In an industrial facility, electricity, natural gas, water and
compressed air are the four most vital utilities. The absence of any of
these could bring normal operations to a screeching halt. This article
discusses the uses and importance of compression systems that are used
for compressing air at an industrial facility. The act of compressing
air primarily pertains to keeping air at a pressure that is higher than
the ambient air pressure. This pressurized air can be put to use in
several different ways - right from blower systems to conveying systems
to operating air tools.
A considerable amount of industrial energy worldwide is diverted into compressing/pressurizing air and gases every year. Incidentally, the cost of compressing one unit of air is higher than the cost of the other three major utilities. However, with the increasing availability of energy efficient systems, this aspect is being addressed.
Why is there a preference for compressed and pressurized air?
There are several applications of air that has been compressed. In many cases, it is preferred over other utilities such as electricity because air is inherently safer and freely available. There are hundreds of industries worldwide that largely depend on the use of pressurized air. Let's take a brief look at why compressed/pressurized air is preferred:
However, in order to harness the maximum potential of compressed or pressurized air, it is important to invest in the right systems. In fact, studies show that energy is often the most costly part of operating a compressed air system.
Energy usage could comprise as much as 75% of the lifecycle costs of such systems. It is thus clear that this is one area where there is a huge scope of bringing down energy usage and saving significant costs. This can be done in the following ways:
A considerable amount of industrial energy worldwide is diverted into compressing/pressurizing air and gases every year. Incidentally, the cost of compressing one unit of air is higher than the cost of the other three major utilities. However, with the increasing availability of energy efficient systems, this aspect is being addressed.
Why is there a preference for compressed and pressurized air?
There are several applications of air that has been compressed. In many cases, it is preferred over other utilities such as electricity because air is inherently safer and freely available. There are hundreds of industries worldwide that largely depend on the use of pressurized air. Let's take a brief look at why compressed/pressurized air is preferred:
- Today, several industrial automation projects are made possible by compressing air in innovative ways. Pneumatic tools and systems depend on air as their fuel, and the steady growth in this industry indicates a parallel need for compressed/pressurized air.
- Unlike electricity and gas, air as a utility can be used in explosion-prone or hazardous areas. It is not susceptible to sparking or combustion and hence can be used in various industrial plants.
- Depending on the nature of your application, air can take on many forms. It can be utilized as 'active air' for conveying materials or as process air wherein it becomes a process medium. There are several other innovative uses of compressed air that are becoming affordable and popular with the passage of time.
However, in order to harness the maximum potential of compressed or pressurized air, it is important to invest in the right systems. In fact, studies show that energy is often the most costly part of operating a compressed air system.
Energy usage could comprise as much as 75% of the lifecycle costs of such systems. It is thus clear that this is one area where there is a huge scope of bringing down energy usage and saving significant costs. This can be done in the following ways:
- Opting for frequency controlled screw compressors helps mitigate the energy wastage associated with fluctuating demand for compressed air.
- Identifying leak sources and repairing them promptly can also help improve the efficiency of air compression systems.
- Utilizing the right type of lubricant and carrying out regular maintenance are other ways in which you can expect better air system efficiency.
Get complete information through my articles about compressed air products, compressed air supplier in your local area.
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