Eliminate Inappropriate Uses of Compressed Air

Compressed air generation is one of the most expensive utilities in an industrial facility. When used wisely, compressed air can provide a safe and reliable source of power to key industrial processes. Users should always consider other cost-effective forms of power to accomplish the required tasks and eliminate unproductive demands. Inappropriate uses of compressed air include any application that can be done more effectively or more efficiently by a method other than compressed air. The table below provides some uses of compressed air that may be inappropriate and suggests alternative ways to perform these tasks.

*Equipment that is temporarily not in use during the production cycle.
**Equipment that is no longer in use either due to a process change or malfunction.

Annual savings
= [kW per cfm] x [cfm savings] x [# of hours] x [$ per kWh]
= 18/100 x [(150 x 6,500) + (1,000 x 5,000) + (800 x 3,500) + (750 x 3,500)] x $0.05
= $102,600

Net savings:
Calculate electric energy costs for the motor-driven vacuum pump, fans, and actuators, and subtract these costs from the annual savings calculated to determine the net savings. Note that there will be a one-time cost of installation for the added equipment.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
EERE Information Center 1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463) www.eere.energy.gov
Industrial Technologies Program Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy U.S. Department of Energy
Washington, DC 20585-0121 www.eere.energy.gov/industry