Why Ignoring Total Cost of Ownership for Oil Free Compressors Could Cost You Down The Line

While capital cost is obviously an important factor, TCO should ultimately be the driving force behind any decision to purchase a new oil free compressor system. Losing sight of this and opting for technology that doesn’t prioritise the whole life costs of equipment is a mistake that could have expensive consequences down the line.

Producing high-quality, reliable compressed air can represent up to 40 per cent or more of a plant’s electricity bill. Over time, a compressor that is reliable and energy-efficient will generate savings much larger than that made at the point of purchase, by opting for a cheaper, much less efficient model.

Here are a few ways that plant operators can improve the TCO for their oil free compressors.

Maintenance Matters

One of the most effective ways to reduce TCO is by opting for compressor solutions that are designed with longevity in mind. It’s always worth remembering that maintenance spend alone will often be greater than the initial purchase price of the system across the whole life of the equipment (Belliss compressors have an operating life of over 30 years) – so while making the current year’s budget sheet look good with an up-front cost saving may seem like the right choice, the long term impacts shouldn’t be ignored.

All wearing parts are designed for ease of maintenance, and there is no air end to replace. Factor in scheduled maintenance and an annual service for the whole system and you’re left with an installation that provides reduced downtime over the life of the compressor, long-term reliability and greater peace of mind.

Furthermore, Belliss & Morcom compressors are designed to operate for 8,000 hours between services. In short, they are built to last.

Optimising Efficiency

Energy use accounts for roughly 80 per cent of TCO over the life of a compressor. With this in mind, ensuring energy wastage is kept to an absolute minimum should be high up on the list of priorities for all operators.

For industrial applications that demand high-pressure air, making the switch to Belliss & Morcom oil free reciprocating compressors will help maximise profitability through increased efficiency and lower energy costs.

Reciprocating compressors offer up to 10 per cent lower energy consumption than comparable alternative technologies through lower specific power requirements and more efficient load and unload operations.

The double acting compressor compresses air on both the up-stroke and the down-stroke of the piston, doubling the capacity of a given cylinder. This double compression cycle makes this type of compressor extremely efficient.

Running a 250kW compressor for 8,000 hours per year will cost around £200,000, meaning reducing compressor power by one per cent will save £2,000. By moving to a double acting reciprocating piston design, the Belliss & Morcom range of oil free compressors achieves a step change of up to 10 per cent over typical industrial compressors, increasing your annual saving up to £20,000.

In addition, over 10 years the Belliss & Morcom reciprocating compressor can achieve a 33 per cent saving on TCO when compared to a typical industrial compressor.  

In Summary

Performance efficiencies can also add up to big savings when compared with alternative, less efficient technologies over the years. Therefore, the key is to always look for the most efficient innovations that can also minimise on-going maintenance requirements and unexpected breakdowns.

Belliss & Morcom 4- 15 bar oil free air compressors for industrial applications deliver superior energy efficiency, increased reliability, and a lifespan of more than 30 years. All this helps to dramatically reduce TCO.

If you have any questions about high-pressure technology and how to reduce the whole life costs of your system, please visit our product page and contact us now.