EDITOR ’ S CHOICE ENERGY AUDITS
THORITE
Cut costs and improve asset reliability
Companies looking to combat soaring energy costs can achieve concrete longterm savings by conducting an energy audit , says compressed air and fluid power specialist Thorite .
Thorite ’ s specialist Energy Saving Solutions service has helped customers across all industry sectors identify where energy consumption can be significantly reduced to rein in costs .
The Thorite team carries out ISO 11011 certified energy audits , tailored to individual plant requirements . These can include a range of checks including compressed air generation and preparation analysis , air quality analysis , leakage detection and pressure drop management .
Every opportunity to eliminate energy waste is identified and bespoke energy efficiency options recommended , with detailed analysis of what savings and efficiencies they can offer .
Solutions to reduce energy consumption include :
• Customising air pressure to operational need to prevent ‘ non-working ’ air consumption .
• Identifying pressure needs within process actuators and isolating zones where pressures can be lowered .
• Regulating air supply , for example by programming a digital system to respond to inactivity and pause supply to avoid air waste .
• Programming blowers to operate only when required or in pulse mode . One Thorite customer saved £ 100,000 a year in energy costs by installing a sensor and optimising the blowing process across all production lines .
• ‘ Quick-fix ’ pneumatic system efficiencies such as optimising component size .
• Installing a voltage optimiser to prevent excess energy use caused by potential over-supply from the National Grid .
• Installing simple software upgrades
Every opportunity to eliminate energy waste is identified and bespoke energy efficiency options recommended , with detailed analysis of what savings and efficiencies they can offer .
to expand the master controller in compressors , without the need for further hardware investment , making air generation more intelligent , dependable and efficient
• Installing customised smart systems control panels which offer specific optimisation to ensure high productivity and efficiency for process-driven enterprises .
Mark Yates , of Thorite , says : “ Rising energy prices mean the cost of an audit can be quickly offset by reduced energy consumption and the return on investment is likely to be months rather than years .
“ Reducing energy consumption helps ensure that assets are operating at optimum efficiency , which extends lifespan and reduces maintenance costs .
“ The environmental benefits of reducing carbon emissions are another key factor to consider for those with a commitment to embedding sustainability in their operations .
For further information , please visit www . thorite . co . uk
14 PECM Issue 59