Evaluation Confirms Effectiveness of Compressed Air Challenge Training

August 12, 2004

The Compressed Air Challenge (CAC) Training Program provides plant personnel and compressed air system vendors with the knowledge and tools to improve energy efficiency and performance of compressed air systems.

A CAC training workshop, Fundamentals of Compressed Air Systems, really works and motivates attendees to improve their compressed air systems, according to XENERGY, Inc., which conducted an independent evaluation. Interviews conducted with 100 end-users as well as 100 compressed air system vendors and consulting engineers, revealed the following key findings.

The training has successfully attracted attendance by plant managers and technical staff, as well as compressed air distributors and consulting engineers. More than 6,000 people have participated in CAC training since 1998.
Training attendees found the sessions to be both useful and high quality.
Of end-users who took the training, 76% made significant capital and/or operating improvements to their compressed air system after attending.
End-users who implemented compressed air system efficiency measures achieved significant levels of energy savings. Program savings through May 2001 are estimated to be $5.73 million per year.
The CAC training is cost-effective. The value of energy savings when compared to program costs yields a cost-benefit ratio of $82 for each training dollar spent.
Three-quarters of end-users who implemented compressed air system efficiency measures experienced other important benefits such as reduced downtime, reduced moisture and contamination in system air, and more consistent pressure.
The training increased vendors' offerings of efficient technology and increased the vendors' application of training materials.

Because this systems training is effective, CAC would like to provide it to many more compressed air system operators and supervisors. CAC is looking at ways to bring the training directly into the plant, including offering the Fundamentals of Compressed Air Systems as interactive, web-based training. Your input would be appreciated. Would this investment be helpful to plant personnel? Please express your opinion on web-based training and learn about new publications to help you improve the operation of your compressed air system. Contact CAC or the CAC training coordinator Pat Vasquez.