Methods to improve performance of compressed air system

1. SHIVAJIRAO S. JONDHLE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY (ASANGAON)
PRESENTATION ON
Methods to Improve Performance of Compressed Air System
GROUP MEMBERS :- 1) RAVEEN RAMANAN (ROLL NO: 120)
2) CHETAN RAUT (ROLL NO: 119)

2. Introduction
 In recent times, compressed air systems (CAS) are
being rightfully criticized for poor energy efficiency.
 It is actually the compressed air application that is
defining the energy efficiency of the CAS, which also
means that any further effort related to the energy
savings must be focused on the application (end use)
side.
 The study reveals inefficient usage, leak problems and
also poor system control and monitoring, which is
clearly not consistent with established best practice.

3. Methods to Improve Performance
of Compressed Air System
1. Location and Size of Filters :
The location of compressor and use of filters plays
an important role on the amount of energy consumed.
2. Elevation :
The location of compressed air system at high
altitudes decreases the volumetric efficiency and
increases the power consumption depending upon the
delivery pressure requirement.

4. 3. Intercooling in between the stages :
Intercoolers are provided in between the stages
to reduce power requirement to run the compressor.
4. Aftercoolers and condensation of
moisture in air :
Aftercoolers are provided to cool the
compressed air before supplied to receiver. It results
in economy in size and cost of receiver.

5. 5. Control of pressures :
The compressed air system are designed for
maximum pressure requirements.
Large compressed air system must have automatic
capacity control.
6. Leakages :
Leakage tests are conducted by ultrasonic leak
detectors.
It is necessary that the leakages in the compressed air
supply and distribution system are eliminated.

6. 7. Length of pipes and fittings :
Air distribution system should be such that the
length of pipe upto point of use in minimum and uses
minimum pipe fittings and joints so as to reduce the
pressure losses.
8. Use of blowers in place of compressed
air system :
Blowers must be used for low pressure
application instead of compressed air.
E.g. In agitation, air for combustion of fuel, conveying
materials in pipes.

7. 9. Variable speed drives :
Variable speed drives should be used for capacity
of compressors to reduce power consumption.
10. Misuse of compressed air :
Misuse of compressed air should be avoided for
cleaning of floors, equipment cleaning, etc.
11. Pneumatic tools such as drills and
grinders :
These are replaced by motor driven tools
wherever possible since energy consumption is almost
5% to 10% compressed air system.

8. Reference
Government, S.V., Energy Efficiency Best
Practice Guide Compressed Air Systems.
Energy Tips: Compressed Air, U. D. o. Energy,
Editor August 2004.
Mechanical Utility System by B. L. Singhal.

9. THANK YOU...!