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Food and beverage processing applications are some of the largest users of compressed air, and a significant portion of the energy used to compress air in processing plants is wasted due to inefficient compressor controls.

Consider the Gatorade plant in Tolleson, Arizona. At 797,000 square feet, this plant is the largest producer of Gatorade and Propel in the world, and the use of compressed air is integral to its bottling process.

After undergoing an independent compressed air analysis, several issues were identified with the plant’s compressed air system. The plant had seven compressors in two locations, but no monitoring was in place to observe system-wide pressure. To ensure adequate air supply under all conditions, the compressors were operated at higher pressure than necessary, regardless of production requirements. “We suspected that energy was being wasted, but we didn’t know how much,” said Tom Schaefer, Principal Engineer – Resource Conservation for PepsiCo Gatorade.

Click here to read the full article in the October issue of Processing Magazine.

For plants that want to reduce energy costs and increase productivity, Pneu-Logic Corporation, based in Portland, Ore., offers products with innovative, patented Airgonomic™ technology that cut air compressor energy use, increase system performance, and reduce system maintenance costs. Pneu-Logic customers can save between 15 and 30 percent on their compressed air costs and drive sustainability initiatives in industrial markets around the globe. To promote best practices, Pneu-Logic also offers best-in-class compressed air engineering services and assessments for customers in all industries. Pneu-Logic and its authorized resellers have sales offices and operations located worldwide. More information is available by calling (866) 348-5669 or by visiting the Web site: www.pneulogic.com

Press contact:  Bob Patterson, MKTX, Inc., +1 503-646-6589, bobp@mktx.com