Auditing of compressed air and vacuum systems

Providing there is sufficient evidence to warrant investigation, having an audit on your compressed air system is the first step to creating the opportunity for energy and carbon savingsProviding there is sufficient evidence to warrant investigation, having an audit on your compressed air system is the first step to creating the opportunity for energy and carbon savings. Many companies offer data-logging and surveys, but these are sometimes aimed at getting a sale, not obtaining a true picture of the compressed air system. Beko Technologies, in co-operation with ACT, offer a comprehensive independent audit, which covers all key areas including generation, treatment, distribution and process usage.

This will include identifying and quantifying any probable process misuse and wastage.

The benefit to the customer of a Beko/ACT survey is that it is truly independent - ACT cannot recommend any particular type of equipment, and Beko do not make compressors! The aim of this project is to raise awareness of potential energy savings within compressed air systems but without spending large amounts on capital equipment.

Beko Technologies manufacture a large range of energy efficient compressed air and condensate treatment equipment, and are confident of growing their business through increased end user awareness.

On completion of an audit ACT will prepare the findings and present them to the client.

This will include proposing methods of eradicating the problems that are the cause of misuse and wastage.

In most cases this can initially be achieved using no and low cost methods.

Audits can be carried out on a fully funded or part funded basis using the carbon trust funding route within the United Kingdom, or they can be financed directly by the company.

No audit is undertaken unless there is sufficient evidence of recoverable energy or carbon savings.

ACT carry out free pre-audit investigation to establish the potential.

ACT guarantee a return on any audit funding in terms of payback against costs with delivered energy savings.

Even after an audit has been completed and problems creating misuse and wastage have been resolved, system inefficiencies can still occur.

This is because system dynamics will always change, as fluctuations in the demand from compressed air change, e.g when production needs alter or when equipment is added or removed to a compressed air system.

Constant policing of the system is the only way to ensure it remains energy efficient.

A plan of continual improvement can be developed to meet each clients system needs and ensures that ACT are constantly supporting the client in managing their compressed air system efficiency.

ACT also offer design advice and implementation support to existing and new build systems.

The client's objectives are identified from which mid and long term operational requirements are established in terms of volume, pressure and quality (including process use requirements).

Using their industry knowledge they are able to design and / or advise on the best technology available to meet the specific requirements for compressed air and vacuum services.

This ensures that the optimum system operational efficiency is installed and maintained throughout its life expectancy, reducing the operational costs to the business.