by Shane Henson — February 8, 2012—Implementing measures to become more energy efficient is often seen as a necessary step to business owners, but a huge cost burden as well. But, according to new guidance published by the Carbon Trust, businesses in the U.K. could save up to £110 million a year by just taking simple low- and no-cost actions to improve their compressed air systems and processes. These actions should certainly work for businesses owners operating outside the U.K. as well.
According to the authors of the Carbon Trust’s Compressed Air Technology Overview, contrary to perception, compressed air is not a free or low-cost resource and accounts for around 10% of U.K. industry’s electricity consumption—equivalent to the annual output of nearly 1.5 power stations and more than five million tons of CO2 emitted to the atmosphere.
The Carbon Trust’s new guide provides practical advice on choosing an air compressor, maintenance, leak prevention and using compressed air appropriately. By following these simple measures, businesses across a range of sectors can make significant cuts to their electricity spend on compressed air, says the report. In the industrial sector for example, a typical business could reportedly save £1,500 a year by improving their compressed air processes and systems.
In addition to this valuable insight, top tips from the Compressed Air Technology Overview include:
- Test for and fix leaks: Reducing air leaks is the single most important energy-saving measure for most businesses. Have an ongoing test and repair kit for leaks; remember they can reappear. A 3mm hole could cost over £1,000/year in wasted energy.
- Write a usage policy: There are often cheaper alternatives to using compressed air for certain jobs. Educate your staff on when not to use it.
- Switch off: Remember to turn off compressed air-consuming equipment when it is not required.
- Reduce the pressure: Compressed air is often generated at the compressor’s maximum pressure (often 7 bar, 100 psi). Reducing pressure by 10 percent can lead to five percent savings in energy. Make small, incremental reductions, checking that operations are not affected.
- Check air quality and pressure dew point: If only some processes need the air to be treated to a highly-specified level, consider treating the bulk of the air to the minimum acceptable level, and then treating a smaller portion separately using a point-of-use system.
- Write a usage policy: There are often cheaper alternatives to using compressed air for certain jobs. Educate your staff on when not to use it.
