Natural Gas

Natural Gas Driven Air Compressor System

Installing a Natural Gas Driven Air Compressor is a Smart Business Decision
Operating your plant’s compressed air system is an expensive proposition. An electric air compressor can account for as much as 30% of an industrial facility’s total electric bill. Switching from an electric powered air compressor to a natural gas engine driven system can reduce the energy costs associated with compressed air production by $50,000 per year or more.

Natural Gas is Plentiful and Economical
Tremendous savings can be realized by switching from an electric motor driven air compressor to natural gas engine driven compressors because of the difference in fuel and maintenance costs. Natural gas is considerably cheaper than electricity on a BTU-basis. Natural gas driven engines can produce power for as little as 1/3 the cost of an equivalent electric system in some regions.

In addition, natural gas driven engines operate efficiency at part load. Industry surveys show that most plant compressors generally operate at 60-70% of full capacity. But, even at 70% of operating capacity, a typical throttled inlet, motor-driven rotary screw compressor still uses 93% of its full load horsepower. Over time, a huge amount of energy is wasted.

Natural gas driven engines are equipped for variable speed operation, which minimizes this energy waste. When an engine driven compressor is operated at less than full capacity, it simply uses less fuel. There is no wasteful inlet throttling required. In addition, slower speeds extend equipment life.

Added Benefits Can Improve Your Bottom Line
Not only does a natural gas engine reduce the cost of producing compressed air, but it can provide other cost cutting benefits. For example, natural gas driven engines produce significant amounts of heat. Much of this heat can be recovered and used to preheat boiler feed water, for space heating, or other processes requiring hot water. By preheating water, you reduce the cost of bringing it up to the required operating temperature. Other examples of where the heat can use used includes adsorption chillers and regenerative desiccant dryers.

A Risk-Free Investment
Scales has developed a construction and financing package allowing your company to enjoy the cost cutting benefits of a natural gas engine driven air compressor system without any financial risk. When you invest in a Scales natural gas driven air compressor system, we make the following warranties:

  • Your system will be installed on time and on budget... guaranteed
  • Your new system will meet an agreed upon performance level... guaranteed
  • Your operating savings will pay for the improvements... guaranteed

And when you factor in utility company rebates available for energy efficient equipment, the payback period is even shorter. Call us with your application requirements.