California's ever expanding energy regulations is about to take on compressed air systems. It seems like the state is always at the forefront of energy efficiency, but I suppose it has to be. Especially with compressed air systems, which, if not maintained properly, can waste a lot of energy.
So it's good news for Portand, Ore.-based Pneu-Logic Corp., which supplies compressed air monitoring and control systems for factories, that its PL4000 system complies with the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) proposed new rule on compressed air supply systems. The new rule, if approved, will be added to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards contained in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6 (also known as the California Energy Code).
The proposed new rule would apply to compressed air systems of 25 hp or larger, with more than one compressor, that are being installed in new plants or plants having major renovations. It states that the systems must have a controller that is able to choose the combination of compressors based on the current air demand as measured by a sensor.
”Up to 10% of the energy used in factories in the US is to power air compressors, and active control of compressed air systems can save between 15 and 30% of that energy,” said Tom Orton, Pneu-Logic CEO. “CEC’s proposed new rule is designed to take advantage of those savings.”
“Not only does active compressor control save energy, it is a factory best practice that can improve productivity and extend the life of pneumatic systems,” said Frank Moskowitz, a member of the International Standards Organization (ISO) technical committee for air compressors and compressed air systems and a consultant with 30 years experience in plant engineering.
The PL4000 compressed air master control system ues custom software and systems technology to generate the most efficient operating level possible from each industrial air compressor in a factory. It works with all types of compressors, reciprocating, rotary and centrifugal, from all manufacturers.
Pneu-Logic's products are used often in determining a compressed air system's efficiency. Several years ago, the company teamed with Norgren to create a unique monitoring program for compressed air systems. This news about California is just another step in the company helping others get the most out of their pneumatic operations.
