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Optimization of Multiple Centrifugal Compressor System Delivers Immediate Savings

Greif | Riverville, VA

Where We Started

This project occurred at a semi-chemical medium paper mill with an annual capacity of approximately 200,000 tons. The plant’s compressed air was supplied by four water-cooled Ingersoll Rand centrifugal air compressors—two 700 HP compressors in Mill #1 and two 350 HP compressors in Mill #2. The plant operated 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and prior to this project, all four compressors were utilized to support production.

The compressed air consisted of two 700 HP compressors in Mill #1 and two 350 HP compressors in Mill #2. The two mills were separated by over 2000 feet and were operated by different production and maintenance groups. All compressors operated off their local controls and local set points, and typical air demands were between 8000-9500 SCFM, resulting in frequent periods where multiple compressors were blowing off. Prior to this project, peak demands required the use of all four compressors. Additionally, if a compressor was manually stopped, it would be restarted within a reasonable amount of time.

The Opportunity

The high-level control objective was to run the minimum number of compressors while simultaneously protecting each large motor from too frequent starts or load cycles. Ideally, all compressors would be operating in their upper throttle range, with none blowing off.  The compressed air “load” would be shared across each operating compressor and a compressor would be stopped if the available capacity in the other three machines exceeded the current air demand.

The pressure differentials between each compressor’s discharge and the production air headers in each mill also needed to be accounted for in order to accurately load-share between each compressor.

Our Solution

CAM Technologies engineered and commissioned a CAMLink™ Premier Automation System, based on the Allen Bradley Compactlogix Platform, with a main control panel in Mill #1 and a remote panel in Mill #2. The facility did not have any Ethernet connectivity between the two compressor rooms, but a shielded-twisted-pair of analog wire was present in an underground conduit. CAM Technologies utilized this existing infrastructure by developing a custom Modbus RTU slave routine operating on an Allen Bradley PLC.

Load-sharing logic was installed with a custom pressure-balancing algorithm to account for the pressure differentials in piping and clean-up. Through discussions with plant personnel and analysis of real-time air demands, the Mill #1 compressors were chosen to trim when air demand decreased.

Historical data was analyzed to develop a custom Trim Expert algorithm to determine when the air demand had sufficiently decreased to the point where the excess capacity in the other three compressors could supply the plant’s total air requirements. This algorithm analyzed real-time inlet valve and blow-off valve position along with discharge pressure to determine excess capacity. Configurable cool-down and minimum run timers protected the motor from excessive starts or load cycles.

Additionally, all system settings were optimized over multiple weeks through CAM Technologies CAMLink™ Online platform utilizing remote access to persistently monitor performance and efficiency.

 

Their Results

Improved operating efficiency.

Through coordinated control of the four compressors, an average of 650 HP was turned off resulting in annual energy savings for the facility. Annual runtime on the compressed air equipment was reduced by approximately 8,000 hours, creating an additional reduction in maintenance expenses.

Reduced total cost of ownership.

Electrical energy savings were significant, totaling approximately $284,000 in savings at a burdened electric rate of $.065/KWH. This resulted in a simple project payback of 4.7 months.

Improved system awareness and performance.

With CAMLink™ Premier system automation and the CAMLink™ Online platform installation, all current and historical data points from the system and all connected equipment are displayed and trended for real-time analysis.

By the Numbers*

Turn-key Control System Solution Yields Serious Energy Savings for Food and Beverage Company

Chobani | Twin Falls, ID

Where We Started

Chobani, LLC is a food & beverage company that manufactures and sells Greek yogurt, oat milk, and coffee creamers. It is the #1 selling Greek yogurt brand in the United States and operates one of the largest yogurt manufacturing facilities in the country. At its plants, Chobani uses compressed air for packaging machinery, valve actuation, and maintaining positive pressure in processing equipment.

The Opportunity

CAM Technologies conducted a compressed air audit at the Chobani Twin Falls, ID facility in 2021 to identify efficiency and capacity opportunities for its compressed air system.

At this facility, the compressed air system was comprised of both oil-free and oil-flooded rotary screw compressors separated into two systems. Compressors within each system were fighting each other for control. The existing microprocessor system controls were not functioning properly and were creating a gap in reliability and operating efficiency. Specific compressor set points were overlapping causing frequent unit cycles, motor starts, and one of the main compressors was not functioning efficiently within the larger system.

In addition to significant energy improvements, there was also an opportunity to introduce equipment redundancy – an important factor in ensuring no production downtime if a primary piece of equipment or compressor failed. In its former state, any time a compressor was down for maintenance or failure, Chobani had to rent a compressor which was an additional expense.

Our Solution

CAM Technologies specified and selected equipment to install into Chobani’s existing compressed air system and proposed a comprehensive solution which included:

  • A new 450 HP 3-stage centrifugal air compressor
  • A new cycling refrigerated air dryer and oversized mist eliminator filter for the new compressor
  • An additional 11,400 gallons of receiver storage
  • A CAM Demand Expander™ valve for both systems (Oil-Flooded and Oil-Free)
  • A new spill valve between both systems and appropriate instrumentation
  • A new CAMLink™ Premier Controller
  • On-site project management and engineering services

CAM Technologies also partnered with the local compressor distributor to procure the equipment and provide Chobani with the required startup and maintenance support for their new equipment, including the spare parts necessary for the new system components.

Their Results

Improved system redundancy and pressure stability.

With Chobani’s new compressed air system tied together, they have N+1 compressor and dryer redundancy for both their oil-free and oil-flooded air systems. As a result of the Demand Expander™ valves and added storage, they experienced an immediate 9 PSI reduction in combined system pressure.

Reduced total cost of ownership.

Chobani received a $658,000 utility rebate for this project which it used to offset a significant portion of the overall project cost. Based on the initial savings, Chobani will see total project payback within two years.

Improved operating efficiency.

Chobani went from running five compressors part-loaded to only running two to three compressors, depending on system demand. This improved efficiency, along with better pressure stability, is expected to result in $250,000 in continuous energy savings per year.

Improved system awareness and performance.

With CAMLink™ Premier system connectivity to the site’s Ignition historian, all data points from the system and all connected equipment are displayed and trended in for real-time analysis and trending.

By the Numbers*

Common Mistakes In Compressed Air Design

Do your operations screech to a halt when all the air-powered equipment in your factory is used at the same time? Stoppages due to insufficient volume or pressure suggest the compressed air system was poorly designed.

Many facilities think good design is just a matter of running piping to where it’s needed. However, while the system might run, it’s probably inefficient and costing more than it should.

With that in mind, here are five common design mistakes in compressed air systems and how to avoid them:

Mistake #1. Failing to assess the volume of air needed. Specifications for air-powered equipment list both minimum pressure and minimum volume in cubic feet per minute (cfm) needed. If the equipment doesn’t get both, chances are, it won’t run or operate as expected.

How to Avoid it: Start by calculating total cfm needed and identifying minimum pressure. Confirm piping can meet the volume requirements and design the layout to minimize pressure drops – loop systems are often a good choice. Use CAM Demand Expanders or pressure regulators to avoid delivering more air than particular items require.

Mistake #2. Wrong-sizing the air receiver. When air-powered equipment is turned on, line pressure drops. The compressor needs time to react to this demand, so an air receiver ensures there’s sufficient air available.

How to Avoid it: Consult an expert to determine the optimal size receiver for your system. The receiver must hold enough air to meet peak demand while the compressor spools up. Too small, and you’re starving the tools. Too big, and the compressor may hardly run. Note that storage is only effective if there is a differential between the stored pressure and the point of use pressure. There are two main types of storage in a compressed air system: system storage and point of use storage. Both must be engineered for events and the corresponding compressor response.

Mistake #3. Incorrectly sizing the compressor. If your compressor runs all the time, it’s not keeping the air receiver charged, costing you money and wearing out the compressor. When the compressor is too large for the system, it runs only briefly to recharge the receiver. That says you’ve spent too much on compressor capacity and it could lead to reliability problems and poor efficiency.

How to Avoid it: Don’t make a quick decision on your compressor size. Take the time to figure out the precise need for your facility. Consult with experts if needed.

Mistake #4. Excessive pressure drops. The compressor might deliver 120 psi, but what do the tools at the end of pipe runs get? Friction between flowing air and pipe walls saps pressure from the system. Tight turns and tees take out more, as can quick-disconnect fittings.

How to Avoid it: To help guarantee you get enough psi where it’s needed:

  • Minimize the length of pipe runs
  • Use large diameter pipe
  • Avoid tight radii
  • Use threaded joints

Mistake #5. Omitting a Demand Expander controller. This is a fast-acting controller and valve. As air consumption rises, it opens progressively, allowing more air into the piping. This minimizes pressure drops and ensures each piece of equipment gets both the cfm and psi needed. When consumption drops, the flow controller quickly reduces the flow to stop line pressure going higher than needed. The reservoir isn’t depleted as quickly, and the compressor is able to recharge it faster.

How to avoid it Research your options when choosing automation controllers for your system. A full system audit from an expert may help you to better understand what your system needs to be fully optimized.

Get Help to Optimize System Design

It’s easy to make mistakes when designing a compressed air system. These errors lead to unnecessarily high purchase and installation costs, along with excess energy consumption and inefficient operation. The optimal system minimizes total costs and maximizes performance, but achieving that takes in-depth expertise.

The specialists at CAM Technologies have spent years working with compressed air. We can help design and install a system to meet your needs. Call or email CAM Technologies for more information.

10 Key Points For Designing A Compressed Air System

Compressed air is critical to the success of every industrial facility. Without it, production comes to a halt and customer expectations aren’t met. Reliability and the ability to meet peak demand are essential, so it all comes down to compressed air system design.

Seeking the Lowest Total Cost

Designing a compressed air system would be straightforward if demand was constant, but unfortunately, it never is. The larger the plant, the wider the swings are between baseline and peak demand. This makes optimizing compressor capacity, air receiver capacity, and distribution pipework a complex task.

It’s easy to design an oversized and expensive system that has no trouble satisfying peak demand, but it’s possible that even this system will become unreliable as components endure duty cycles far from their original design specifications. With a well-designed system, every piece of equipment has just enough compressed air to run efficiently whenever called upon.

Distributed vs. Centralized Systems

When a compact area is being served, a centralized system is the best choice – it’s simpler and less expensive to install. It will also likely be more efficient, more reliable and easier to maintain.

However, as a facility grows larger and more complex, the case for a decentralized system becomes stronger. In a decentralized system, air is compressed close to where it’s needed. Benefits include:

  • Shorter pipe runs — less pressure drop, fewer opportunities for leaks and less waste
  • Increased flexibility – If some areas of the plant run a single shift while others operate 24/7, why provide air everywhere? In a decentralized system, it’s possible to deliver air only where it’s needed. This can have a significant impact on running costs.

10 Design Guidelines

Now that you understand the type of system that you need to design, keep the following guidelines in mind when you begin the process:

  1. Understand demand. Consider a flow monitor, which can be useful for logging consumption patterns.
  2. Determine supply requirements. Most operations want clean and dry air, but you should also identify any specific needs. Note the facility size and location of major users.
  3. Evaluate ambient conditions. This includes elevation, relative humidity and dust.
  4. Determine facility temperatures. Especially in a large facility, pipes can pass through areas where temperatures vary widely. They can even be buried underground or placed near a roof. All of this can be managed, but it needs to be identified first.
  5. Choose the most valuable system layout. A loop helps reduce pressure drops but requires additional piping. A straight type of system is typically cheaper to install.
  6. Size pipes for demand and distance. Remember that pushing air through a long thin pipe requires a large amount of compression.
  7. Size the storage. The air receiver should be sized to handle peak demand. Avoid excessive compressor cycling, which can occur if the receiver is a poor match. Note that storage is only effective if there is a differential pressure between storage and the points of use. Use of CAM Demand Expanders and Regulators are essential to providing proper system storage.
  8. Identify future maintenance needs. Incorporating bypass sections during construction makes later maintenance much easier. This is also a good time to consider accessibility of key components and possible future expansion.
  9. Select pipe material. Aluminum is a popular choice because it’s lightweight and easy to shape, but it is more expensive than steel. Keep in mind that surface finish affects pressure drop.
  10. Evaluate how modern flow control technologies can help improve system performance and lower costs.

Benefit From Our Experience

Designing an efficient compressed air system is a complex task. While you can try calculating and modeling demand, there’s always an element of unpredictability. Someone with experience of designing such systems knows the traps and pitfalls to avoid. That’s why it makes sense to partner with the specialists at CAM Technologies. We can help you design a system that’s efficient, reliable and cost-effective. Call or email for more information.

What To Look For When Selecting An Air Compressor Distributor

Many companies want to sell you compressed air services and equipment, but they’re not all the same. Some distributors may not have the capabilities to provide the service you need; they may not carry sufficient inventory and could be locked into a single brand. An air compressor distributor that is a good fit with your business will help lower your costs and maximize the performance of your system.

Before selecting a distributor that will support your business, it’s essential to do some homework. Start by defining your needs and expectations – only then are you in a position to evaluate potential partners. The four criteria outlined below should help.

1. Expertise

No one advertises a lack of know-how, so it’s up to you to judge. Take note of the questions asked as you discuss your compressed air system and needs – they will give you insight into the extent of their knowledge and experience.

Look for case studies they have written that showcase the most challenging projects they’ve undertaken. These should give you a feel for the kind of projects they are comfortable handling. Don’t forget to ask how long they’ve been working in the compressed air field – you don’t want them to be learning on your system.

2. Customer Service

Evaluate distributors’ responsiveness and willingness to help. Do they put your needs ahead of their own? You can get a feel for this from your initial communications with them. It bodes well when a business seems eager to help.

What about longevity? If they’ve been in the business a long time, that suggests they’re good at satisfying their clients. Look at their client list and look for big-name success stories. Those businesses don’t tolerate poor service, and neither should you.

3. Services Offered

Do they offer services to meet your current and future needs? How well do they define them, and can they back up the headlines with details? (Example: If they say they do audits, do they define what these projects involve?) Do they have case studies that explain the kind of work they’ve carried out for other clients? Are they truly independent, or are they focused on selling services pushed by particular compressor manufacturers?

4. Project Management Expertise

Equipment installation and system upgrades should always be managed as a project, so find out what kind of skills they have. Can they explain how work is planned and executed? Can they take you through their project management processes? Do they have clear and consistent methods for communicating with stakeholders and the sponsor?

You’ll Be Together a Long Time

Selecting a distributor that will work with you on your compressed air needs is not like buying commodity products. You need to determine your needs and expectations and find a partner that can meet them. Get it wrong, and your business could suffer. Get it right, and you could be longtime partners.

Welcome to Our New Blog

Welcome to the new CAM Technologies blog. We hope to share lots of new and exciting info with you here so check back frequently for new and updated content.

CAM Technologies Installs CAMLink 6000 Compressed Air Control System at Georgia’s Leggett & Platt Plant

PRESS CONTACT
Jeffry Kahn, Director of Engineering
CAM Technologies, Inc.
8441 Belair Road, Ste 202
Nottingham, MD 21236
410-792-2950
[email protected]
https://compressedairmgmt.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAM Technologies Installs CAMLink 6000 Compressed
Air Control System at Georgia’s Leggett & Platt Plant

Leggett & Platt’s system was upgraded by CAM Technologies, leading the company to save over $150,000 per year on compressed air electricity expenses.

Monroe, Georgia – Leggett & Platt, the leading supplier of mattress frames, worked with CAM Technologies, a pioneer in compressed air systems design, to upgrade their compressed air system in order to be more efficient and to reduce electricity costs. Although their original technology was installed only 10 years ago in 2005, the recent upgrade of their system will save over $150,000 per year on their electrical power costs.

The upgrades provided by the leading supplier of compressed air automation and optimization systems, CAM Technologies, Inc, includes a new Allen Bradley Panelview Plus Operator Screen and the addition of a new Sullair 300Hp Compressor, and CAMLink™ 6000 Control System. The newly installed system optimizes air supply to production. CAM’s Demand Expander was included in order to maintain the plant’s pressure at a constant value and quality.

According to the facility Engineering Manager Bill Chapman, the CAMLink™ 6000 Control System is the efficient and reliable optimization system that the company needed. Due to the installation of CAMLink™ 6000 Control System, the facility is able reduce 300 horsepower and the resultant electrical usage, but maintain the same productivity.

For inquiries about CAM Technologies, Inc. and their services, contact them at 410-792-2950, [email protected], or visit their compressed air management website.

Compressed Air Automation Systems Supplier Hires New National Sales Manager

Compressed air systems firm, CAM Technologies, expands staff to better serve clients by hiring experienced National Sales Manager Chris Wells.

Baltimore, MD, USA – CAM Technologies, Inc., a world leader supplying compressed air automation and optimization systems to industrial customers, has hired Chris Wells as National Sales Manager.

Wells started his career as a Compressed Air System and Dryer Engineer for Ingersoll-Rand. He was then Eastern Regional Manager for Kobelco Compressors, a provider of oil-free systems through distributors. More recently Wells has managed multiple offices for Pattons, Inc., a past distributor for Quincy Compressors and now Elgi Compressors.

“Chris’s experience and knowledge will continue to improve CAM’s leading presence in the compressed air automation market,” said Chris Wagner, CEO and founder of Cam Technologies. Wagner himself is a pioneer in the industrial controls market, designing compressed air solutions for industrial clients for over 30 years.

For more information please contact CAM Technologies at 410-792-2950 or on the web at https://compressedairmgmt.com/ or email to [email protected]

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CAM Technologies, Inc. Launches New Website to Better Reach and Serve Clients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAM Technologies, Inc.
Chris Wagner, CEO
8441 Belair Road, Suite 202
Nottingham, MD  21236
www.CamTechnologies.com
[email protected]
410-792-2950

CAM Technologies, Inc. Launches New Website
to Better Reach and Serve Clients

Compressed air systems engineers announce new website highlighting their client list and range of services in creating cost saving industrial controls.

Baltimore, MD, USA – CAM Technologies, one of the top US industrial controls companies in the compressed air automation sector, announces the launch of their new website at www.CamTechnologies.com , allowing them to reach out and give better service to their clients.

Why is CAM Technologies one of the country’s leading companies when it comes to providing services in compressed air automation? Years before the 1997 Compressed Air Challenge, this industrial controls company led by Chris Wagner, had already been creating energy efficiencies and cost savings for clients all over the country. The company focuses on completing a sophisticated system analysis and creating effective design solutions that will generate energy efficiencies and substantial cost savings.

For decades now, efficient automation of air compressor systems has been a target of industry. This is because of the immense energy savings it can generate. With two patents to his credit, Mr. Wagner and his team have spent the last 3 decades developing factory automation systems that utilize all the modern hardware and software available to improve compressed air efficiency.

Their list of repeat clients is a who’s who in industries ranging from food and beverage, cement and construction, container and packaging, automobile, consumer products, healthcare, government, transportation, metals and textiles. CAM Technologies plans to highlight their unique and pivotal role in these industries with their new website.

Visit their new site at CamTechnologies.com or call 410-792-2950 learn more about this company.

Compressed Air Systems Design Firm Invests in Online Marketing with Baltimore Marketing Agency

Press Contact
Lowell Sheets, CEO and Founder
1243 Sharon Acres Road
Forest Hill, MD 21050
410-692-5550
[email protected]
www.SheetsAndAssociates.com

Compressed Air Systems Design Firm Invests in Online Marketing with Baltimore Marketing Agency

CAM Technologies hires Sheets and Associates to create their new web presence and solidify their online reputation as a market leader in compressed air systems design.

Baltimore, MD, USACompressed air industrial engineering solutions firm CAM Technologies moves to increase their presence online by contracting with Baltimore marketing agency, Sheets and Associates. Together, they are working on the creation and development of the company’s new website and improving their search engine rankings.

CAM Technologies [www.CamTechnologies.com] is one of the leading industrial engineering companies in the country, specializing in products and services involved in compressed air automation. The founder of the company, Chris Wagner, has two industrial patents and has been designing compressed air solutions for over 3 decades, long before the launch of the Compressed Air Challenge in 1997.

“When industries search the internet for anything related to #compressedairsystems and #energyefficiency, we want them to find CAM Technologies,” says CEO Chris Wagner. “Efficient automated compressed air solutions can affect more energy cost savings than any other ‘green’ initiative.”

Sheets and Associates is a marketing agency based in Baltimore that specializes in multimedia production, web design, online and offline communication strategies and reputation marketing. They serve more than 50 national and international clients in more than 30 different industries.

Call 410-692-5550 for more information about Sheets and Associates or visit their website at www.SheetsandAssociates.com.