Compressed air costs can be reduced by comprehensive system monitoring. Costs are rising year by year: A 200 kW compressor with a normal maintenance plan and power cost at R0,84 kWh running 24/7/365 will cost R1,3 million a year to operate.
The factors surrounding air compressor cost reductions are numerous and challenging, and include waste of thousands of Rand’s worth of energy per annum. The problems and energy wasters can be summarised as;
* Compressors that under deliver on air volume, but still consume vast amounts of energy.
* Systems that have excessive leak losses.
* Dryers that malfunction and feed wet compressed air into the distribution system.
* Distribution pipe lines that restrict air flow and incur pressure drops that waste energy.
* Operators that increase compressor operating pressures to compensate for undersized piping systems.
* Undersized compressor room manifolds that restrict air flows and create back pressures that force compressors to waste energy.
* Compressor rooms that inflict high temperatures on the compressors causing a reduction in efficiency.
* Inappropriate applications and misuse of compressed air.
Many engineers, when asked the operating costs of their own compressors, are often unable to provide accurate figures. Artic Driers International in conjunction with CS iTEC are able to provide engineers with instant information delivered to their laptop, smartphone or scada system.
The CSM-2G system allows engineering staff to monitor a factory’s compressed air system 24/7/365. It provides information on total power consumption in kWh, flow, velocities, pressure, dew point performance, water flow rates and temperatures. Cumulative air flows and velocities are also logged.
The system may be started off small and scaled up as budgets become available. Alarm setpoints are easily set and SMS alerts provide instant notification of a compressor or dryer fault. A Wi-Fi communication system makes installation around the entire plant fast and painless.
Software and data are cloud based, making data, security and software upgrades quick and easy. Data can be exported, imported and merged with ease and is displayed on screen in real time in multi-axis graph or table form. Units of measurement can be changed at will.
Read more...Empowering Africa’s renewable energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
As a global leader in renewable energy technology, SUNGROW has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. At the recent Africa Energy Indaba 2025, SUNGROW showcased its advanced energy solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of the African continent.
Read more...The role of electromechanical solutions in supporting Africa’s industrial growth
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s industries are transforming rapidly. Fuelled by a huge demand for energy connectivity, better infrastructure, increased manufacturing and responsible resource management, electromechanical solutions are key to shaping this growth, allowing industries to scale up their operations efficiently and sustainably.
Read more...Empowering South Africa’s IPPs for a renewable future
Electrical Power & Protection
Many crucial parts of the economy of the future will be hugely energy intensive, foremost amongst which will be electrified transport and the large data processing required by automation and AI. Successful economies will be those that can ensure businesses and investors have access to a stable supply of low-cost renewable energy. South Africa has the opportunity to become a global leader in this regard.
Read more...Sustainable mining operations escalate as demand for critical materials to double
Electrical Power & Protection
The mining sector is at the forefront of the energy transition due to its role in extracting essential materials and minerals necessary for green technologies. As demand for renewable energy, electric vehicles and other sustainable technologies increases exponentially, so will the demand for these necessary materials.
Read more...Monitoring partial discharge on medium voltage switchgear Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its EcoStruxure Service Plan (ESP) in the Anglophone African region for medium voltage (MV) switchgear
Read more...Raptor switches Phoenix Contact
Electrical Power & Protection
The Phoenix Contact Raptor switches enable reliable and safe operation in extreme ambient conditions. The managed switch portfolio meets the stringent requirements of IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 standards and is ideal for critical infrastructure and power supply applications.
Read more...Self-contained standalone lightning warning system Senseca
Electrical Power & Protection
The BTD-200 lightning warning system from Biral (UK) is a complete detection and warning system. Its highly specialised aviation grade lightning detection technology delivers the warning as soon as lightning is detected and before the first strike.
Read more...Half brick second generation converter Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The Supreme series half brick second generation converter from Vepac is composed of isolated, board-mountable, fixed switching frequency DC-DC converters that use synchronous rectification to achieve extremely high power conversion efficiency.
printer friendly version