Is your service provider protecting your interests?

March 20, 2018

How many of your air compressors are running for no reason?

I was reminded the other day of the importance of checking compressor hour meter readings regularly to see what they are saying. This is a very good exercise; it can not only tell you something about how efficiently your air compressors are running, but also it can help you detect big changes to your system, which can spur action.

I was disturbed to see that one compressor in a small two-compressor system I was assessing was running unloaded 91% of the time, and its unloaded power consumption was much higher than it should have been. The result was that the total system was consuming about double the energy it should have been and contributing about 20% of the facility's total energy costs.

I checked the maintenance records and found that the facility's service provider had dutifully come in to maintain the machines every three months over a number of years – maintenance that was triggered by compressor operating hours. I was left to wonder why the service technician hadn’t told the customer that the second compressor was running for no reason. This had been going on for many years; the compressors were approaching 80,000 hours operating time.

Perhaps it was because the service provider would have cut himself out of some nice, regularly spaced service calls and the sale of consumables; it's hard to tell.  Or maybe the technician was never trained to check compressor status when servicing compressors, but this lack of action cost the customer more than $15,000 per year in wasted electricity and maintenance costs.

This may be just a bad example. I have seen many compressor service companies that take the customer’s best interest to heart. But it is something to think about.  Realize that you, the user, must constantly monitor your system energy consumption and service records to ensure things are done correctly. And it doesn’t hurt to call in a third party to have a fresh look every once in a while.

Ron Marshall is a compressed air energy efficiency expert and a compressed air trainer with website at www.compressedairaudit.com

Join Ron at the Compressed Air Efficiency LinkedIn discussion group at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12065406

About the Author

Ron Marshall

Ron Marshall first developed his skills as an industrial compressed air systems expert at Manitoba Hydro, where he worked for 38 years, supporting more than 600 energy efficiency projects. He now operates his own compressed air energy efficiency consulting firm where he provides technical advice, system auditing, and training.  Ron is a level 2 instructor with Compressed Air Challenge and conducts training internationally. Contact him at [email protected].Want to learn more about compressed air? We would suggest sending key staff to one of our Compressed Air Challenge seminars to help them learn what is possible. To learn more about upcoming training opportunities visit the CAC calendar at https://www.compressedairchallenge.org/calendar.

Sponsored Recommendations

A Paradigm Shift in Pump Selection

Jan. 22, 2025
Discover how INNOMAG® is transforming pump selection with innovative design and unparalleled performance. Learn how this breakthrough solution simplifies operations, enhances ...

The Need for Speed: The Most Advanced Sealless Pump is Also the Fastest

Jan. 14, 2025
Struggling with a troublesome pump? Get a reliable solution in just five days with the fastest, most advanced sealless pump on the market.

Say Goodbye to Pumping’s Weakest Links

Jan. 14, 2025
Shaft seals and ball bearings cause nearly 80% of pump failures—but not with INNOMAG®. With no seals, no bearings, and a thrust-balanced design, these pumps deliver unmatched ...

Ready to Reduce the Cost of Energy with a Highly Efficient, More Forgiving Pump?

Jan. 14, 2025
INNOMAG® pumps save energy and maintain peak efficiency over time—no wear and tear. Discover how they can lower your operating costs and increase reliability.