Sustainability analysis of a compressed air system

Abstract

The scope of this study was to conduct a sustainability analysis of compressed air systems in industry. This was accomplished by evaluating the financial aspect, environmental impacts, and societal effects in the working environment of the system and to society as a whole. A literature review was carried out and three different approaches were identified in order to improve the sustainability of a compressed air system. A specific compressed air system at Toly Products Malta Ltd was investigated through power logging of the air compressors and loss analyses through leak identification and quantification exercises. These exercises were carried out using an ultrasonic leak detector and through some minor works, losses were reduced by 32 per cent. This led to the formation of several recommendations with regard to sustainable compressed air production and use and for the implementation of a compressed air monitoring system.