Airgy: Revolutionizing Pneumatics and Compressed Air

Dani from Silvent sheds light on the critical safety hazards associated with air guns in manufacturing environments. While larger companies often have dedicated safety teams, medium-sized plants frequently lack the resources to address these issues proactively. Dani discusses the importance of proper training for operators on new equipment to prevent misuse and ensure safety.

Mohamed Salaheldin from Sidpek discussed the prioritization criteria for energy efficiency projects, which include operational cost reduction, total investment cost, ease of implementation, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. He also outlined the decarbonization strategy, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17.8% in 2027. Additionally, he shared a success story about the CHP project, which will provide one third of their power usage. Looking ahead, Mohamed highlighted the challenges related to the human factor in energy optimization and emphasized the importance of culture change and knowledge management to encourage energy efficiency improvement. He also mentioned the plan to use new technology for energy efficient compressed air compressors in the future.

Join us as we explore the innovative Direct Link Circuit (DLC) technology by Reds Research. This video delves into the inspiration behind this revolutionary project and why it’s set to change the industry.Discover how this technology improves double-acting and single-acting cylinders, offering over 30% more efficiency.

Mauricio Uribe from Compressed Air Consultant discussed the focus of their audits, which is to minimize air consumption and optimize the supply side. They work with various industries and provide a holistic approach to audits, addressing both the demand and supply side. Mauricio also shared a significant opportunity where they were able to reduce air consumption by half for a specific application, resulting in massive energy savings. He also highlighted the importance of listening to the reasons behind decisions made by the plant personnel and finding solutions that benefit both energy and process requirements.The discussion focused on understanding the demand profile and optimizing the compressor room operations. It was highlighted that involving operators in the process can lead to easy fixes that make a significant difference in minimizing air waste. The conversation also touched on the potential use of artificial intelligence and algorithms for optimizing compressor configurations, with the consensus that educated guesses and operator input are crucial for successful optimization.

The talk highlighted the critical role of optimizing demand-side processes and providing tailored training in the compressed air industry. Speakers pointed out the industry's educational gaps, the issues with over-pressurization, and the misuse of equipment. They stressed engaging maintenance and energy managers more actively.Future perspectives on compressed air systems were discussed, including the risk of replacement by alternative technologies without efficiency improvements. The conversation underscored the need for continuous monitoring, smart tech adoption, and impartial technology selection, alongside the challenges in collaborating with suppliers and the significance of heat management for efficiency.

Gorazd from Calms discussed his journey in compressed air and the development of a holistic energy management system. The platform is brand neutral and offers software for leak detection and control strategies. They have also integrated AI and machine learning to train end users and provide assistance in optimizing the system. The future of the compressed air industry will involve a shift towards electrification of equipment, energy efficiency directives, and potential energy storage in compressed air. The industry will continue to use new tools and technologies, with a focus on forecasting energy consumption and storing energy to reduce costs. Education and employee engagement will be crucial in promoting the efficient use of technology and improving industry standards. The optimization of compressed air is considered very exciting. It was emphasized to use the correct version for selling columns and to avoid using the one on the web page. Sales assistance was also discussed and considered important.

The discussion focused on the experience and involvement of Chad Larrabee in the compressor industry, including his role in various organizations and standardization committees. The conversation also delved into the changing landscape of compressor technology, including the trend of low pressure pneumatic components and the direction of low pressure compressors. The importance of specialization and knowledge in the compressed air industry was emphasized, as well as the impact of technology changes on measurement and instrumentation.The discussion focused on the efficiency and sustainability of compressed air technology. There was a mention of the movement towards more efficiency and regulation in some markets. The importance of using less air and finding opportunities for savings on the demand side was highlighted. Additionally, new technologies, such as dual drive air ends and variable speed compressors, were discussed as ways to improve efficiency. The conversation also touched on the potential role of AI and algorithms in analyzing compressed air usage.

Pascal Van Putten discussed the evolution of flow sensors in the compressed air industry and the need for machine monitoring. He highlighted the importance of flow sensors in accurately measuring air flow and detecting issues such as internal leakage in machines. The conversation also touched on the challenges faced by machine builders in integrating flow sensors and the benefits of conducting audits to gain firsthand experience and improve products.The discussion focused on the implementation of flow sensors and monitoring systems, including the types of sensors, installation processes, and cost-effectiveness. The importance of energy savings and the motivation behind developing new products was also highlighted.

The project focuses on developing a system for real-time leak detection and prioritization in compressed air systems. It aims to identify and prioritize leaks in order to reduce energy consumption without affecting productivity. The system will use machine learning and artificial intelligence to classify and control the leaks, with a focus on automation in various industries such as plastic manufacturing and automotive.The AirSave project is a three-year project funded by the Malta Council for Science and Technology. It involves two PhD students and other Master by Research students, and collaboration with local companies. The project aims to reach a technology readiness level of seven by the end of 2024. They are conducting a life cycle assessment and a life cycle cost assessment to ensure the system is environmentally friendly and financially feasible. They are also looking for collaboration opportunities and hope to see more of their research in the future.

Join us for a deep dive into the world of compressed air audits with expert Paul Edwards. With decades of experience, Paul unravels the challenges auditors face, emphasizing the need to distinguish real issues from surface-level problems. This episode highlights the importance of expertise, collaboration, and a solid understanding of business fundamentals in compressed air systems. Paul shares strategies for auditors, energy managers, and factory professionals to uncover root causes, leading to smarter, cost-saving solutions. Tune in to "Compressed Air Mastery with Paul Edwards" for an insightful session on enhancing audit effectiveness and efficiency.