Pérdidas energéticas por efecto de las fugas en los sistemas de aire comprimido en función del diámetro del agujero, la presión y el ruido emitido

Abstract

The objective of this research was to quantify the energy losses by a test bench of compressed air, with the installation of witness plugs in it. For this experimentation, ten different diameters are used, simulating compressed air leaks in industrial systems. The data collected were subjected to normality tests, a correlation test determined the level of correspondence between the different variables. A study shows that energy losses due to compressed air leaks represent 27,42% of the total energy consumed in the year. In the country, there are currently no studies on energy efficiency in industrial plants, which justifies the importance of this study. The energy losses generated by each of the witness plugs measured through Fluke 435 series II instrument whose unit is in Kilowatts. In addition to the noise generated with Ultraprobe 15000 with its unit in Hertz, were determined. The energy losses were calculated through equations validating the experimental results. In the quantification of compressed air leaks, noise data generated in decibels is taken, whose maximum value corresponding to the 1,2 mm diameter is 90,12 Hz with a time of 1,25 hours and an energy consumption of 870 kW. Moreover, a minimum corresponding to the diameter of 0,3 mm is 73,02 Hz with a time of 7,5 hours and an energy consumption of 361 kW. It is concluded that, by increasing the diameter of the leak orifice, greater energy losses are generated; as well as higher values of noise decibels. This shows a high correlation between variables of noise generated with energy losses. It is recommended to characterize each of the equipment that integrate the test bench, avoiding the presence of leaks in joints or couplings since these would not cause real results.