Abstract
Compressed air systems, often termed the “fourth utility” in industrial plants, are significant consumers of electricity. Focusing on end use cases where conventional nozzles are replaced with engineered nozzles has potential for energy reduction in compressed air systems in the industry. Engineered nozzles leverage the Coanda effect to entrain ambient air into the airflow from the compressor, thereby reducing the compressor’s load and achieving energy savings. In this study, flow rate and force of air from conventional and engineered nozzles across various operating pressures are quantified through experimental analysis. Quantification of nozzle type on the compressed air energy usage motivates facilities to use efficient nozzles for blowoff applications. Efficient nozzles then lead to energy savings through compressed air setpoint pressure and volumetric compressed air consumption reductions. The economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to efficient nozzles for industrial blowoff applications will be seen both for the facility as well as for the grid.
