Philippine E-Journals

Design and Improvement of Compressed Air Supply System in Oerlikon Balzers Coating Philippines Inc. Program

Kenneth Yvess Vito | Harold Baybay | Denielle Cabantac

 

Abstract:

The general objective of the study is to improve the existing system of compressed air system in Oerlikon Balzers Coating Philippines Inc. Specifically, it aims to determine the total air consumption and energy requirement of the existing compressed air system of the company, to design a new compressed air system on the present and the future requirements of the company, to calculate the capital requirements and economic viability of the proposed design and to find out if the improvement of the compressed air system can generate significant savings in energy and maintenance costs as well as increase in productivity and reliability. The methodology includes the gathering of primary and secondary data through interviews, consultations with experts, plant visits, direct observations, internet and library researches. In the present compressed air system of Oerlikon Balzers Coating Phillippines Inc., the operation of compressed air system was found to have a higher cost of maintenance and higher consumption of energy. A properly designed compressed air piping with closed loop system is more efficient for the distribution of air and it minimizes the leakages. A variable speed drive compressor is most economical in the regulation performance of air compared to fixed speed (on/off) regulation. This is a reliable and efficient way for energy saving. A closed-Loop System is the economical way of reducing pressure drop from different points in the system which helps the machines to perform efficiently in terms of production. The researchers recommend converting into a closed loop system may be done to save energy and have a longer life of the piping system as well as of the machines. Besides closing the system, replacement of the old compressor into a higher efficiency compressor helps for significant savings. Install an Air Demand Analysis Program to measure the air demand system of the compressed air. Installing Variable Speed Drive Air Compressor is also ideal in the system to compensate for the excess leakage and control this costly artificial demand.