Lesson 12 - Utilities Part 2 End of Unit SAQ
This lesson allows you to test yourself on the material covered in the Utilities Part 2 unit and determine the level to which you have met the learning outcomes.
Suggested Response - Q2
*** Your brewery’s air compressor and air receiver need to be replaced. What recommendations would you make to ensure that the electrical usage and maximum demand are kept at an absolute minimum?
Response:
A screw compressor would be best, as it is more efficient than a reciprocating compressor. It is also suited for use with a variable speed drive (VSD). By installing a VSD, you can ensure the compressor can be ramped up and down and starts and stops minimised.
The larger the air receiver, the smaller the compressor has to be, as this allows for the air receiver capacity to deal with sudden fluctuations.
Overall air losses should also be minimised. This can be done by ensuring that there are no air leaks. Any equipment that is pneumatically operated, such as pumps or power tools, should ideally be replaced by electrically driven ones.
Dedicated blowers can be used for processes such as spent grain removal or pneumatic transport of grains.
It may also be possible to have several smaller compressors so that only one small one is required for use during low production times.