|
|
|
|
|
18/08/2010
 Email to a friend
 Comment on this article
|
Petrochem Carless' Harwich refinery reports savings of more than 430,000kWh per annum from its investment in new energy-efficient compressors – which it says will pay for themselves in two years.
 Andy Lee, engineering manager at Petrochem Carless, says the figures were confirmed by a data logging study by rotary vane manufacturer Mattei, earlier this year.
"The exercise confirmed the estimated annual saving of more than 430,000kW/h, and compressor performance has continued to deliver the reliability paramount at the Harwich operation," says Lee.
"We have also seen a reduction in our maintenance costs. The added bonus is that as well as making ongoing substantial annual energy cost savings, the compressors will have paid for themselves in two years," he adds.
The refinery operates continuously 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and the reliability of its compressed air supply is a key consideration for the smooth running of the plant.
The supply serves a variety of requirements, including instrument air, valve actuators and air driven motors. Prior to the data logging research, Petrochem Carless was using two 90kW Mattei compressors installed 12 years previously, and was backed up by service support from the manufacturer.
Andy Jones, general manager of Mattei explains: "In principle, the existing compressors were doing everything Petrochem Carless asked of them, but, as part of a programme to reduce energy consumption in general, the customer asked us to carry out a data logging exercise.
"This revealed substantial potential savings and, as the existing compressors had put in 12 years of service, this was an ideal opportunity to invest in new technology. The decision was made both on the basis of saving energy and also taking into consideration the need to secure the supply of compressed air to the plant in the future."
To first determine the integrity of the air supply, the refinery commissioned an air leakage survey to be carried out prior to the datalogging exercise. This identified minimal leakage, confirming the effectiveness of the site's maintenance procedures, and enabled the focus to be placed on the energy-savings potential of the compressors.
Data logging showed no requirement for variable-speed control, with the Harwich plant showing a consistent demand for compressed air, owing to the continuous operation of the plant.
Mattei recommended two Maxima 75kW compressors. Although effectively down-sizing from 90kW to 75kW machines, the replacements were shown to be capable of delivering the same volume of 32m³/min of air.
|
|
| |
Author
Brian Tinham
|
| |
| |
This material is protected by SOE copyright 2012.
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.
|
| |
|
|
| |
|