At Field Air Compressors we offer a compressed air audit to better assess your true compressed air requirements. The potential energy savings are second to none and the saying of “knowledge is power” takes it true form in this instance. Each compressed air plant is unique and therefore each client is individually analysed for a personal solution. Our solution includes the compressed air flow testing, load cycles as well as a report with recommendations to optimise your compressed air system.

6 Aspects of a Compressed Air System

Total Air Demand

How much air is your compressed air system using?

Output Air Quality

What is the quality of air being outputted by the system like?

Operational Supply

Is the system able to meet the needs of the demand?

System Storage

Is the air able to be stored effectively?

On demand distribution

Is the distribution network delivering air effectively?

Overall Management

Is the system as a whole performing as it should?

Audit Benefits

As the costs of energy continues to rise, accurately tracking the use of compressed air can provide direct and immediate benefits by giving you the information you need to establish an effective program.

Monitors General Usage

Monitors general usage to encourage energy and plant cost conservation.

Peak Usage

Tracks peak usage to correctly determine optimum compressor capacity.

Flow Meters

Determining the true demand in a compressed air system, whether for a new installation or for an upgrade, can be a difficult task but it is critical first step in any design. Once operational, the demands upon a system will typically fluctuate significantly. In either case, the most accurate method of monitoring the system is through the use of one or more flow meters installed at strategic locations in the facility served by the system.Potential points of measurement in a compressed air audit flow meter are…

Intake Air

Where the air is entering the system.

Total Usage

The total air usage in the system.

Distribution Pipes

The pipes used to carry the air from one point to another.

Work Areas

Where the air is being used.

Specifying the Requirements

AIR FLOW METERS

Several factors must be considered when selecting and specifying any instrumentation. To specify the best configuration, you must determine a few things.

What are the flow measurement conditions

What are the flow measurement conditions, such as the minimum and maximum flow rates* to be measured, the process pipe size, the air temperature and line pressure? All flow meters have minimum and maximum flow limits for any given pipe size, and temperature and pressure ranges for the physical construction. Assuring that the flow meter meets these basic requirements is the first step in specifying the proper mass flow meter. These parameters will determine the calibration scale and the expected accuracy, as well as help to identify potential issues with the overall installation.

Where will the flow meter be installed and what is the piping configuration upstream and downstream of that location?

The flow readings will be their most accurate where the air flow profile in the pipe is uniform and consistent so that the sensor output at the point of measurement is truly representative of the overall flow through the pipe. All instrument manufacturers have recommended straight run requirements for the installation of their meters. These recommendations are offered to help end-users determine suitable locations for the flow meters, but it is important to recognize that these are only guidelines and not guarantees of optimal positioning.

If the survey of a compressed dry air system rotates from line to line throughout a large system, multiple ball valve assemblies can be installed at all points of measurement. Then, flow meters can be installed in the desired locations for the duration of the survey and moved on to new locations for the next series of measurements. In this way, a very large system can be monitored efficiently and economically.

Compressed Air Audit