Data logging leads to £15,098 annual savings

Replacement of three fixed-speed air compressors with an Atlas Copco GA26 VSD+FF variable speed drive machine, plus an Atlas Copco OSC95 oil/water separator, an Atlas Copco LV1000L galvanised vertical air receiver and an Atlas Copco DD130+ general purpose coalescing filter.

What was needed?

The company was running three fixed-speed air compressors – two in the Latex department and one in the Tiles department, all of which were starting to age. Paragon is committed to eco-friendly initiatives and Mick Beckitt had been asked to look into options for improving energy efficiency, including upgrading existing machinery.

What we did?

A site visit was arranged to survey the current compressed air system and discuss options. We carried out a seven-day energy audit and found that there was potential for reducing energy use by 108,636 kWh per annum, which translated into savings of £13,590 on the company’s annual energy bills.

After going through our proposals, the company ordered a state-of-the-art Atlas Copco GA26 VSD+FF variable speed drive air compressor to replace the three fixed-speed machines (just keeping one as an emergency back up).

In addition Paragon ordered an Atlas Copco OSC95 oil/water separator, an Atlas Copco LV1000L galvanised vertical air receiver and an Atlas Copco DD130+ general purpose coalescing filter.

“My only query was the amount of potential savings flagged up, as it was such a high figure it was hard to believe,” says Mick Beckitt. “I was taken to visit another customer’s site in Rotherham and that convinced me as they had done their own data logging that confirmed the costs. It was quite shocking to find out how much we could save and once we saw that, the only option was to go ahead.”

Why Simm?

A member of our sales team dropped off some literature at the site and Paragon’s Production Manager Mick Beckitt got in touch the same day to request a visit.

“The point about energy efficiency and savings had been raised on a BSI audit,” explains Mick Beckitt.”

Key Benefits

A follow-up data logging exercise showed the energy and cost savings would be even higher than projected:

120,687 kWH and £15,098 per annum (based on a trial where the compressor was left running and the system was pressurised to mimic the original energy audit conditions).

As well as enjoying energy savings that have reduced costs and the company’s carbon footprint, the new air compressor is more reliable and enhances productivity.

“There’s a timer on the new air compressor, which opens up the options and makes it more flexible to work with. We have made improvements by looking at whether we need to run the air compressor at weekends, and if so, we can run it on the timer. It’s also a lot quieter running, that’s another benefit.”