Champion Compressors has introduced an essential tool to assess compressed-air system performance—AirMetrix System Assessment. This measurement and analysis tool can help industry identify areas of waste in compressed-air systems, and facilitates the implementation of targeted improvement measures.
AirMetrix can thus assist the user to reduce operating costs associated with compressed-air processes, and enhance environmental performance as a result. The AirMetrix auditing tool comprises Champion’s LogAir data-logging hardware, a SystemWizard software component that provides a full life-cycle evaluation of the compressed-air installation, plus SysteMate—a measurement system that collects real-time accurate system performance data. Using a ‘true kW power meter’ with the ability to correct for power factor and voltage, AirMetrix eliminates the inaccuracies associated with simple Amp meter current measurement—commonplace in many auditing tools.
According to Champion Compressors Industrial and Engineered Projects Specialist, Quentin St Baker, AirMetrix provides a holistic means of assessing the entire compressed-air system. “AirMetrix is not just a current logger, and it has a great deal more functionality than simply being a means to size a compressor,” he said. “As well as conducting direct measurements with accuracy, AirMetrix performs complex calculations that provide useful and meaningful data, which can be utilised to make real savings. It’s a tool that can save energy across the entire plant-floor.”
AirMetrix can build a virtual picture of the whole compressed-air system by taking measurements at key points around the site. In addition to power and flow measurements, the LogAir hardware can also test a number of other critical parameters—including pressure, ambient temperature and dew point. Such measurement combinations enable a complete evaluation of the compressed-air system and/or its components, and identify specific areas in which greater efficiencies can be realised.