By downsizing from a 45 kW compressor to a GA22VSD+ rotary screw compressor from Atlas Copco, the salmon producer has realised a 76% energy saving and a 30% reduction in service costs.
The more compact compressor has also freed up floor space to fit a new refrigeration unit for an additional kiln.
Marine Harvest VAP (UK) Ltd processes and packages fresh and smoked salmon, using compressed air to feed the servo mechanisms of the plant.
Brian Banks, head of engineering at Marine Harvest, explains: “Without a reliable compressed air supply, a significant proportion of the equipment in this factory simply would not function, meaning that production would effectively come to a halt.
“That’s why this project was so important to us. Delivering downsizing whilst upgrading reliability was definitely a team effort and it was reassuring to work with experienced air professionals. Although a key success for me is that the project was delivered on time and within budget, I think the 76% energy savings and the 30% reduction in our servicing costs that we have achieved speak for themselves.”
The company is part of Marine Harvest ASA, where taking care of the planet is one of the company’s four guiding principles, so energy saving, carbon footprint reduction and green initiatives are always prioritised.
Atlas Copco conducted an iiTrak audit to identify possible energy and service savings, and the audit confirmed that the existing compressor was significantly oversized relative to the current and predicted future production demand. The compressors were originally installed as the principal operating power source for pneumatic production demands.
Banks explains: “The original compressors were sized during the factory planning phase to deliver air as a pneumatic power source for process machinery. However, fitting alternative power sources meant that we subsequently needed a reduced supply capacity, to feed servo mechanisms. This reduction in pressurised air requirement meant that it became uneconomic to continue with higher capacity machines.”
As a result of Atlas Copco’s recommendation for Marine Harvest’s replacement system, a compact 22 kW GA22VSD+ rotary screw compressor and BD desiccant dryer were installed, not only to deliver a dry 8–10 bar air supply, but to provide other significant benefits, including energy efficiency.
Marine Harvest VAP has also benefited from the compact dimensions of the new compressor and its vertical design. This has recovered floor space, which was used to install a refrigeration unit for post-cycle cooling of the plant’s newest fish smoking kiln.
Moreover, in keeping with its green energy initiatives, the company is planning to use the remaining floor space to install an Atlas Copco ThermoKit. This will enable recovery of compressor waste heat, to help pre-heat the factory’s process water supply.