ASME EA-4

Description / Abstract: This Standard covers compressed air systems, which are defined as a group of subsystems comprised of integrated sets of components, including air compressors, treatment equipment, controls, piping, pneumatic tools, pneumatically powered machinery, and process applications utilizing compressed air. The objective is consistent, reliable, and efficient delivery of energy to manufacturing equipment and processes.

The compressed air system can be considered as three functional subsystems.

supply: conversion of primary energy resource to compressed air energy. The supply subsystem includes generation, treatment, primary storage, piping, controls, performance measurement equipment, and reporting systems.

transmission: movement of compressed air energy from where it is generated to where it is used. The transmission subsystem includes distribution piping mainline and branch headers, piping drops, secondary storage, treatment, transmission controls, performance measurement equipment, and reporting systems.

demand: the total of all compressed air consumers, including productive end use applications and various forms of compressed air waste. The demand subsystem includes all end uses, point-of-use piping, secondary storage, treatment, point-of-use controls, performance measurement equipment, and reporting systems.

This Standard sets requirements for conducting and reporting the results of a compressed air system energy assessment (hereafter referenced as an "assessment") that considers the entire system, from energy inputs to the work performed as the result of these inputs. An assessment complying with this Standard does not need to address each individual system component or subsystem within an industrial facility with equal weight; however, it must be sufficiently comprehensive to identify the major energy efficiency opportunities for improving the overall energy performance of the system. This Standard is designed to be applied primarily at industrial facilities, but many of the concepts can be used in other facilities, such as those in the institutional and commercial sectors.

Assessments involve collecting and analyzing system design, operation, energy use, and performance data and identifying energy performance improvement opportunities for system optimization. An assessment may also include additional information, such as recommendations for improving resource utilization, reducing per unit production cost, reducing lifecycle costs, and improving environmental performance related to the assessed system(s). Assessment activities include, but are not limited to, engaging facility personnel and providing information about the assessment process; collecting and analyzing data on system design, operation, energy use, and performance; identifying energy performance improvement opportunities; and making recommendations for system improvement and implementation in a written report. This report should document system design; quantify energy operation and performance data; document the assessment process; show results, recommendations, and energy savings projections; and improve facility personnel's understanding of system energy use and operation.

This Standard sets requirements for

(a) organizing and conducting a compressed air system assessment

(b) analyzing the data from the assessment

(c) reporting and documentation of assessment findings

When contracting for assessment services, plant personnel may use the Standard to define and communicate their desired scope of assessment activity to third party contractors or consultants