CHEP reduces carbon emissions with new compressors

Installing energy-efficient Atlas Copco compressors at its pallet production and repair sites in the UK has helped CHEP save more than 1000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Seven of CHEP’s service centre facilities have installed Atlas Copco equipment, including 8-9 bar compressed air, which is used to transport the wooden pallets around the inspection and repair process. There are also two air-drive nail guns on each repair bench and an average of 20 benches at each site. Together, these installations have helped optimise the compressed air system used in all sites as well as eliminate air leaks.

Acting on its commitment to minimise its energy demand and carbon footprint, CHEP’s UK site managers undertook an 18-month review of energy efficiency and CO₂ emissions at the company’s plants. The review included monitoring and assessment of compressor system efficiency at the seven service centre sites.

As part of this energy consumption and performance audit, Atlas Copco’s Manchester-based distributor, Compressor Engineering, installed iiTrak data-logger units for a specific period at each compressor installation. From this data, the conclusion was reached that by installing more energy-efficient compressors, backed by a program of planned, preventative maintenance, optimum performance could be achieved, along with reduced energy costs and increased carbon savings.

At the end of 2011, CHEP installed a number of new Atlas Copco GA-series rotary screw compressors at five of its sites and transferred other existing units between the company’s remaining two sites. All of the Atlas Copco machines installed featured variable speed drive (VSD) technology that matches compressor output to fluctuating demand - with the potential to realise consequent energy savings in the region of 35%.

CHEP also chose to support the new VSD compressors and the existing machines with an Atlas Copco Comfort Air service and maintenance package handled by Compressor Engineering.

“Our relationship with Atlas Copco in the UK is fantastic, and the whole project has been a resounding success,” said Simon Wood, plant manager at CHEP’s Pontefract Service Centre, who managed the project.