Seminar focuses on compressed air efficiency
By Joe Foszcz -- Plant Engineering, 7/1/2005
A one-day seminar on compressed air offered insights on ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs throughout the compressed air process.
The Compressed Air Challenge (CAC), ComED, Atlas Copco, and the Department of Energy sponsored the seminar in Oak Brook, IL. The purpose of the seminar was to make compressed air systems more efficient by improving plant productivity, cost savings for the plant, reduced compressor usage which saves on maintenance, and energy conservation.
Taking a systems approach means looking beyond individual components to assess how well a compressed air system meets actual production needs. This is known as matching supply with demand. It also means identifying the root causes of system problems rather than treating the symptoms.
For most plants, the systems approach requires specialized knowledge and equipment; both to assess system needs and to continue to service those needs over time. Outside assistance frequently is required.
Frank Moskowitz, a Qualified AIRMaster, conducted the all-day seminar. He has more than 30 years of experience in plant engineering. He has been an associate of the Draw Group of Companies primarily in auditing, consulting, training, and system design. He can be reached at (480) 563-0107 or fmoskowitz@drawproservices.com.
The CAC is a national collaboration that was created to assist plants in achieving greater reliability, improved quality control, and lower operating costs for their compressed air systems. The CAC encourages plants to take a systems approach to optimizing compressed air operation.
CAC is working with the compressed air industry to develop guidelines to help compressed air users become informed consumers. Guidelines for Selecting a Compressed Air System Service Provider offers guidance to assist in selecting a firm that offers integrated services. For more information about CAC, its programs, and seminars visit their website at compressedairchallange.org.
