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Assigning Cost to Compressed AirAssigning Cost to Compressed Air

By SDT North America

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Controllable Costs

Compressed air is:• A controllable utility• An expensive form of

energy• 75% energy cost• 13% capital cost• 12% maintenance cost • 20-30% wasted by leaks

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Finding Leaks

• Ultrasonic detectors– Dept of Energy– Find leaks– Directional– High noise– Leak intensity

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How Much?

Cost Per YearSize

$ 8,382.001/4”

$ 2,095.001/8”

$ 523.001/16”

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Air Leak Cost Calculator

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For best results follow these recommendations

Data Input: Green Cells are designated for data entry. The more precise data you provide the more accurate your calculator will be

Begin with the first worksheet called “Compression Cost”

There are two ways to use the calculatorWorksheet 2 “air lost per orifice”

Worksheet 3&4 “costing using dBµV”

Worksheet 5 “Total Leak Cost” must be done only when the plant is in shut down and real air demand is zero.

Recommendations

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Using the Calculator Step-by-Step

1

4

2

3

Using the Calculator

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Step 1 – Calculate your total air cost

Where to find the information

Motor HPVolumetric capacityMotor efficiency

Operational hours

Energy cost

Compressordata sheets

Compressorroom logos

Accountingdepartment

1

Using the Calculator

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Step 2 – Calculating based on leak size

Where to find the information

Orifice diameter

Air Pressure

Wire gauge

Gauge in pipe

2

Using the Calculator

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Step 3 - Calculating based on dBµV

Where to find the information

Intensity in dBµVScreen readoutUltrawave 170 Digital

3

Using the Calculator

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Step 4 – Calculating on charge time

Where to find the information

Charging and discharging

time

Compressorroom - timer

4

Using the Calculator

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Thank you for using the SDT Compressed Air Leak Calculator

There are many resources available to keep your ultrasonic air leak program running effectively.

Please visit our website to learn more

www.sdtnorthamerica.com

1-800-667-LEAK (5325)

More Resources