Compressed Air

Compressed Air Systems

compair-2Approximately 70% of all manufacturers have a compressed air system. These systems power a variety of equipment, including machine tools, material handling and separation equipment, and spray painting equipment. Compressed air is one of the most expensive uses of energy in a manufacturing plant. About 8hp of electrical power is used to generate the electricity required for 1hp of compressed air, making it the least efficient and sustainable plant utility.  While there are applications that require the use of compressed air, many uses of compressed air can be eliminated to save money. Calculating the cost of compressed air in your facility can help you justify system improvements that increase energy efficiency. This page offers tips for increasing your compressed air system’s efficiency and decreasing costs.

Check for and Repair Leaks

All compressed air systems have leaks, and large ones will be audible. Keep leaks to a minimum by correcting them as soon as they are found. Annually test your system during periods of non-production to determine its overall leak rate by looking at air loss from the supply tank. Compressed-air system leaks can be costly; a 1/8 inch diameter hole in a 100 psi system can cost you more than $1,200 per year in wasted energy, so it is worth maintenance time to fix all sizeable leaks. Even in noisy 24/7 environments ultrasonic leak detectors are available (and can be tested through MnTAP) that are a significant aid in homing in on leaks despite background noises.

Use Alternatives to Compressed Air

In some facilities, compressed air is used for operations because it is convenient to tap into as needed and doesn’t require the cost and time of electrical work. However, due to the extra electrical cost of using air compared to any other method of providing power, some operations can save significant dollars by getting away from uncontrolled usage and looking for cost effective alternatives. Some examples of alternative opportunities that might be found include:

  • Using air conditioning or fans to cool equipment
  • Applying a vacuum system instead of creating a vacuum using compressed air venturi methods
  • Using blowers to provide cooling, agitating, or mixing, and to inflate or separate packaging
  • Using blowers, brushes, or vacuum systems to clean or move parts

Limit Unregulated End-Uses

Not regulating end-of-use pressure can add to the cost of running your compressed air system by decreasing equipment efficiency below design. Installing a pressure regulator just prior to equipment can limit air demand and energy use, while potentially lengthening tool life and reducing maintenance costs.

Seek additional information about your system

Understanding your compressed air system and its intricacies can be an important step in understanding what energy conservation opportunities may exist. MnTAP’s fact sheet, Air Compressor Energy-Saving Tips, has more information about understanding and optimizing compressed air systems.

The following resources, tools, and case studies may help you determine the best options for optimizing your compressed air system.  It is important to understand that the efficiency of your compressed air system is your responsibility.  The most important efficiency improvements often require little capital to implement and may help you gain capacity without new equipment, so relying on equipment vendors to reliably provide the best solutions may not always be in your best interest.

Related Webinars

Pneumatic to Electric Tool

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Resources

MnTAP Case Studies

  • Arctic Cat. A MnTAP intern helped the company reduce energy use from the paint line, reduce phosphorus discharges in the wastewater, and improve compressed air efficiency.
  • Tennant Company. Waste and energy use were both reduced through a MnTAP intern project.
  • K-Bar Industries & World Aerospace Corp (2005). MnTAP helped the two companies determine what opportunities were available for improving their compressed air systems.
  • Johnson Screens (2011). There was an opportunity at this facility for a MnTAP intern to improve the compressed air system and the room ventilator.