Maintaining the trajectory for innovation and growth

20 February, 2023

Changing requirements

Have end users’ or OEMs’ requirements for systems and equipment changed over the past year or two? Chris Butcher, managing director, the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), considers that from a technology aspect, requirements haven’t changed a great deal over that timeframe. However, he believes a focus on carbon footprint and energy reduction, the increase in hydrogen application and a further integration of electronics, mechatronics and robotics will drive the years ahead.

With regard to air compressors, Jones makes the point that the energy consumption of a compressed air system has always been an area where operators have been looking to make savings. “But now, with the current energy crisis and escalating cost of ownership, companies are looking for more ways to save energy – outside of new capital equipment investment alone,” she says.

As part of its new 10% Taskforce campaign (www.taskforce10.bcas.org.uk), BCAS used figures from the recent UK Energy-related products policy study, conducted by ICF in May 2021. It calculated the combined energy usage for the mid-point of all industrial compressor technologies over their lifetime at 11.71 TWh. When the report was first prepared, the UK average non-domestic electrical unit cost was £0.1249/kWh, which equated to £1.475 billion being spent by UK companies to generate the compressed air their businesses rely on 

“Now, of course, wholesale gas prices have risen at an unprecedented rate and savings will be considerably higher,” says Jones. “Businesses are advised to refer to their electricity unit charge to calculate the potential savings. Add to this the fact that over 30% of this energy is being wasted through inefficient practices and there is much that businesses can do to cut this figure significantly.”

Yet, states Jones, compressed air energy consumption is often overlooked, when the potential for wastage is substantial and represents a considerable overhead, not to mention carbon footprint that could be reduced. “Users are therefore being encouraged to look at alternative ways to minimise their energy consumption from compressed air – whether it’s reducing air leaks, ensuring better housekeeping practices, improving maintenance, and managing air downstream to name a few,” she says.

Where energy surveys have been completed in the past, Jones believes now is an excellent time to revisit the outcomes and their business benefits. “The increase in energy costs has, in many cases, meant that the payback for these investments has been reduced substantially. Anecdotally we have many of our members reporting a reduction from years to months.”

Health and safety

Are current mandatory or established health and safety practices adequate in our industry? Wright believes the simple answer is yes. “Within the supply industry there is a good understanding of the current regulations and codes of best practice,” he says. “It is still questionable whether end users are always aware of regulations, typically around PSSR and condensate recovery. It is primarily down to end users to understand their responsibilities, but suppliers and distributors need to ensure that end users understand all their implications.”

Butcher believes health and safety practices can always be improved. “The BFPA works closely with its members to ensure they are up to date with the latest standards related to health and safety,” he explains. “On some subjects, we offer training to ensure people understand the risks associated with working with air and fluids at pressure. More recently, the Association has formed a partnership with the BSSH (British Society for Surgery of the Hand) in promoting the dangers associated with a fluid injection injury, The partnership resulted in the BFPA giving a presentation at a conference in London attended by some 5000 hand surgeons from around the world.

Rubinstein stresses that Atlas Copco Group has ambitious standards for workplace safety. “We commit to eliminating hazards and reducing occupational health and safety risks in all of our operations,” he says. “There is something that I think is worth repeating to compressed air users, as there are some who may not realise this: remember