Air compressors are helpful for an enormous range of applications such as air filling, packaging, tools, HVAC control, and more! One
possible drawback is the amount of electricity they use; air compressors can be a huge drain on energy if used inefficiently. If you are
running them too long, allowing leaks to exist, or using the wrong type of compressor, you are wasting energy and money. This article will
go over some of the biggest power-wasters and how to
stop/prevent them!
One
of the most common ways to waste energy with air compressors is to operate with no set schedule. Every business works at different hours
and has varying levels of air demand, but if you only need compressors for 4 hours out of an 8-hour work day, it only makes sense that you
would only want them running for 4 hours.
Unfortunately, manually turning compressors on and off is not always possible due to time and space restrictions. Luckily, Chicago Pneumatic
thought of that. We carry several state-of-the-art compressor models with control panels that allow the user to set a schedule on the
machine itself.
Another problem that is more common than you may think is air compressor leakage. Leaks are not always easy to see or hear and can
contribute to energy waste and ineffectiveness of compressors.
Depending on usage, a ¼” air leak at 100psi could cost over $2500 in wasted energy over the span of a year. It is recommended to have a leak
detection professional check your compressor(s) periodically so you can be sure you aren’t wasting any energy. Duct tape may work as a short
term solution, but it doesn’t fix the problem permanently.
Single-stage air compressors are often used in HVAC applications despite their inefficient operation. They are either on or off, with no variance in power, so if you only need a little air they will turn on full blast. When possible, variable-speed compressors should be used, as they will attempt to match delivery with what is being demanded and not use as much power when less is required. CP carries variable-speed rotary screw compressors that will save energy by operating when and how powerfully you need them to.
Though it is a very helpful tool, compressed air cannot do everything. You could be wasting money and breaking OSHA regulations without even knowing it. One of the most common misuses of compressed air is debris clearing. Unless psi is 30 or less, clearing things from the ground with compressed air is an OSHA violation. In addition, dusting debris off yourself or another person is forbidden regardless of pressure. There are other, less expensive/dangerous ways to clean, so perhaps save the compressed air for more vital applications.
Another place air could be wasted is in the piping of air from the compressor to its destination. Often, processes and machinery are changed or moved without considering what inefficiencies that could create, especially if you are operating multiple compressors from a centralized location. Periodically review your piping system to make sure air is getting from the compressor to its final destination in as short a distance as possible. The further air travels, the more energy it takes, so shortening the pipeline is a great way to save energy!
One of the most helpful tips for saving energy is to change filters according to a recommended maintenance schedule. Most compressors say how often you should be replacing filters, and those schedules, based on testing and rigorous calculations, should be paid attention to! If you use filters in other parts of your facility, those should also be systematically replaced according to a schedule.
Blocked filters, whether they are for air, oil, water,
or any other fluid, prevent a portion of fluid from passing through. It is extremely inefficient to operate with blocked filters, which is
why replacing them is a great way to save energy. All of the other general maintenance items of an air compressor should be checked
regularly as well. Doing so will improve performance and extend the lifespan of an air compressor.
By implementing just a few of these energy saving tips, you could save thousands of dollars each year! Many operators miss many of these energy saving opportunities because they are trying to save money in the moment, but they all cost more in the long run. Fixing a leaky valve is not as expensive as all the energy it wastes. If you remember two things from this blog post, they should be to keep up with regular compressor maintenance and to only turn on your air compressor when it’s needed.
Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a
reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!
Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries
ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white
cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations
nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.
With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our
efforts on the following:
Talk to the team today:
Choose the right lighting tower and sleep well
Lighting tower reminds night, but also refers to diesel engine. In turn, night reminds us of silence, which is not exactly what we
associate with an engine... With urban centers becoming increasingly dense and legislation increasingly strict about noise pollution in
construction sites, keeping decibels to acceptable levels has been the great challenge of the main construction equipment manufacturers.
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Energy Recovery in Air Compressors: Harnessing Efficiency for Sustainability
In today’s world of increasing environmental awareness and the drive for sustainable practices, industries are actively seeking innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption and minimize their carbon footprint. If your business uses air compressors, focusing on energy
recovery in air compressors is one area to pay attention too.
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Compressor Terminology: What are some commonly Used Acronyms
Sometimes in the world of compressors the lingo can be confusing. Unless you are totally immersed in the compressor industry, some of the
terminology might be completely lost on you.
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Why is saving energy important? A focus on ALUP range offered by Ash Air
Did you know that 70% of the total cost of compressor installation consists of energy costs?
What to Know About Compressed Air
Exactly what is compressed air? Where does it come from? What is it for? When we compress—or squeeze—air into a small space, we call it
compressed air. When humans discovered the ability to compress air, civilisation made a huge leap forward. The reason? Compressed air opened
the door to all kinds of new production methods.
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Compressed Air Filter: Surface Filtering
What is surface filtering? How does it help production? Find out here
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Stay Connected with your Air Compressor Remotely With ICONS
Did you know that conducting an air compressor health check has become even easier? Getting easy and affordable access to your compressor
status information at your fingertips with our Intelligent CONnectivity System (ICONS
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Is your Compressed Air Piping leak free?
Compressed air system leaks are indeed a big source of energy waste. Leakage in piping systems have been shown to exhibit leaks of up
to 25
percent of the total energy costs. Addressing
leaks is one of the first maintenance steps a facility can take to reduce energy costs.
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What to know about Atlas Copco’s Vacuum Solutions Range
Ash Air is proud to introduce Atlas Copco’s Vacuum Solutions in New Zealand. Here are five things to know about Atlas Copco Vacuum
Solutions!
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Efficiency of Compressed Air Distribution and Piping
Think about efficiency for a minute. Every year with constant innovation, things are becoming even more efficient. Everything from
electronics to industrial machinery are being developed to get more done faster while using less power.
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Luck of the Irish and Compressed Air Give Us Beer
With the Luck of the Irish and a little help from air compressors we will all be enjoying a pint of our favorite beer this St. Patrick’s
Day!
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What is compressed air humidity?
The air surrounding us is a mixture of fry air and water vapor. The amount of water in the air depends on the temperature and volume of the
gas. The higher the air temperature, the higher the air's ability to absorb more moisture. Find out about compressed air humidity here.
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The Dangers of a Load Too Small for a Diesel Power Generator
The generator starts up, and not long after, white smoke and oil are seen coming out of the exhaust. It is new, and tested, good
quality diesel... I wonder what happened?
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7 important gas generation energy saving tips
Investing in an on-site industrial gas generator is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint and your operating costs. Once you
have taken this important step, there are some other things you can do to maximize your gas generation energy savings. Here are seven of
them.
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The importance of saving energy when compressing air
For many businesses, preserving energy and becoming more sustainable have become top priorities. That not only saves them money but also
makes them more competitive in the future, when demand for “green” products and services will only increase. Not just because governments
mandate greater sustainability but also because customers expect it.
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Compressed Air in everyday Life
While you relax and read this, do you see an electronic appliance around you? Wondering how could you relate to the current read?
We got you! Compressed air is all around, in the electronic appliances you use right now.
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Selecting the right compressed air dryer
How do you know which type of compressed air dryer will best meet your needs? These insights will help you make the right decision.
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How nitrogen makes plant based meat better
How is plant based meat made? And how does nitrogen make it taste better?
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Why are compressed air dryers so important?
There are many contaminants that can threaten your compressed air system, but moisture is among the most prevalent. You may be thinking, but
it’s just water, but water can have a devastating impact on your compressed air system, your production equipment, and your end product. The
best way to prevent moisture from contaminating your compressed air is with a dryer.
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How to Make Your Air Compressor More Efficient
Compressed air can be one of the most expensive forms of energy for manufacturing plants, often using more energy than other equipment. One
horsepower of compressed air requires eight horsepower of electricity. With many air compressors running at efficiencies as low as 10%,
there’s often plenty of room for improvement. Fortunately, 50% of compressed air systems at small- to medium-sized industrial facilities
have opportunities for low-cost energy conservation.
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Choosing the Right Vacuum Pump for You
As easy as it would make all of our lives, vacuum pumps are far from being “one size fits all”. Not only do you have the size to consider
when choosing a vacuum pump, but more importantly type. I will briefly touch on some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with
each vacuum technology we deal with. This should give you a better understanding of where to begin your search...
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The keys to generating food grade nitrogen
A nitrogen generator, combined with an air compressor and the necessary air treatment products, can provide you with a steady supply of food
grade nitrogen.
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What is a piping quick-drop for?
AIRnet offers moisture-eliminating drop fittings called Quick Drops! Quick Drops make “drop-tees” obsolete, removing the need for extra
parts and pipe, while saving time and money.
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What Does Commissioning your Air Compressor Mean?
Proper compressor installation and commissioning helps ensure trouble-free startup and long-term reliability. Thorough inspection and
critical review during each phase of the installation process eliminates “built-in” deficiencies or problems which c...
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How to overcome 3 common challenges associated with working with stainless steel
Stainless steel has long been crucial for many applications where strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion are
essential. That is why it is often chosen for process equipment used in harsh environments such as chemical and
petrochemical plants, refineries, and power stations.
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How to put a price on productivity?
Price is an important consideration when choosing a tool for metalworking applications, but it alone should not be the deciding factor.
Other things also contribute to the total cost of ownership, performance, and, ultimately, the overall productivit...
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PSI? CFM? Horsepower? Choosing the Right Compressor
Horsepower? PSI? CFM? There is a lot to consider when purchasing a new air compressor. It is important to understand what you actually need
and how to find out.
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Did you say "Christmas Dinner"? What's Compressed Air, Gas, and Vacuum got to do with it?
Yay! It's Christmas! But before the turkey gets carved and a heaping spoonful of Christmas pudding gets dropped on your plate, you might get asked what you’re thankful for. Well, maybe this year you could say you’re thankful for the compressed air, gas and vacuum solutions that
made everything on the table possible. Let’s look at how!
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The many benefits of on site gas generation
Are you faced with the decision of whether to switch from purchasing bottled nitrogen or oxygen to on site gas generation? In that case, the
decision is easy. You should! Lower costs, the right purity, less transportation emissions, improved safety, no logistics headaches. In all of these areas, on site gas generation is the superior solution. And making the switch is easy. All you need is a gas generator and a supply
of compressed air.
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Five Tips to Increase Compressor Installation Efficiency
Did you know that one of the largest costs for industrial manufacturers is compressed air? That’s right – anywhere from 12% to 40% of a facility’s total energy costs come from its compressed air installation. This means that finding innovative ways (no matter how small) to
increase compressed air efficiency can amount to big savings over the long run! Items like leak elimination, air audits,
reduced pressure bands, and reducing unloaded running hours are some of the most popular ways to decrease energy usage – but there are many
other actions that you can take. Read on to discover additional ways to reduce your costs and make sure your compressor system is running as
efficiently as possible!
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How to Correctly Size Your Compressed Air Piping System
A properly sized and designed piping system is a necessary component of any distribution compressed air system. Without this key component
in place, the delivery of air from the compressor to the specific points of use will be inefficient and costly, both in the short term as
well as in the long term. Let’s look more closely at how to size your compressed air piping system to ensure minimal pressure loss while
maintaining maximum efficiency.
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Testing for Microorganisms in Compressed Air
Potential for growth of micro-organisms in a compressed air system is tied to the moisture level (dew point) of the compressed air. In
simple terms, if there is moisture in your compressed air, microorganisms such as mold and bacteria have the environment they need to grow
and thrive. While it’s true that as air is compressed, much of the moisture present in the intake air will condense, enough moisture remains
to allow micro-organisms to proliferate.
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The Key Benefits of Monitoring Your Compressor System
Your compressor installation is a workhorse that requires regular service and maintenance to help it achieve maximum efficiency and
longevity. This is where compressor monitoring and data gathering technologies come in, as these provide meaningful information on your
system that can be visualized, tracked over extended time periods, and used to make insightful decisions regarding compressor
performance.
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Aluminum versus cast iron – Which piston compressor material is best?
Some piston compressors use cast iron and others aluminum. But which is better? Here is a look at their differences and respective benefits.
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Why a Variable Speed Compressor?
A variable speed compressor is not for every application. VSD rotary screw compressors need to be ran in a location that is in need of 24/7
compressed air and has a changing demand on the amount of air needed. If your compressed air needs are constan...
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Why Do I Need a Mist Eliminator?
Compressed air purification equipment must have a very low pressure drop, long service life and be strong enough to withstand the most
strenuous operating conditions. Protection from oil slugs or compressor air/oil separator failure is essential.
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What do I need to know about ICONS?
Intelligent Connectivity System (ICONS) is the eyes into your compressed air system. Ditch the logbooks, the regular visits to the
compressor room and dealing with surprises with your compressor. • Most maintenance organizations operate between 10% to 40% efficiency •
Most spend more than 50% of time on emergency work • Reactive maintenance costs 3-5 times more than preventive maintenance.
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How Much Will Compressed Air Cost You?
Compressed air is used in many different industries. From refrigerator manufacturers to toy makers, companies around the world depend on
compressed air to produce products. It's so important that many consider it a utility as significant as electricity, water or natural gas.
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Why do you need to filter compressed air?
Compressed air is always contaminated. Contaminants include, • Liquid oil - oil aerosols - oil vapor, Dirt - microorganisms - pipescale,
Trace gases: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide. Learn more about why you need to filter compressed air...
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What is air compressor electric motor efficiency?
As part of a concerted effort worldwide to reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions and the impact of industrial operations on the
environment, regulatory authorities in many countries have introduced legislation to encourage the manufacture and use ...
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Why is air treatment necessary?
Air is always contaminated with solid particles such as dust, sand, soot, salt crystals and water as it leaves the compressor. An effective
compressed air treatment system lowers the dew point of the air and takes out the elements that may harm equipment downstream of the
compressor and dryer
Read More…
Why Do I Have Water in my Compressor Lines in the Winter When I Have a Dryer?
What to do with your old compressor?
Just purchased a new compressor? Are you asking yourself, “Now what am I going to do with this old air
compressor?”
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Which Parts are Checked and Replaced During Routine Maintenance on my Air Compressor?
Routine maintenance on your screw compressor or piston compressor is vital to ensuring your unit is performing to its
full potential. There are simple checks and inspections you can do daily, weekly and monthly to keep your compressor running efficiently and
to avoid downtime.
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The Cost of Compressed Air: What are the Lifetime Costs of a Compressor?
Whether you use your air compressor for woodcarving, bottling or manufacturing consumables, compressed air plays a critical role in your
business. It is undeniable that compressed air is a valuable source to your applications.
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How much air pressure do I need for my application
There are many things to consider during the selection process of an air compressor for your business. Most important, determining the
proper size of the compressor to match your operational needs.
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What Causes the Dewpoint to Spike on your Air Compressor?
Dewpoint spikes immediately after desiccant switchover (line C) indicate that the desiccant was not sufficiently cooled before being brought
on-line. Hot desiccant will not adsorb moisture well until it cools down, after which the dewpoint should dro...
Read More…
Why is there Oil in my Screw Compressor Air Tank?
Don’t be alarmed if you find oil in your air compressor tank. Actually, all rotary screw compressors pass trace amounts of oil in the
compressed air. The question is how much is the normal amount of oil in my compressor tank?
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I Have a Dryer, But I still Have Water in my Compressor during Winter. Why?
The ambient temperature in an air compressor’s environment can greatly affect your air compressors performance. All air compressors
will generate some amount of water, but depending on inlet air conditions some can produce large amounts of water.
Read More…
Can I Perform the Maintenance on my Air Compressor Myself?
Once you’ve invested in an air compressor your business or home you may ask yourself, “What happens if my compressor needs service?
Needs a filter change? Oil change?"
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Why is my air compressor filter full every week?
As you know, compressed air filters protect your machine from dirt, dust, oil and water. These contaminants are extremely common in the
areas you would find a compressed air system and will wear down your machine if not properly filtered out.
Read More…
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us know!
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Read more from our #expertcorner
There are many reasons why saving energy is important for your business as it helps you in many ways to make your business more efficient as
well as providing you with many different forms of value. Ash Air's range of Alup products can help you become more energy efficient to help
reduce energy bills, reduce your costs and comply with all environmental legislation.
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The ambient temperature in an air compressor’s environment can greatly affect your air compressor’s performance. All air compressors will
generate some amount of water, but depending on inlet air conditions some can produce large amounts of water.
Read More…
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