(Originally published by VPInstruments: LINK)
One of the biggest challenges in optimizing compressed air usage is to define where, how, and when the improvements should take place. Through the experiment with real-time measurement by VPFlowScope In-line, our customer was able to easily calculate the Return On Investment and make rational decisions.
The challenge in the cable manufacturing industry
Our customer is an electrical and communication cable manufacturer in Kenya. They produce cables for both domestic and international industrial applications. In the cable manufacturing industry, the drying phase to take away all the water after cooling is imperative. All the cables have to be dried satisfactorily.
When it comes to the drying phase, the customer used to operate with two hollow cylindrical pipes to direct the compressed air. However, this practice encountered many challenges including incompetent drying, high compressed air consumption, and immense noise level.
In order to improve the drying process, they decided to experiment with a new air wipe system. To evaluate and gain more insight into the compressed air usage, the customer used the VPFlowScope In-line 0.5” to measure both old and new air wipe systems.
Compressed air usage comparison using the VPFlowSpope In-line
And here was what the figures told us during the experiment:
Before – The old facilitated system
The two installed hollow cylindrical pipes had 4 and 20 diameter holes respectively. Each hole is 4 mm in diameter and consumes 3 SCFM of air at 5.5 bar:
1st pipe: 3 SCFM x 4 holes = 12 SCFM
2nd pipe: 3 SCFM x 20 holes = 60 SCFM
Annual energy cost:
72 SCFM x ( 22 kW / 100 SCFM ) x 2,000 hrs x 0.13 Euro / kWhr = € 4,118
After – The new air wipe
The new air wipe with 3” internal diameter replaced both pipes, while using 55% less compressed air at 5.5 bar.
New air wipe consumes: 39.8 SCFM
Annual energy cost:
39.8 SCFM x ( 22 kW / 100 SCFM ) x 2,000 hrs x 0.13 Euro / kWhr = € 2,278
Annual savings: € 4,118 – € 2,278 = € 1,840
Key Takeaways
> Total energy saving per machine: € 1,840
> Investment cost: € 691
> Payback period: 4.4 months
With this obvious result, the company has no hesitance to implement the new system.
Conclusions
> With the VPFlowScope In-line, the customer was able to easily calculate the ROI and make rational decisions.
> Thanks to the new air wipe system the customer could save 45% energy cost per production machine, all the cables are completely dry without using sponges afterward.
> The permanent flow meters can enable customers to fully monitor the any changes in air demand and act immediately to prevent loss.
To find out more about how we can help you understand your compressed air usage visit our products page or call us on 0741159200.