Kitchen maker finds recipe for savings

The customer previously ran two fixed-speed 22kW compressors to serve its 24/7 manufacturing operation. This equipment had only been operating for 3.5 years but needed major maintenance because the manufacturer recommended overhauls (changing the bearings in the airend and motor) after just 24,000h. The compressors also required servicing four times a year (since service intervals were just 2000h). This was proving expensive and disruptive to the manufacturing operation.

On top of this, because they were fixed speed, the compressors were operating with high offload running hours. Dean Urmston, of BOGE platinum partner Airflow Compressors, explained: “Offload running meant the machines continued to run when they weren’t needed, but didn’t produce any air, so they were wasting energy (and therefore money), and producing unnecessary carbon emissions.”

Airflow Compressors data logged the system and recommended a BOGE C30FD screw compressor.

Mr Urmston said: “The data loggers record the performance of the system – air and power consumption – twice a second. We can then simulate the system to work out which is the best energy saving combination and the return on the investment.”

The company signed up to BOGE’s five-year maintenance plan on the new system to strengthen its after-sales service and support. This is linked to a ‘no-quibble warranty’ for the full five years, with the option of extending the warranty to 10 years.

The space-saving BOGE C30FD screw compressor is designed for long-term-performance. It offers optimised output volumes with minimal energy consumption, is whisper-quiet, and the frequency inverter on the compressor matches energy consumption to compressed air demand, which makes it cost-effective to run.

Mr Urmston added: “The variable-speed drive BOGE system operates on a transducer rather than a pressure band. It’s a bit like a car in cruise control – it will speed up and slow down to match demand.”

The BOGE C30FD requires servicing at 3000h intervals and only requires overhauling at 42,000h, leading to further savings.

The customer has been so impressed by the build quality, savings and durability of the BOGE compressor that it has bought two more for its other factories in the United Kingdom.