Cut compressor running costs with synthetics
February 20th 2006 Compressed air is a key plant utility, a major functional part of which is lubrication. The tasks of the compressor oils are manifold. They are not only expected to protect against wear and reduce friction, they also dissipate heat, seal parts, protect against corrosion, reduce noise and separate air & water etc. Kluber summit synthetic oils have been developed not only with all the above in mind but also the energy saving aspect of using the correct lubricant.
As we are facing rising energy consumption, increasing costs and a limitation of resources, it makes sense to have a closer look at air compression, which is one of the most important means of energy transport used in industry and trade.
Taking as a basis 200 billion kWh consumed by industry each year, the share of air compression amounts to 17 billion kWh. If we assume a reduction potential of 30%, which is not unrealistic, we find that at present approx. 5 billion kWh worth £500 million(?) are blown into the air for nothing.This inefficient use of energy is now costing every company using compressors.
In compressors, energy consumption is the factor with the biggest reduction potential, and consequently most efforts to cut down on costs are focused on this aspect. Besides much- discussed measures such as the use of optimised control systems, the installation of energy regeneration systems and the prevention of line leakage, there is another simple and straightforward way of effectively reducing a compressor's demand for energy: the use of special synthetic compressor oils.
To assist businesses in achieving these cost savings, Kluber Lubrication have published a cost savings guide aimed at the correct lubrication of Gears, bearings and compressors, all major contributory factors in saving energy throughout the plant. More articles from Kluber Lubrication Great Britain Ltd.: | 
