Problem explained
Compressed air may be wasting electricity, and nothing we saw rules it in or out.
How it works today
The plant molds plastic parts, and two compressors feed air to every press through one main line.
Air that leaks at a hose or fitting still costs electricity to make, even when no press runs.
A higher pressure setting makes the compressors work harder and pushes more air out of every leak.
What we saw
- On the visit we saw the two compressors in their room, and air hoses with hand nozzles at the presses.
- We did not see a gauge we could read, and no leak could be heard over the presses.
- So nothing we saw rules this problem in or out.
What it costs
- If leaks and extra pressure are both there, we estimate the cost at about $9,400 of electricity per year.
- Fixing this could save about $8,600 per year, after what it costs each year to keep the leaks fixed.