Alastair Shanks, managing director of Airchannel, the UK’s leading independent compressed air and pneumatics specialist, believes that facilities managers can find not only cost savings but ways of reducing their CO2 footprint by carrying out a compressed air energy efficiency and leak audit.
The first stage of an energy audit is a complete review of the compressed air system in order to identify inefficiencies and potential energy saving measures that could be taken. This involves using calibrated non-disruptive equipment that logs a system’s data via an industrial PC with sophisticated analysis software. The raw data is then configured against the measured power and output performance for each compressor and the site energy cost over a 24-hour cycle.
Using the audit, the existing system performance can be established, identifying opportunities where efficiency can be significantly improved and cost reduced.
The next stage is to check for leaks, which cost money every minute of every day that a compressed air system is running. With ultrasonic leak detection equipment, leaks can be detected and identified as small, medium or large.
When the two audits are combined, not only are there potentially cost savings but also environmental benefits in relation to reduced CO2 emissions as less energy is used.
It’s a win-win situation.
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Introducing Newsletter
Airchannel is pleased introduce our new newsletter which will regularly provide you with updates on what’s new in the world of compressed air…
Over the next months we will provide you with the latest industry news, energy saving tips, product technical information and will also try to save you some money!
The newsletter is here for you so get in touch and let us know what YOU would like to read about, what information would benefit you the most.
Did you not receive the initial one? Register here to be included in the next issue.
Your Airchannel Team
Over the next months we will provide you with the latest industry news, energy saving tips, product technical information and will also try to save you some money!
The newsletter is here for you so get in touch and let us know what YOU would like to read about, what information would benefit you the most.
Did you not receive the initial one? Register here to be included in the next issue.
Your Airchannel Team
Can you afford 20,000 fine?!
Change in attitude to the environment makes it important that all involved in the disposal of compressed air condensate are aware of the legislative changes.
Industry generates many bi-products of its processes, of which effluent in liquid form is a large percentage. Oil and greases may form part of effluent and may be mineral or synthetic based.
Air can contain large amounts of water vapour, which will be condensed when the air is compressed and cooled. The condensate can itself be contaminated with lubricating oil and dirt from the compressed air system.
The discharge of oil contaminated condensate directly to public surface water sewers, or foul sewers, can reduce sewage plant efficiency and increase water treatment costs. In addition, it may also create a potential hazard to both public health and the environment.
As a result, Government strictly limits the discharge of trade effluent of which oil contaminated condensate may form a part.
The Water Resources Act (1991) refers to an offence of knowingly polluting controlled waters, by the disposal of poisonous, noxious or polluting matter.
Compressed Air Condensate falls into this category, and can render the polluter liable to fines of up to £20,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 months. The legislation is aimed at the responsible person, and sanctions may be taken against the individual, not the company.
Do you need help with ensuring you comply with the Environmental Regulations? Call us today on 0800 526 581 and we will be happy to help!
Industry generates many bi-products of its processes, of which effluent in liquid form is a large percentage. Oil and greases may form part of effluent and may be mineral or synthetic based.
Air can contain large amounts of water vapour, which will be condensed when the air is compressed and cooled. The condensate can itself be contaminated with lubricating oil and dirt from the compressed air system.
The discharge of oil contaminated condensate directly to public surface water sewers, or foul sewers, can reduce sewage plant efficiency and increase water treatment costs. In addition, it may also create a potential hazard to both public health and the environment.
As a result, Government strictly limits the discharge of trade effluent of which oil contaminated condensate may form a part.
The Water Resources Act (1991) refers to an offence of knowingly polluting controlled waters, by the disposal of poisonous, noxious or polluting matter.
Compressed Air Condensate falls into this category, and can render the polluter liable to fines of up to £20,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 months. The legislation is aimed at the responsible person, and sanctions may be taken against the individual, not the company.
Do you need help with ensuring you comply with the Environmental Regulations? Call us today on 0800 526 581 and we will be happy to help!
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