastair Shanks, Managing Director of Airchannel. "The code clearly confirms that both oil-lubricated as well as oil-free compressors are acceptable for generating compressed air for use in the food industry."
Contamination of compressed air systems and the potential types of contaminants are varied, ranging from rusted pipes to micro organisms. The most significant contaminants in either oil-less or lubricated systems are DIRT (solid particles), WATER (gaseous & liquid) and in lubricated systems the additional hazard of OIL (gaseous & liquid). Microbiological organisms such as bacteria may also be transported through a compressed air system or propagated due to conditions within the system.
Airchannel understands the importance of knowledge - where, when and how contaminants can manifest themselves. This knowledge not only ensures a deep understanding of how to eliminate and remove contamination sources, but also forms the background for the design of any compressed air system for use in the food industry.
Where compressed air is used in food production, its use is spilt into two groups. The outlet compressed air must be specified as one of the following:
Air that comes into direct contact with the food (contact)
Air that could come into contact with the food (non-contact)
Airchannel can help you to comply with the code of practice and can assist to ensure that any upgrades or new installations meet or exceed the minimum recommendations laid out.
To tackle these issues, the industry has launched its own Food Industry Sustainability Strategy (FISS). One of the aims of FISS is to reduce the food industry’s carbon emissions by 20% by 2010 against a 1990 baseline by introducing cleaner, more efficient production processes.
By monitoring compressed air usage and updating equipment where necessary, Airchannel can recommend improvements that will help the environment as well as saving manufacturers money. A typical scenario in food processing plants is a variable shift pattern that results in inconsistent demands for compressed air. In some situations no production is taking place, but certain processes have to be kept in operation.
In these scenario’s, variable, as opposed to fixed speed compressors, can produce savings in excess of 25% in energy and operational costs. There is also potential for energy wastage in poorly designed or maintained compressed air systems. Leakages, pressure drops in the system caused by filtration, drying and piping systems and incorrect sizing of the pipework can all contribute to wasted energy. Here too, Airchannel has the expertise to help and guide food manufacturers as to the best practice for their particular application.
At any stage during the food production or packaging cycle there exists potential for contamination, which could compromise food safety, leading to potential health risks and the threat of a product recall. The use of compressed air carries its own risk in this environment, with a number of potential sources of contamination in the air supply in the form of solid particles of oil, dirt, and water in the form of humidity.
Airchannel has taken a lead role working with The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS), in conjunction with the British Retail Consortium (BRC), in the creation of a code of practice - a code that lays out the minimum recommendations for compressed air quality in new installations, to assist food producers in regulating their supply of compressed air.
The Code has ultimately been put into place to improve confidence in food safety, however the worry is that food manufacturers could face cost increases, since they may be required to upgrade their existing systems. To help alleviate this concern, Airchannel can carry out an audit which will include monitoring and recording air quality as part of HACCP procedures.
At the same time, the pressure to reduce the running costs of the air system is increasing. Therefore, how to achieve high standards of compressed air with a reduced environmental carbon footprint, and the lowest owning and operating costs possible is a key issue.
"Compressed air users should not be alarmed about the new code of practice," said Alastair Shanks, Managing Director of Airchannel. "The code clearly confirms that both oil-lubricated as well as oil-free compressors are acceptable for generating compressed air for use in the food industry."
Contamination of compressed air systems and the potential types of contaminants are varied, ranging from rusted pipes to micro organisms. The most significant contaminants in either oil-less or lubricated systems are DIRT (solid particles), WATER (gaseous & liquid) and in lubricated systems the additional hazard of OIL (gaseous & liquid). Microbiological organisms such as bacteria may also be transported through a compressed air system or propagated due to conditions within the system.
Airchannel understands the importance of knowledge - where, when and how contaminants can manifest themselves. This knowledge not only ensures a deep understanding of how to eliminate and remove contamination sources, but also forms the background for the design of any compressed air system for use in the food industry.
Where compressed air is used in food production, its use is spilt into two groups. The outlet compressed air must be specified as one of the following:
Air that comes into direct contact with the food (contact)
Air that could come into contact with the food (non-contact)
Airchannel can help you to comply with the code of practice and can assist to ensure that any upgrades or new installations meet or exceed the minimum recommendations laid out.
To tackle these issues, the industry has launched its own Food Industry Sustainability Strategy (FISS). One of the aims of FISS is to reduce the food industry’s carbon emissions by 20% by 2010 against a 1990 baseline by introducing cleaner, more efficient production processes.
By monitoring compressed air usage and updating equipment where necessary, Airchannel can recommend improvements that will help the environment as well as saving manufacturers money. A typical scenario in food processing plants is a variable shift pattern that results in inconsistent demands for compressed air. In some situations no production is taking place, but certain processes have to be kept in operation.
In these scenario’s, variable, as opposed to fixed speed compressors, can produce savings in excess of 25% in energy and operational costs. There is also potential for energy wastage in poorly designed or maintained compressed air systems. Leakages, pressure drops in the system caused by filtration, drying and piping systems and incorrect sizing of the pipework can all contribute to wasted energy. Here too, Airchannel has the expertise to help and guide food manufacturers as to the best practice for their particular application.
Monday, 13 October 2008
R22 Refrigerant Gas Phase Out!
The use of HCFCs (including R22) in new refrigeration systems was banned between 2000 and 2004 (the exact date was dependant on the type of application - for large industrial equipment the ban started by January 2001). This means that all R22 refrigerant equipment currently in use in food factories is at least 5 years old.
The phase out of virgin HCFCs at the end of 2009 could have significant implications for many food and drink manufacturers. Survey in 350 food and drink factories, carried out by Carbon Trust in 2005 showed, that 70% of sites have at least one refrigerant system using R22.
It is important that R22 users begin to plan for the phase out of R22. There is little time available before the 2009 phase out date.
With up to date knowledge on all industry related legislation in food and beverage industry - Airchannel is there to help! Get in touch.
More information can be found here.
The phase out of virgin HCFCs at the end of 2009 could have significant implications for many food and drink manufacturers. Survey in 350 food and drink factories, carried out by Carbon Trust in 2005 showed, that 70% of sites have at least one refrigerant system using R22.
It is important that R22 users begin to plan for the phase out of R22. There is little time available before the 2009 phase out date.
With up to date knowledge on all industry related legislation in food and beverage industry - Airchannel is there to help! Get in touch.
More information can be found here.
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