Today, more than $3.2 billion is spent annually on wasted energy. Faulty or poorly maintained compressed air systems and steam traps are a large part of this growing problem. As the most utilized utilities in thousands of plants, energy demand is high as are the inefficiencies with which these systems are inspected. Although predictive maintenance schedules are routinely performed, these programs are not often efficient and effective. Most can prove costly and ineffective since steam traps and compressed air often fail or leak in between routines – impacting production and contaminating product, while costing the plant and the environment.

This website is designed to provide you with Sound Advice – offering essential compressed air and steam trap maintenance tips and tools you can immediately execute yourself or with the assistance of expert consultants at UE Systems.

CLICK HERE for a UE Systems Energy Conservation Guide

Ensure the Health of Your Equipment and Save the Environment!

An effective compressed air and steam trap maintenance program offers several benefits ranging from improved asset availability and increased production to the significant reduction of energy consumption.

Faulty steam traps and compressed air leaks can cost your plant in product value as well. When a system is not running efficiently, it uses more energy to produce. In addition to the additional energy output and excess waste, the product may not be properly developed; causing potential contamination and irreversible damages that may ruin products as well as relationships with the end user.

Below, you will find some simple tips you can apply today to enhance your compressed air and steam trap routine.

On the left navigation bar, you can also find several resources and guides to help you calculate loss and potential savings in order to ensure your CbM program is energy efficient and incredibly productive.

	Review your compressed air system by walking the air lines, listening and looking for obvious leaks (better to hear when the plant systems are down and the areas are quiet)
	Review small sections at a time allowing you to be more efficient
	Continuously educate yourself on compressed air operations through training and support
	Design a maintenance program or plan an audit to consistently monitor the system using specialized equipment, such as ultrasonic leak detectors
	Eliminate misapplications of air such as for cooling, drying, chip removal, or parts cleaning
	Look for areas where you can replace compressed air with different alternatives
	Replace faulty equipment immediately
	Install zero-loss moisture drains in place of timer drains
	Find large leaks with soap bubbles or by feel - the "calibrated hand method"
	Reduce air pressure to the actual PSI required for the job (don't operate at 110 if 90 PSI is more than enough)
	Review areas where there may be sizing issues or fitting problems. Some areas may have excessive corrosion.
	Tag all traps. Develop a spreadsheet of suppliers, components, etc. to help analyze each facet of the trap that may be a contaminant. Have data prefixes or suffixes that correlate in the system. A simple walk through your route will enable you to set this up.
	For more information on immediate steps to reduce compressed air energy waste, click here.

Rely on Experts for Technology, Training and Support

Although there are several ways you can improve plant efficiencies today, the need for expert analysis and technology may be a necessary next step in eliminating the potential for increased energy waste and machine failure.

To the left, you will find several resources to help you improve compressed air maintenance and energy conservation. We recommend you review them all and then register to receive the Energy Conservation Guide (just fill out the form above on this page), which will provide you with detailed information on how to protect your plant from machine failure and waste as well as help you calculate current energy loss. You just may be shocked by what you find.