Effort & Reward: Is It Worth Taking On A Compressed Air Project, Now?
If you’re like most manufacturers, your gut tells you that your compressed air system has issues. But you don’t have the time or the resources to determine just how poorly your system is operating, let alone strategize a solution. So, what are you supposed to do? Face it. Compressed air systems are the most expensive form of energy in your facility. To make matters worse, you most likely are dealing with legacy equipment and everything that comes with it.
- Add-ons were probably inexpensive to install, but costly to operate.
- Quick-fix repairs haven’t received a more permanent solution.
- Changes to production lines mean your compressed air system may not be sized right for current or anticipated needs.
- Compensating for system inefficiencies overtaxes costly air compressors and shortens their life cycles.
The problem is, if you suggest a compressor replacement, you’re going to get a lot of pushback from above due to the capital expenditure involved. This is especially true for equipment that currently is operational. What everyone in the organization needs to realize is just how significant the upside is and how costly doing business as usual can be. Compressed air system improvements stand to be one of the highest ROI and quickest payback projects you may ever take on for your company.
Why so much upside? Compressed air systems are fraught with inefficiencies.
Every foot of distribution and every obstruction cut into system efficiency. Another big culprit is equipment and operations that are performed with compressed air that would be better served with far more cost-effective alternatives. These include applications commonly encountered throughout manufacturing and food processing industries:
- Powering drilling and grinding equipment
- Performing cooling, cleaning and drying functions
Your compressor might not be the problem. It’s worth the effort to find out.
It can look like a daunting task. But a compressed air system improvement project can provide your company with benefits for years to come.
- Cut related utility costs by 40% or more
- Minimize wear on costly compressors and related capital equipment
- Improve quality control in production lines
- Boost productivity per CFM and per Kilowatt
- Reduce the need for maintenance and repairs
Think any of that might appeal to you and the rest of your organization?
Our next two articles will take a closer look at how to get started and how to help determine if a compressor replacement is really needed. These are best practices for maximizing compressed air system efficiency that also contribute to improving your overall operational efficiency. Metrics Matter: In compressed air projects, baselining is essential will walk you through why collecting comparative data is a critical component of compressed air system best practices. Steps to Success: Assess System Improvements Before Considering Compressor Replacement helps you create an effective game plan for your compressed air system repair needs.
For an even more in-depth look, be sure to check our free ebook: How to Breathe New Life Into Aging Compressed Air Systems.
Learn how our turnkey compressed air system services can improve your bottom line by contacting Wasmer today!