Compressed air audit checklist

Your compressed air audit checklist should include sections for compressor performance metrics, distribution system assessment, air quality analysis, leak detection protocols, pressure measurements at critical points, energy consumption monitoring, end-use equipment evaluation, also maintenance record review. This ensures you capture all potential areas of inefficiency throughout your system.

You should conduct a comprehensive compressed air audit annually, with quarterly mini-audits focusing specifically on leak detection and basic system performance. More frequent audits may be necessary if you notice unexplained increases in energy consumption, pressure drops, or if you’ve recently modified your production processes or equipment.

To properly complete the audit, you’ll need pressure gauges or loggers for measuring system pressure at various points, an ultrasonic leak detector for identifying air leaks, power meters (kW loggers) for measuring energy consumption, flow meters to measure actual air usage, and also temperature sensors to evaluate system operating conditions.

The checklist guides you through evaluating end-use applications, helping you identify where compressed air is being used for tasks that could be performed more efficiently with alternative methods. It prompts you to look for open blowing, personal cooling, cabinet cooling, and also other applications where lower-cost energy sources like fans or blowers would be more appropriate.