Compressed air costs can be reduced by comprehensive system monitoring. Costs are rising year by year: A 200 kW compressor with a normal maintenance plan and power cost at R0,84 kWh running 24/7/365 will cost R1,3 million a year to operate.
The factors surrounding air compressor cost reductions are numerous and challenging, and include waste of thousands of Rand’s worth of energy per annum. The problems and energy wasters can be summarised as;
* Compressors that under deliver on air volume, but still consume vast amounts of energy.
* Systems that have excessive leak losses.
* Dryers that malfunction and feed wet compressed air into the distribution system.
* Distribution pipe lines that restrict air flow and incur pressure drops that waste energy.
* Operators that increase compressor operating pressures to compensate for undersized piping systems.
* Undersized compressor room manifolds that restrict air flows and create back pressures that force compressors to waste energy.
* Compressor rooms that inflict high temperatures on the compressors causing a reduction in efficiency.
* Inappropriate applications and misuse of compressed air.
Many engineers, when asked the operating costs of their own compressors, are often unable to provide accurate figures. Artic Driers International in conjunction with CS iTEC are able to provide engineers with instant information delivered to their laptop, smartphone or scada system.
The CSM-2G system allows engineering staff to monitor a factory’s compressed air system 24/7/365. It provides information on total power consumption in kWh, flow, velocities, pressure, dew point performance, water flow rates and temperatures. Cumulative air flows and velocities are also logged.
The system may be started off small and scaled up as budgets become available. Alarm setpoints are easily set and SMS alerts provide instant notification of a compressor or dryer fault. A Wi-Fi communication system makes installation around the entire plant fast and painless.
Software and data are cloud based, making data, security and software upgrades quick and easy. Data can be exported, imported and merged with ease and is displayed on screen in real time in multi-axis graph or table form. Units of measurement can be changed at will.
Power supply with scalability optimised Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has introduced the Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular to the South African marketplace. This robust uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is designed to protect critical loads while offering third-party verified Live Swap functionality.
Read more...Prioritising arc flash safety Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools from Fluke, designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones.
Read more...Compressed air treatment do’s and don’ts Artic Driers International
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
As a long-established importer and manufacturer of air dryers, Artic Dryers often sees the results of poor installation and issues with aftercoolers that create serious problems in air drying systems.
Read more...Hot Dip Galvanizers Association shines new light on renewable energy
Electrical Power & Protection
The Hot Dip Galvanizers Association of Southern Africa plays an important role in supporting the energy value chain – which spans clean, renewable and green energy – as it powers towards key sustainability targets.
Read more...ACTOM supplies high-voltage equipment to wind farm project ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM High Voltage Equipment is currently in the process of manufacturing 400 kV and 132 kV high-voltage primary equipment for the Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm project in Mpumalanga.
Read more...Energy measurement module for BL20 I/O System Turck Banner Southern Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Turck’s BL20 energy measurement module enables precise monitoring of the energy consumption of single- or three-phase systems.
Read more...Distributed energy resource management systems: a grid symphony Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
To listen to a symphony is one of the world’s great gifts. A conductor must ensure that instruments play beautifully as a whole and are kind to the ear and uplifting to the spirit yet shine in their individuality. The same can be said of a DERMS, which must effectively manage diverse energy sources to avoid compromising the grid’s integrity.
Read more...Focus on energy sector infrastructure development can drive economic growth
Electrical Power & Protection
Post-election periods in South Africa often see a renewed focus on infrastructure development, with a specific emphasis on directing investments towards the energy sector. This strategic approach aims to accelerate economic growth, address energy challenges, and ultimately uplift the overall standard of living for the populace.
Read more...Turning the continent into a global leader for green fuel
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa is at a turning point, with the potential to shift from being a supplier of raw materials to becoming a leader in advanced manufacturing, particularly in the growing green hydrogen market. For this transformation to happen, African countries must work together, combining their resources and talents to build a strong local economy.
printer friendly version