Fast forward 10 years...
August 10th 2009

This leaner economic era has sharpened industry’s focus on the vital role that compressed air plays in productivity. As a result, it is expected that the next decade will see greater emphasis placed on compressor systems integration, control and management together with significant technological advances in the energy-efficient production of high quality air

As the concept of compressed air as the fourth utility gains recognition, it is likely that the role of the energy manager relative to compressor systems operation will assume greater importance. It is a job function that requires the individual manager to be an agent of change, one who is looked to for technical and practical advice and expertise in the provision of energy-efficient solutions. With compressor technology innovations developing almost on a logarithmic scale, the energy manager function will be vital to the interpretation and application of these developments to help optimise production costs and efficiency.

Not the least consideration will be that of the quality of air supply to the plant operation to protect downstream equipment, eliminate unnecessary downtime and to avoid product spoilage. The increased uptake of oil-free compressors certified to ISO 8573 to ensure zero contamination of sensitive process applications will doubtless continue. Advances in air drying technology will almost certainly be seen, from the innovations already introduced, such as variable speed drive refrigerant units matching output to demand, dual technology energy-free adsorption dryers, and compact membrane technology that can be integrated within the compressor envelope.

In the continued quest for carbon neutral, cost- and energy-efficient systems, a major development with future potential is likely to be the increased demand by end-users for water cooled, oil-free compressors with energy recovery systems to provide net zero consumption. Effective heat transfer within specific design conditions of relative humidity means that a considerable proportion of the electrical power input can be recovered in the form of hot water. This innovation could provide significant benefits for industries employing hot water or steam within process operations. By using the compressor output hot water either directly or as pre-heated boiler feed water, the consumption of process heating fuel could be dramatically reduced or, in some cases, eliminated altogether.

In an increasingly competitive production environment, the ability to provide pro-active intervention to prevent plant malfunction and lost output is vital. Yet for much of industry the provision of on-line monitoring of a multiple compressor installation is regarded only as an added refinement to the system. With increased economic pressure and emphasis on optimum output, the likely trend is for remote internet monitoring, measuring and management to become a standard feature of installations, providing peace of mind, optimum control and improved productivity.

Even if a full global economic recovery is achieved over the next decade and current financial constraints are scaled back, the viability and stability of the capital equipment supply chain will still impact on operators’ willingness to invest in new or upgrade existing compressor systems and equipment. That is why the authorised local distributor will play an increasingly critical role as a safeguard and a virtual extension of the compressor manufacturer’s global enterprise, a source of advice, expertise, equipment supply, installation and maintenance capability, in-house finance options and technical support.

Finally, environmental issues will assume greater importance. There will be growing pressure on compressor solutions providers to inform customers of the environmental impact of their products and services and an obligation for compressor manufacturers to provide environment-focused advice on the disposal of redundant equipment.

Already major compressor manufacturers such as Atlas Copco ensure their products employ the maximum use of re-cyclable materials for highest environmental compliance and protection.

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