Energy management at Riem Italy

Electricity is the dominant type of energy, being used in practically all compressed air production systems. According to data collected on electricity consumption in industrial processes, approximately 12% is used to produce compressed air and approximately 80% of this energy is dissipated in the form of heat. 

This energy can therefore be defined as parasitic energy because it has a non-productive impact and therefore affects the cost of the product manufactured, lowering the productivity index. These data call for particular attention to be paid during the design phase, which should guide the choice of compressors.

Adequate specific consumption should be combined with the control system of the compressor(s) in question, which can be on-off or variable frequency (inverter). When choosing the control system, it is advisable to refer to the customer’s load diagram. This data is collected using appropriate instrumentation, which shows the quantities of air required and the relative pressures.

Another parameter to be taken into consideration is the operating pressure, the value of which, for technical and economic reasons, should be as close as possible to the required pressure. In fact, users often do not consider that higher pressure in the plant’s circuits results in higher energy bills. For the reasons outlined above, RIEM ITALY offers instrumental verification of compressed air consumption in relation to the amount of air produced by the supply plant. 

Another area that RIEM ITALY proposes to check concerns the detection of continuous and localized leaks in the distribution circuits, which are statistically estimated at around 30% of the compressed air produced by the compression plant. Once all the variables have been analyzed, RIEM ITALY is able to offer the customer the most appropriate solutions in order to achieve maximum energy savings for the management of the compressor room.