FCC improves waste to energy efficiency with new compressors 04 June 2013

Recycling and waste management firm FCC Environment is turning waste into energy more efficiently at its Nottingham processing site, with a little help from a new compressor and filtration package from Atlas Copco.

The new installation replaced five smaller compressors ranging in age from 18 to seven years. The equipment was installed in July 2012 and commissioned in August. According to FCC, it has improved capacity, air quality and stability of air flow.

The FCC facility, which opened 39 years ago, needs quality compressed air for process applications ranging from emissions monitoring instrumentation to pulsing filtration bags in the flue gas treatment stages.

The new compressor plant includes two Atlas Copco GA 90 screw compressors - one fixed speed and the other a VSD machine – along with three vertical air receivers, each equipped with BD desiccant dryers with a dew point of -70C.

These were connected to Atlas Copco's particulate and coalescent filters, with environmental protection from an EWD condensate management system.

When Atlas Copco surveyed the site, the team found considerable external pipework between the compressors and the points of use throughout the production facility. Hence, it was essential that pressure drop within the air net was minimised.

FCC was one of the first compressor customers to have Atlas Copco's new filter range units. Their design means a pressure drop of only half that associated with conventional coalescing or particulate filters – translating into significant energy savings.

"When we sat down to discuss potential requirements, life cycle costs and energy efficiency were at the forefront," says Alan Burkill, Atlas Copco CTS sales engineer and principal liaison on the FCC project.

"Our proposal was a solution that delivered the lowest lifecycle cost and energy-efficient filtration was an integral and indispensable part of the installation."

"I have known Atlas Copco for over 23 years and have always had a good quality service from them in all respects," comments Philip Eyre, FCC Environment's maintenance manager.

"The quality of their products definitely fits with what FFC requires in this facility."

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Atlas Copco Compressors

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