By Ron Marshall
Question: I have been reading a lot about compressed air optimization efforts through auditing, and am I interested in doing this myself in my own area. What tips would you give me for undertaking this sort of effort?
Answer: Here are a few basic tips about starting air auditing:
- Read all you can about everything compressed air efficiency related, there are lots of free resources out there published by the major compressed air companies
- Read the instruction manuals for everything you see, especially the control manuals
- Take a few instrumentation courses and learn to hook up instruments that use various communications protocols both digital and analog
- Take as many compressed air efficiency training courses as you can; Compressed Air Challenge has two excellent seminars
- Buy a good set of instruments and data loggers
- Get CAGI and AirMaster certified
- Do as many audit jobs as you can, do them for free at the start if you have to, and make sure your results meet the needs of the customer
- Make sure your recommendations are neutral, so the customer trusts the information (if you sell equipment this is tough to do)
- Find an experience mentor who can help you validate your first reports
- Use flow meters where possible (there are lots of good quality meters out there), and always log pressure and amps/kW. Measure for at least a week
- There are lots of affordable leak detectors out there, the simpler is usually the better, don’t use multifunction units when all you are doing is detecting leaks
- For data loggers I use the most flexible systems some companies have leak detectors and a leak reporting and tracking systems to use with your loggers
- Realize it is tough to make a living in this business, many big players do audits for nothing (a loss leader so they can sell more compressors). Make sure you set yourself apart from those giving freebies and make sure to add significant value
- The best way to add value is to audit the complete system, both supply and demand, not just the compressors. About 30% of the benefit of compressed air audits comes from demand side optimization, but 70% of the savings is gained by addressing demand side waste and abuse
- Realize demand side audits take a lot of effort, but usually pay off in the end
- The more work you do on the demand side, the easier it becomes with experience
- The better you become, the more work you will attract, good luck with your work!
Filed Under: Pneumatic Tips