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Over the past decades, the industrial sector has been trying to improve the use of resources and the environmental impact they create. Significant work has been done in compressed air systems. However, there is still much room for improvement. The focus of this study is on a new approach to energy efficient compressed air filtration. This approach involves the installation of different filter configurations that enable a lower pressure drop, instead of the conventionally selected filter. The goal is to reduce the pressure drop, while maintaining the same level of air quality. Pressure drop and compressed air quality are taken as key performance indicators that assess the efficiency and sustainability of compressed air system. It has been experimentally proven that compressed air quality classes remain the same for filters with the same grade of filtration, regardless of the number, type, and way of their installation. However, there is a small difference in the case of particulate and coalescing filters. This environmentally friendlier approach provides a win-win situation. The pressure drop is reduced, costs are also reduced, the system operates continuously and more reliably, and the process is more sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental setup called pneumatic circular manipulator. The manipulator represents a modular setup that can be adapted for the new testing by simple transformations. It is intended to be used for testing various types of pneumatic control and energy efficiency of pneumatic control systems. The manipulator is primarily designed for students and their lectures. Since it has the possibility for remote control over the Internet, due to its modularity, it can be very interesting for researchers and employees in industry. The existing version of the manipulator allows visual monitoring of the working cycle and familiarization with the basics of pneumatic control and motion control for users. By future upgrade, the manipulator will become a setup that will provide feedback on the consumption of compressed air, analysis of the type of control, cost-effectiveness analysis, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents practical experiences of savings within compressed air systems with special attention to the compressed air end uses, particularly in pneumatic control systems. Firstly, the systematic approach to energy savings is presented. Secondly, various energy-saving measures, encompassing system analysis and harmonization of production and consumption, minimisation of losses (leak prevention strategy, identification and quantification of leakages), possibilities for reducing pressure drop on filters, and three methods for optimization of pneumatic control: by-pass control, PWM control, and usage of exhaust air have been reviewed. Finally, energy conservation of a complex robotic cell with installed electric and pneumatic devices is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]