Maintaining the trajectory for innovation and growth

20 February, 2023

Protecting investment

Mander reminds us that in the first quarter of 2022, short-term gas prices on the largest European exchange were five times higher than their 2021 average, and future markets are pricing European gas at up to three times its 2021 levels for at least the next three years. “However, we are advising compressed air users that action can be taken now to help protect their investments for the future,” he says. “I believe there is much that compressed air manufacturers can do to help customers during these difficult and uncertain times. We are all aware of the industry statistics around the energy usage of compressed air systems, but we can offer numerous products that can help reduce electricity costs.”

Mander stresses that there are so many different ways that customers can lower their energy costs. He maintains that, working with BCAS, it is incumbent on all members to help customers through the current energy crisis with simple and effective energy-saving advice and product solutions. Mander explains that Ingersoll Rand is predicting an increased uptake in variable-speed drive technologies. “When compared with a fixed speed compressor, a variable speed model can achieve energy savings of up to 30%, and can help reduce power surges, avoiding peak currents from starting the compressor’s motor,” he says.

Mander also expects more customers to undertake energy audits with Ingersoll Rand’s network of authorised distributors. “Whether it’s buying a new compressor or upgrading an existing system, a sensible starting point is to always undertake a full site energy audit,” he says. “This will establish current compressed air usage and costs, help identify air leaks to determine where energy is being lost and where cost savings could be made, and test air quality to ensure the compressed air generated meets the right standards. Not only does an energy audit help lower a business’ total cost of ownership, but it also helps reduce environmental impact too.”

Wright reflects that we are so used to big geo-political disturbances now that a ‘less interesting’ year would allow a retrenchment to take place and allow UK manufacturing to breath and take stock as to what its own priorities are. “We do, however, need support from government and a re-look at industrial strategy and how the Shared Prosperity Fund will interface with the manufacturing sector would be very helpful,” he says.

Cuthbert considers that in the microprocessor industry there is a steady souring and de-coupling between Western countries and China. “If this path continues, what does that mean for the fluid power supply chain and costs?” he asks. “Perhaps we are heading for two different economies working side by side, which are not competing or supplying so much to each other. This is both an opportunity for more local business but also a threat as selling into East Asia will be more difficult.”

Circular economy and lifetime costs

Sands believes increasing energy costs will force end users and then OEMs to better optimise their machine designs considering circular economy and lifetime costs, not only in terms of pounds but also CO2. “Engineers should be asking how much energy was expended in the manufacture of the parts of my machines and how can I optimise the overall CO2 consumption during use,” he says. “Digitalisation will support this, for example digital twin information will enable this information to be gathered and simulated during the design process. As digitalisation grows, we see a greater emphasis on highly flexible and transparent machine control architectures from high-level edge devices all the way down to basic actuators and sensors. Even ‘dumb’ devices will