Zoning compressed air helps achieve zero leakage15 June 2012

Leaking compressed air systems costs UK industry a staggering £7million every day, according to air products and process systems distributor Thorite, yet many leaks are never traced or are regarded as too difficult to repair.

Thorite has now published an e-leaflet called 'Serious About Energy Saving', which provides advice on how to reduce compressed air leaks to a minimum.

The leaflet explains how substantial savings can be made by splitting a compressed air system into zones, which can be individually pressurised on demand.

For example, factory mains often include take off points to different departments or machinery. The guide points out that installation of an isolation valve at the junction of these systems allows them to be shut down when not in use, without affecting production in other areas.

Isolation valves can also be fitted to individual machines, limiting potential leakage and providing further savings.

Three types of isolation valves are available. Full flow ball valves are used in ring main systems, as gate or diaphragm valves will restrict air flow. Solenoid operated valves are useful for difficult-to-reach parts of the system, while soft-start dump valves are used where unexpected reactivation of a machine could endanger operators.

BrianTinham

Related Companies
Thorite Bradford Ltd

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