trends in automation

29 / 40

“It’s only by every person
being responsible that
substantive savings can
really be made.”
Gary Fuller, Training & Consulting Programme Manager, Festo
Issue 30 trends in automation
Impulse 26 – 27
Short pipe runs, correctly sized actuator /
pressure combinations, intelligent use of
vacuum etc. This doesn’t mean the
elimination of pneumatics but the best
use of pneumatics. It is a gross
simplification to think electric actuators
are more efficient than electric, they can
be, but the opposite can also often be
true, it depends upon the application.
Even where electric actuators are more
efficient, consideration still has to be
given to the payback time, if this is
excessive then it is clearly better to invest
elsewhere.
Energy transparency and control at the
point of use
In our own production plants energy
transparency and regular analysis are key.
Setting individual zone targets means
each team make proposals for
improvements and can track their
progress. Fitting intelligent flow monitors
with auto shut off in stand-by conditions
can have impressive results. Condition
monitoring pressure decay within the
system when the supply pressure is
isolated enables the clear indication of
leaks, wear and potential causes of
failure. Individual teams propose their
Take action on energy
saving now
Energy Efficiency Experience
The aim of our Managers’ Energy
Efficiency Experience that takes
place at your premises is to
establish your actual energy saving
needs in relation to air
consumption and usage in the
production areas.
See how these savings can be
made ‘sustainable’ without the
need for expensive initial outlay.
Free guide
Our ‘Energy efficiency in
compressed air systems’ guide
highlights the hidden costs
associated with compressed air and
provides practical advice on how to
lower your costs and maximise your
energy efficiency.
Visit
for useful information to help you
reduce your energy costs.
own measures and share best practise
across the plant and internationally.
In sales and marketing the acronym
A-I-D-A is frequently used to describe the
journey from Attention to Interest, Desire
and Action. For energy reduction with
compressed air a similar path has to be
followed. It cannot be tackled with a
single action or even in one dimension. It
requires a sustained, continuous effort.
Our workers in our latest Scharnhausen
factory are proud of their impressive
reductions in energy consumption. They
are motivated by their environmental
conscience and their ability to have an
impact. It starts with the drive from the
top, education and awareness. It is
sustained, through the engagement of the
team and their commitment to the goals
they set themselves.