Page 12 - Industrial_Technology_EXTRA_May_18th_2020_Classical

PUMPS AND COMPRESSORS...

How to care for compressors

during the lockdown period

In these dark days of preoccupation with personal and economic survival it may be

judged understandable but unwise to overlook the important issue of production
equipment health. Alexander Pavlov, General Manager, Atlas Copco Compressors UK
& Ireland, says this will be a consideration which will be vital in our eventual
recovery back to full productivity across the industrial landscape.
he essential role of compressed air supply regular preventative maintenance across the board,
as the 4th utility for industry is well a precautionary measure which will sustain the
established. No matter whether efficiencies already gained from new compressor
Tproduction or process plant is running at installations and help to improve the performance of
full capacity, on a reduced output program, or older, established units.
temporarily shut down during this crisis period, As a result, uptime is greatly improved on
keeping compressor systems in peak condition at all regularly serviced compressors − it can make a
times eliminates the costs of excessive energy difference of up to 3.5 % to a compressor’s
consumption and the risk to output and productivity availability. Although this gain may not seem much
from potential mechanical breakdown. at first, for a compressor running for 6000 hours per
The best way of ensuring compressed air supply annum that increase actually equates to an
availability is by taking the best care of the additional 210 production hours over the course of
compressed air equipment. This means investing in a year.

Developing problems
Knowing the status of compressed air equipment at
all times is the surest way for plant managers and
maintenance professionals to spot any developing
problems. On the positive side, it is also possible to
uncover potential energy savings and achieve
maximum uptime of both compressors and the
production lines they support. These are insights
which can be realised through a remote data
monitoring system, connectivity that intelligently
gathers, compares, and analyses data to help

May 2020 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA! • p12