Atlas Copco cuts energy consumption by full 70%26 June 2013

Atlas Copco Compressors' re-furbished compressor room at its UK HQ in Hemel Hempstead has cut energy consumption by 70%, compared to its previous installation, thanks the firm's own energy-efficient technology and monitoring services.

An energy audit of the original installation – which supplied air for operating tools, cranes and sandblasting equipment in its workshop – found itwas using 53,250kWh per year, at an estimated cost of £4,792.

Practising what it preaches, the company decided to refit a dedicated compressor room with energy-saving equipment including an energy recovery unit and Atlas Copco's latest data monitoring programme, SmartLink.

The result is an estimated 36,850kWh reduction to 16,400kWh, which equates to annual savings of £3,316, plus a carbon footprint saving of around 20 tonnes per year.

Two rotary screw, oil-injected stationary compressors, a fixed-speed GA18 and a variable speed companion machine, provide air for Atlas Copco's custom engineering and repair workshop, as well as supplying source air for an nitrogen unit, used to fill the company's vehicle tyres.

Also, an Atlas Copco, plug-and-play ER energy recovery unit was installed to re-use the heat generated by the two compressors' oil cooler circuits, via a heat exchanger, which boosts hot water supply to the workshop and offices.

Additionally, the compressor room features an OSC oil/water separator, PD120 and DD120 in-line filters, plus two ES control units – two in order to demonstrate alternative configurations. The entire area has been fitted with AIRnet modular alloy pipework.

As for, SmartLink, that system gathers and analyses performance data 24/7 to help compressed air users improve maintenance and service efficiency.

"The new compressor installation represents a win/win situation for Atlas Copco," states Katarzyna Banas, who was responsible for designing the layout and transfer of plant from the original boiler room, and carrying out the audit and specification work.

"The company benefits from the improved performance and impressive savings, and it allows us to demonstrate the benefits of [our] innovations in a very practical way," she adds.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Atlas Copco UK Holdings Ltd

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