Expanding a business often means growing demands on equipment, and coordinating multiple air compressors can quickly become a logistical challenge for businesses reliant on compressed air systems. Each unit requires careful management to ensure efficient operation, optimal energy use, and extended equipment life.
A Sequencing system offers a solution for managing multiple compressors efficiently. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. This blog will help you weigh the pros and cons of implementing a sequencing system, so you can decide whether a sequencing system is right for your compressed air needs.
What Is An Air Compressor Sequencing System?
An air compressor sequencing system is an advanced controls system designed to manage the operation of multiple air compressors within a connected network. It functions primarily by activating and deactivating compressors in a sequence that reduces wear and tear on equipment and maintains consistent air pressure and supply according to demand.
Rather than having all compressors running at partial load, the system selects one or a combination of compressors based on current needs, maximizing overall efficiency.
When You Might Not Need a Sequencing System
Let’s talk about when a sequencing system might not be necessary.
If your facility operates a single air compressor or uses air sporadically with low demand, a sequencing system is not recommended, as the benefits of such a system are not fully realized in this setup. In these cases, it’s more effective to focus on maintaining your current compressed air system to ensure an efficient operation.
When a Sequencing System Makes Sense
If your facility runs multiple air compressors and has a significant demand for compressed air, a sequencing system can offer considerable benefits to your operations. For example, if your compressors are constantly running or you’ve noticed an increase in energy costs, a sequencing system could enhance your operations.
Businesses that use a network of compressed air systems should consider these pros and cons:
Pros:
- Energy Efficiency: By running only the compressors you need, when you need them, you could reduce energy waste and lower energy bills.
- Extended Equipment Life: Evenly distributing the workload prevents overuse, prolonging the lifespan of each compressor.
- Optimized Performance: A sequencing system ensures your compressed air supply meets demand without lags or overproduction.
- Consistent Pressure and Supply: A sequencing system regulates fluctuations in demand, helping avoid pressure drops that could cause disruptions in manufacturing processes, or unexpected downtime.
- Improved Reliability: With a backup compressor ready to activate if one fails, production continues uninterrupted.
- Remote Monitoring: Many systems offer remote monitoring, alerting you to shutdowns, warnings, and maintenance reminders.
Cons:
- Initial Cost: Sequencing systems require an upfront investment, so budget planning is important.
- Setup: Installation and configuration usually require expert assistance. Good news is Air Handling Equipment has the experts that can help with this!
- Improper Integration: Without proper monitoring, poor installation or integration may lead to issues including short cycling, uncontrolled differential pressure, and increased wear and tear.
Gardner Denver Sequencing Systems
Air Handling Equipment represents Gardner Denver (GD) sequencing systems. Our systems are fully customizable to meet your specific needs and compressor room designs. Whether you need first in first out, last in first out, or equal hours of operation, we can provide maximum efficiency modes of operations.
Don’t have Gardner Denver compressed air systems? No worries! Our team has the expertise to install sequencing systems on GD and non-GD fixed-speed or variable-speed networks. We mainly work with the GD Connect 4 and GD Connect 12.
Making Your Decision
Deciding whether an air compressor sequencing system is right for you comes down to understanding your current and future compressed air needs. Our team at Air Handling Equipment is here to partner with you in understanding those needs and to put a plan in place that will deliver reliable and energy-efficient compressed air to your plant. We focus on providing solutions that make sense for your business. Whether you’re ready to explore a sequencing system’s benefits or have more questions, we’re happy to provide any additional information you need. Fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-736-3321 and we’ll connect you with someone from our team.
Your compressed air system can be a strategic asset, and we’re here to make sure you’re getting the most out of it. Let’s make your air compressors work smarter, not harder!
With office locations in Sidney, Loveland, and Gahanna, Air Handling Equipment has provided compressed air system solutions to the Midwestern and Southern Ohio markets since 1977. This includes proudly serving the greater Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Lima, and Findlay, Ohio areas. For questions about our selection of air compressors, call one of our locations or fill out our online contact form, and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
With office locations in Sidney, Loveland, and Gahanna, Air Handling Equipment has provided compressed air system solutions to the Midwestern and Southern Ohio markets since 1977. This includes proudly serving the greater Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Lima, and Findlay, Ohio areas. For questions about our selection of air compressors, call one of our locations or fill out our online contact form, and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
