Air assessed
May 1st 2008

Compressed air auditors Maxaura believes that the versatility of compressed air can lead to its inefficient use, wasting energy and increasing costs. The company says compressed air can account for over 15% of factory energy costs, but as it is one of the few power sources generated on a 'users' site, it can be directly influenced by the sites facilities management. Internal measures include reporting and rectifying air leaks and most compressor manufacturers offer a 'black box' monitoring facility to record the load pattern of compressors.

However, Maxaura says a review of production techniques is the most important factor in any audit.

Checking compressed air is being used to its maximum efficiency, effectively delivered where needed, at correct volume, pressure and quality, are the areas investigated by Maxaura. It assesses how much air is needed to fulfil production needs as a reduction can lead to savings, the company says, of typically 23-42%.