ABB app reveals compressed air energy savings 15 January 2013

Users of pneumatic valve positioners can now assess the energy efficiency of their valve installations with ABB's compressed air calculator app for the Apple iPhone and iPad.

Jo Kirkbride, ABB's product manager for actuator and positioning products, explains that, based on the amount of compressed air consumed by conventional positioners, the app shows how the latest smart positioner technology can reduce energy costs.

Technicians are shown the parameters needed and are then prompted to enter the number of pneumatic positioners on site, air cost per standard cubic foot and the percentage of time spent at a steady state.

Costs are then compared to the potential savings that could be achieved using ABB's TZID-C and EDP300 intelligent positioners.

"At present there is no other app on the market that can show positioner users the significant energy savings that can be made by using smarter technology," comments Kirkbride.

"Conventional valve positioners can typically consume compressed air even when not in operation… Many sites could be racking up thousands of pounds in wasted energy," he adds.

Indeed, Kirkbride argues that a positioner which spends 50% of its operational time in the steady state can waste as much as £2,106.78 per year (assuming a compressed air cost of 1p per scfm).

Replacing this positioner with a smart positioner could save between £500 and £1,200 per year per positioned, through reduced compressed air consumption alone.

Brian Tinham

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