Kautex optimises energy usage with air control upgrade 03 August 2010
Automotive supply giant Kautex has slashed compressed air consumption at its Hengoed plant by installing a new screw compressor and energy management system.
Kautex, which is part of the Textron Group, assembles plastic components for automobile manufacturers, with production powered by compressed air.
Maintenance and facilities manager Stephen Mills explains that, as part of a company-wide energy drive, Kautex invited several compressor manufacturers to assess its existing air system before upgrading.
Boge recommended installing a SF 150 frequency controlled screw compressor alongside an Airtelligence Provis energy management system.
"I was already aware of the reliability and efficiency of the Boge compressors, having used them in a previous company," says Mills. "Additionally, the energy savings were a convincing argument to upgrade."
In brief detail, Boge's SF qualifies as low carbon technology, because it reduces idling times and eliminates pressure fluctuations. Volume flow is continuously adapted to demand, so using less compressed air and less energy. Further, tighter system pressure virtually eliminates off-load running and, in turn, reduces start-up current peaks, while soft starting also avoids undue wear and tear and prolongs service life of the compressor.
Meanwhile, the Provis energy management system, which can handle up to 16 compressors of any make or model, continuously adapts to changes in air demand, so minimising off load running while optimising pressure.
"The system has been running now for over 18 months and we have been particularly impressed with the Provis visualisation package. This allows us to more precisely and effectively manage our energy budget on a continual basis," comments Mills.
Brian Tinham
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Boge Compressors Ltd
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