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Recent Articles

Study shows lack of compressed-air-system training

Compressed training: U.S. Department of Energy study reveals shortfall in understanding air-compressor efficiency benefits.

Videos give a glimpse into maintenance program progress

Mike Bacidore, chief editor, says plant reliability is a journey, not a destination.

Variable-speed drives and central control systems help compressors achieve efficiency and reliability

Design a better system: Variable speed, controllers and piping configuration can improve air system efficiency.

Quick Start Videos: Compressor reliability

PlantServices.com
Doug Husen, mechanical team supervisor at Shell, talks with Plant Services about compressor reliability at his facility in Louisiana. Husen's plant has 14 large reciprocating compressors that are critical to operations. The plant's maintenance and reliability team already uses online temperature measurement and vibration measurement, but ultrasound technology is an efficient and readily available tool they might like to have. Husen also explains how plant maintenance can be a money saver, instead of an expense.

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White Papers: In Depth Research

How to reduce compressed air consumption in drying and blow-off applications
Author: Jon Barber
Posted: 11/01/2010

You probably don't spend much time thinking about all the applications in your plant that require compressed air. But compressed air is a costly utility that can easily account for 1/3 of a plant's total electricity usage.

Yet, compressed air is often viewed as a fixed cost and overlooked when process improvements are considered. If that's the case in your plant, it may be time to revisit that approach. You may be able to save tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars annually by significantly reducing compressed air consumption in your drying and blow-off operations.

In addition to dramatically reducing air consumption, other positive effects can result from making some changes:

• Reduced noise
• Improved worker safety
• More precise, repeatable drying and blow-off

So, what types of changes should you consider? If you're using open pipes, pipes with drilled holes or pipes with slits are for drying and blow-off, you should definitely consider air nozzles or air knife packages. While open pipe systems are fast, easy and inexpensive to manufacture, the drawbacks of using open pipes are many:

• Very high air and electrical consumption.
• High noise — compliance with OSHA noise level requirements can be a problem.
• Worker safety can be compromised. High noise can result in hearing loss and injury can result if a worker accidentally blocks the opening in the pipe.

In this white paper, you'll find information on various options including guidelines for usage, cost savings and other benefits.

Control and condition monitoring of reciprocating compressors
Author: Amin Almasi, Tecnicas Reunidas S.A.
Posted: 12/11/2009
Optimum configuration for control system, instrumentation, electrical and condition monitoring of reciprocating compressor is presented. Reciprocating compressors are the most flexible and most efficient compressors available. Recommendations regarding inter-stage pressure control, capacity control system, temperature control, performance monitoring, local control panel, irregularity and condition monitoring are discussed.

Installed reciprocating compressor horsepower is approximately three times greater than that of centrifugal compressors, and maintenance costs of reciprocating compressors are approximately 3.5 times greater than those for centrifugal compressors. The expected level of reliability and availability of reciprocating compressors is very high, and it presents a real challenge. Advanced methods of control and condition monitoring shall be applied in order to obtain the high level of performance, safety and reliability.

Clean Compressed Air
Author: Norgren
Posted: 12/13/2005
Good air preparation should consider the energy consumption of the system and air treatment equipment.

Improving the bottom line with pneumatics
Author: Norgren
Posted: 05/12/2005
In Norgren's featured white paper, Improving the Bottom Line with Pneumatics, its engineers attempt to dispel common compressed air myths and offer real, scientifically proven solutions for reducing the cost of compressed air.

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