Are you still using open ended compressed air blowing? Are these blowers simply controlled by a ball valve? Did you know these tools can turn into dangerous uncontrolled projectiles if accidently dropped when the valve is wide open?
They cause noise pollution and present a risk of eye injury when chips of debris are sent flying during cleaning operations. Not only that, but these devices represent a waste of compressed air energy.
People are innovative when it comes to solving problems. When something needs to be done, and compressed air is the most available source of energy, it is often used inappropriately. But, it is best if we all take a step back and reconsider the poor use of a very expensive resource. Compressed air costs about 10 times more than other sources of energy — so it is time to look at what we are doing and improve the situation.
The first step in making things right is awareness. There is training that can help you understand your compressed air system, its costs, and what to do about it. I suggest you check out these various sessions offered by Compressed Air Challenge at this link.
And then, once armed with some new knowledge, you can initiate a search for inappropriate compressed air uses in your plant. For assistance in finding them, see this fact sheet guide titled “Inappropriate Uses of Compressed Air” and this tip sheet titled “Eliminate Inappropriate Uses of Compressed Air”
Happy hunting! When you are done, your plant will be much safer and quieter — and you’ll have a reduced energy bill to boot.
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