Technology

ASHRAE 90.1 Brings New Requirements to Compressed Air System Design

By Troy Dreier, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

Word is beginning to filter out about the 2022 changes to the ASHRAE 90.1 energy efficiency standard, and the changes it promises to bring to how compressed air systems are specified, commissioned and maintained. More specifically, the industry is learning about section 10.4.6 of 90.1, which is the first time the standard has included a section on compressed air.

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FS-Elliott and FS-Curtis’ Synergies Ensure Compressed Air Success

By Mike Grennier, Compressed Air® Best Practices Magazine

FS-Elliott and FS-Curtis are a combined force, yet each comes to the table with well-established and highly reliable brands of compressed air products. This means they’re fully prepared to tackle customers' goals individually or by working together seamlessly and all with the backing of Fusheng Industrial and parent company Fusheng Group, a Taiwanese-based corporation with annual sales in excess of $2 billion and 20,000-plus employees.

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Compressed Air, Nitrogen Generation and Chiller Systems at Fabtech 2023

By Roderick M. Smith, Editor, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

FABTECH 2023, a leading event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing, successfully wrapped up its four-day run at Chicago's McCormick Place, achieving significant milestones for attendance, exhibitors, and show floor size. The 2023 show floor, spanning an impressive 825,325 square feet across three exhibit halls, featured an extensive showcase of over 1,500 world-class suppliers.

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Kaeser Compressors Celebrates Growth

By Roderick M. Smith, Editor, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

Kaeser Compressors’ President Frank Mueller held a ribbon cutting ceremony, with local and regional dignitaries attending, and in his address to the gathering said, “This 50% increase in office space, the new Rooftop Café, and the warehouse expansion are all dedicated to the well-being, health and productivity of our employees who continue to fuel our growth.”

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Evaluating Air Compressor Cooling and Heat Recovery Part 2 – Centralized Systems

By Hank Van Ormer, Technical Director, APenergy

This is a two-part article looking at factors impacting decisions on whether to use air or water-cooled air compressors. It also provides heat recovery guidelines for both situations. Part 2 will provide a review of alternative cooling water system options and their approximate operating costs.

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The Stage is Set for Growth of Doosan Bobcat Industrial Air Compressors

By Mike Grennier, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

To continue meeting demand for air compressors, Doosan Bobcat invested heavily in U.S. manufacturing facilities including its one-million-square-foot manufacturing operation in Statesville, North Carolina. The $70 million expansion of the facility amplified its operations, where it now employs 930 people in office and factory positions and manufactures its line of portable air compressors from 185 cfm to 1,600 cfm, in addition to other Bobcat products like compact tractors, generators, light towers and mini track loaders. It also assembles and stocks the expanding line of Doosan Bobcat industrial air compressors.

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Facility Evaluates Air Compressors to Increase Nitrogen Purity with Nitrogen Generators

By Hank Van Ormer, Technical Director, APenergy

Over the last two decades, there has been a significant increase of manufacturing facilities deciding to produce their own nitrogen on-site, using compressed air systems and nitrogen generators. They are choosing on-site nitrogen generation, instead of purchasing and receiving deliveries of nitrogen by the cylinder or having a “Nitrogen Over the Fence” supplier.

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The 2023 AICD Show Report

By Bill Smith and Roderick Smith, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

“The AICD enjoyed a record turnout of exhibitors,” said Jeff Brennan, President, AICD. “We’ve added over 20 member companies this year and our membership again has delivered a strong turnout at this year’s event.” Participating distributor members and guests enjoyed a few days of networking events, trade show, speakers, the AICD Golf Tournament and more.

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Evaluating Air Compressor Cooling and Heat Recovery Part 1

By Hank Van Ormer, Technical Director, APenergy

This is a two-part article looking at factors impacting decisions on whether to use air or water-cooled air compressors. It also provides heat recovery guidelines for both situations. Part 1 will provide a brief history on air compressor cooling, a review of cooling water sources and costs, and some cooling cost comparisons between air and water-cooled air compressors.

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Good Things in Store as Hitachi Global Air Power Takes Shape

By Mike Grennier, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

When Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd. (HIES) announced Sullair, Hitachi, and Champion Compressors (Australia) have come together under the umbrella of Hitachi Global Air Power (HGAP), many wondered what it would all mean.

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Ceramics Plant Deploys a New Air Compressor Heat Recovery System

By Mateusz Bartczak, ASFI

An air compressor is synonymous with an electric heater – providing compressed air as a side effect. 85-90% of the electrical energy taken in by the air compressor is converted into heat, while the maximum efficiency of compressed air generation is less than 10%. In air compressor heat recovery systems, the focus is on capturing the heat energy contained in the oil, as up to 80% of the energy extracted from the power plant is found there.

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