Things to consider when operating your compressor
Once you have found the compressor that is the optimal choice for your needs, properly sized it, designed an efficient piping system and set it up in the ideal location, you can rest assured knowing that you did all you can to save money prior to commissioning it.
By the way, commissioning itself can also be associated with costs. For example, integrating a compressor into an existing network might be difficult – both in terms of hardware and software.
Furthermore, you also have to ensure that all of the wiring and ducting is done professionally to avoid problems in the future.
In this case, a plug-and-play solution offers many benefits, especially if you are operating in harsh environments and remote locations.
Once your compressor is set up, you can put it to work.
As soon as you turn it on, your goal should be to ensure the efficiency and reliability of the unit itself and the entire compressed air system.
For example, while you may have picked out the best location for your compressor, you also want to make sure that it remains clean and cool. That reduces both your maintenance and energy costs. Frequently check the ambient conditions, eliminate sources of contaminants and make sure that you keep the temperature down as much as possible.
Generally, you want to always keep an eye on your compressor. Even small drop-offs in performance could be indicators of a larger problem.
This can most easily be done with a cutting-edge controller that allows you to monitor your machine remotely and sends you alerts to your mobile devices.
In addition to monitoring your compressor, it is also crucial that you perform regular maintenance. Always keep in mind that skipping a maintenance interval will never pay off in the long run.
It would be even better, however, to also take advantage of other maintenance options, such as preventive and predictive maintenance.
Preventive maintenance includes checking your compressed air system periodically. Some of these checks may be performed daily and others monthly or even annually.
That includes replacing wear parts, filters and operating fluids. All of this can prolong the service life of your compressor and prevent downtimes.
Predictive maintenance goes even further.
New technologies and connectivity options allow you to anticipate problems before they occur. Using real-time data and analysis tools, you can detect changes to your compressor’s performance and identify likely causes.
Atlas Copco also provides you with the option of transmitting the data to us so that our experts can keep an eye on your compressor.
One of the most important parameters to monitor is your pressure. That’s because it can directly affect your bottom line.
And we are not just talking about marginal savings. For every bar that you manage to lower your pressure, your energy consumption goes down by about 7%.
That is why you should frequently monitor your system requirements, replace inefficient tools with efficient ones, find and fix leaks (see below) and, if you own multiple compressors, use a central controller to optimize the performance of all of your machines.
It’s hard to believe that tiny holes in your compressed air system can cause big headaches, but it’s true: Leaks are the source of untold millions of dollars disappearing into thin air.
Most compressed air users don’t even realize how harmful these leaks can be. On average, they lose 20% of their energy to leaks. That means that the simple act of detecting and plugging leaks is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your energy consumption and your carbon footprint while helping your bottom line.
Modern compressor controllers or leak detection scans can help you do that job, but there are also very simple, low-tech measures you can take. For example, you can walk the length of your piping and listen for hissing sounds. Or you can apply soapy water to suspected leaks to see if bubbles form (which indicates a leak).
