Compressed Air efficiency in paper & packaging
In paper & packaging, compressed air is a major energy cost and a strong efficiency opportunity. Compressed air is one of the most expensive utilities in a plant, and most of the energy a compressor draws is lost as heat or through leaks. The fastest savings come from fixing leaks, lowering pressure to the real minimum, eliminating inappropriate uses and recovering compressor heat.
Why it matters in paper & packaging
Pulp and paper is one of the most steam-intensive industries: drying cylinders, recovery boilers, digesters and evaporators run continuously and dominate energy cost. Reliability of large rotating equipment and steady steam supply make it a strong fit for predictive maintenance and energy analytics.
Only a small fraction of a compressor's electricity ends up as useful work in the air, so every leak and unnecessary use multiplies the energy bill. Because the cost is hidden in a central compressor room, it is widely wasted — making compressed air one of the highest-return efficiency targets on most sites.
The efficiency levers
- Find and repair leaks with ultrasonic survey
- Lower system pressure to the real minimum needed
- Eliminate inappropriate uses (blowing, cooling, drying)
- Sequence and speed-control compressors to match demand
- Recover compressor heat for space or process heating
Energy-intensive equipment in paper & packaging
- Steam-heated drying cylinders
- Recovery and power boilers
- Digesters and evaporators
- Large fans, refiners and pumps
- Steam and condensate systems
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Compressed Air efficiency guide · AI & efficiency in paper & packaging · All efficiency topics