Centralized compressed air dryer reduces downtime

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1994 · Plant Engineering; (United States)

OSTI ID:7201016

At the Timken Co.'s Harrison Steel plant in Canton, OH, a 10,000-scfm regenerative compressed air drying system is providing an annualized expense reduction in excess of $250,000. This figure represents a combined calculation of air power savings, reduction in downtime and maintenance, and elimination of costly nitrogen use. Prior to selecting and installing the centralized regenerative dryer, moisture in the compressed air supply was causing a number of problems. Moisture vapor was condensing to form water. Pipes were corroding. Water, as well as untreated compressor oils, were damaging air-operated equipment, such as motors, cylinders, and valves. Water froze in exposed lines during cold weather, stopping some operations completely. Timken determined that one centralized compressed air dryer with 10,000-scfm capacity would meet its long-term quality and efficiency objectives better than several individual dryers or temporary nitrogen usage. Benefits of a centralized, compared to an endpoint dryer arrangement, include maintaining overall system control from one location to ensure the constant and consistent supply of quality air throughout the plant, safe dew point all year under severe conditions, elimination of pipeline freeze-ups, reduced maintenance, and prevention of downtime.

• OSTI ID: 7201016
• Journal Information: Plant Engineering; (United States), Vol. 48:4; ISSN 0032-082X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
COMPRESSED AIR ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
DEHUMIDIFICATION
DRYERS
RETROFITTING
CORROSION
MITIGATION
VAPOR CONDENSATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
EQUIPMENT
250200* - Energy Storage- Compressed & Liquified Gas
320303 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Equipment & Processes