IS0 11011: The route to compressed air system efficiency

This course will soon be matched with an auditor training programme that will ‘equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to evaluate the energy performance of compressed air systems, identify areas for improvement, and implement measures to enhance efficiency.’

This will be the first BCAS course that will be validated by The Society of Operational Engineers and upon completion, will be recognised to a level that EngTech postnominals could be awarded to individuals. 

Overview of BS EN ISO 11011

ISO 11011 was produced and published with input from BCAS and was adopted as the European Standard EN ISO 11011 with the aim of improving energy management practices for organisations that use compressed air. 

A primary focus of any compressed air system should be to generate air using the least amount of energy possible. Following this, it is important to transmit that energy efficiently and to minimise waste during production.

By providing a structured approach to measurement, ISO 11011 helps operators to identify any inefficiencies and implement targeted improvements.

It outlines the requirements for conducting and reporting assessments of compressed air systems, focusing on the entire compressed air system, encompassing the energy inputs and the actions taken as a result of these inputs. 

Functional subsystems

The standard categorises compressed air systems into three functional subsystems:

• Supply: This focuses on the conversion of primary energy resources into compressed air energy. It includes the generation of compressed air, and the efficiency of the equipment used throughout the process.
• Transmission: This aspect deals with the movement of compressed air from generation to the point of use, including the efficiency of the piping, fittings, and any other components.
• Demand: This subsystem encompasses all consumers of compressed air, including air used in production and any forms of compressed air waste. Understanding the demand for air is essential for identifying areas where efficiency can be improved.

ISO 11011 in practice

Regardless of the methodologies used, taking a whole system approach ensures that operators will achieve the maximum benefit from the assessment process.

Typically, this process would begin by deciding the scope of a full assessment of the system. This could include compressed air use, production functions, poor performance, waste, supply, demand balance, energy use, total compressed air demand and utility bills.  Once the scope has been defined, data can be collected and recorded the data.

After assessing this data, decisions can then be made about what actions will help to save the most money, such as fixing air leaks. The assessment will also help determine if the right compressor and/or air receiver is being used, if the system pressure is unnecessarily high or whether air is being over treated.

From this, users can targeted action, which might include repairing leaks and establishing a leak management programme, upgrading equipment, improving process control or using variable speed controls.

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