CHEP slashes energy and emissions on new air approach 20 March 2013

Pallet and container services giant CHEP has achieved massive savings since installing energy-efficient Atlas Copco compressors at its pallet production and repair sites in the UK.

Savings since installation have been measured at more than 1,000 tonnes of CO2, according to Simon Wood, plant manager at CHEP's Pontefract Service Centre and manager for the project.

CHEP has a network of service centres across the UK where pallets are returned, inspected and repaired before being reissued, seven of which now have Atlas Copco equipment.

Duties include generating 8—9 bar air to transport the pallets around the process, as well as providing for air-driven nail guns on each repair bench and an average of 20 benches at each site.

Together, these installations have helped to optimise the compressed air systems at all sites, as well as eliminating air leaks, says Wood.

To justify the project, however, Atlas Copco's Manchester-based distributor Compressor Engineering installed iiTrak datalogger units. This proved that by installing more energy-efficient compressors, backed by planned, preventive maintenance, optimum performance could be achieved, along with reduced energy costs and carbon savings.

That finding led initially to Atlas Copco GA-series rotary screw compressors with variable speed drive (VSD) technology being installed at five of CHEP's sites at the end of 2011, while existing units were transferred between the remaining two.

"The service and 'leaving no stone unturned' approach from Atlas Copco has been incredibly thorough and the performance that the machines have delivered has contributed to our sustainability objectives across the business," comments Wood.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Atlas Copco Compressors

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