Abstract
Abstract This work aims to reduce the energy consumption and thus increase the availability of blast furnace compressors of a steelmaking company, located in Alto Paraopeba region in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, through the elimination of waste points in the compressed air distribution. In order to develop this work, an ultrasound test in the compressed air line was performed to identify and quantify leaks in the flow. Once the leaks were identified, they were eliminated through corrective maintenance and improvements, and then the energy consumption scenarios before and after the improvements were compared. As a result, the average monthly electricity consumption in the reporting period decreased by 57.2%. In addition, one compressor was set aside in stand-by condition, as in the original plant. Thus, one can prove the efficiency in eliminating of waste points in compressed air distribution, since the reduction of energy consumption is important for the company to remain competitive, as the cost of electric energy affects the final price of the final products.
Highlights
Humankind has been using compressed air since its existence for the simple act of blowing a brazier to light a flame
Rocha and Monteiro (2005) characterized each one as: (i) generation unit includes the compressor driven by an electrical motor, automation and control, air handling equipment, tank and accessories; (ii) distribution unit takes the compressed air from the reservoirs to the end use, ensuring that this air reaches the optimal quantity and pressure free of water and impurities; (iii) at the end use unit, the application is varied, for example, to drive pneumatic tools and camshafts
This study proves the feasibility of eliminating the compressed air system waste points
Summary
Humankind has been using compressed air since its existence for the simple act of blowing a brazier to light a flame. Lungs may be considered compressors, since they are able to process 100 L/min or 6 m3/h of air, using a pressure from 0.02 to 0.08 bar (Atlas Copco, 1976). Through this simple example, the importance of the compressed air use to humanity is demonstrated. Rocha and Monteiro (2005) characterized each one as: (i) generation unit includes the compressor driven by an electrical motor (which captures the gas and increases its pressure), automation and control, air handling equipment, tank and accessories; (ii) distribution unit takes the compressed air from the reservoirs to the end use, ensuring that this air reaches the optimal quantity and pressure free of water and impurities; (iii) at the end use unit, the application is varied, for example, to drive pneumatic tools and camshafts
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