In heat recovery, the energy used to generate compressed air is recycled. Instead of being lost in the form of unconducted ambient heat, the energy generated is used to heat storage and operating areas or to heat water or oils. Applications include the treatment of drinking, service, heating and process water. The latter is used for industrial washing processes, for example in recycling companies for cleaning plastics or synthetic materials and in laundries. The use of heat recovery components is possible for both oil-injection-cooled and oil-free screw compressors.
At the same time as the energy expended is utilized, the energy required for cooling processes within the compressor is reduced, as the heat generated is dissipated. The investment in heat recovery components pays for itself within a few months, depending on the application. "High heating costs are forcing many companies to save gas. Our practical experience shows that heat recovery is a highly economical and efficient method of recycling existing energy," sums up Frank Hilbrink, Product Manager at Boge.