EFFICIENT PRODUCTS


Sustainability and reducing carbon emissions are pressing issues for the food and beverage (F&B) sector. Here, Simon Taylor, oil-free sales manager at CompAir (part of Ingersoll Rand) reveals how investing in oil-free compressed air technology, heat recovery systems, and digital insights can offer huge opportunities to help lessen the impact on the environment


HOW GREENER COMPRESSED AIR CAN LEAD TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE D


espite the food and beverage (F&B) sector striving to be more sustainable and greener,


research from the charity WRAP – which aims to create a more sustainable world where industrial resources are sourced and used better – has revealed that over 35% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from the production and consumption of the nation’s food and drink. A lot more therefore needs to be done. With the Food and Drink Federation declaring


its net zero commitment by 2040 – a full ten years ahead of the UK government’s plan – there is a greater impetuous than ever before for companies within the industry to transition to a greener way of doing business. To do this, F&B organisations must commit to decarbonising their industrial business, while also influencing the habits of their consumers, and reducing the waste created through their operations. With 10% of all industrial electricity in Europe


used to power compressed air systems, it’s clear how a more efficient unit and reduced energy consumption can help lower industry’s impact on the environment. For F&B manufacturing and processing sites, having an efficient and eco-friendly compressor can go a long way towards reducing the carbon footprint of a businesses’ operations.


OIL-FREE COMPRESSORS For production-sensitive environments, such as F&B sites, oil-free compressors offer assured peace of mind and assurances for owners and operators. While oil-lubricated models can deliver high-quality air, using filters to protect products and equipment from contamination, oil-free technology guarantees air purity. Furthermore, these systems offer


10 ENERGY MANAGEMENT - Spring 2022


additional benefits to businesses, as there’s no need to worry about oil replacement, oil separators, filtration equipment and condensate treatment, saving operators both time and money.


HEAT RECOVERY Heat recovery is another opportunity to create a more efficient and greener F&B industry. These systems allow users to recover and redistribute heat, capturing heat that would otherwise be wasted. The energy can then be used for other purposes. This includes supplementing or replacing the electricity, oil or gas used to create warm water for washrooms or industrial processes, or direct warm air into the warehouse or onto factory floor. There are two ways of saving heat, with air-


cooled and water-cooled systems. Air-cooled compressors typically produce a high hot air flow rate at a low temperature, and so might be used for space heating or heat exchanging to a preheating battery. Water-cooled compressors can be used to recover energy that can be used for applications such as central heating, hot water washing and steam systems. This can be a huge benefit for the running costs


of the business, while also helping to reduce the impact of these machines on the environment. For compressed air users in the F&B industry, saving heat can be a smart way to reduce C02 emissions.


REVOLUTIONISING EFFICIENCY LEVELS Advances in technology have led to more and more insights being available to owners and operators.


“Choosing the right


compressed air system can go a long way towards meeting greener goals”


These measures can help reduce a compressor’s


energy consumption too, contributing towards a reduced impact on the environment. Because data is being constantly generated around how the system is performing, decision makers can react quickly to any potential issues, so they can be resolved quickly. This also lowers the opportunity for downtime, which costs a business time and money. With the F&B industry under pressure to reduce


their emissions and to become more sustainable, choosing the right compressed air system can go a long way towards meeting greener goals.


Compair www.compair.com/en-gb Ingersoll Rand www.IRCO.com


www.compair.com/en-gb/industries-and-applications/food-and-beverage


With Industry 4.0 platforms – such as iConn from CompAir – businesses can use analytics and data to improve a compressor’s productivity levels. Systems can be monitored remotely too, so those responsible can always stay in charge of their compressed air system.


www.energymanagementmag.co.uk


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