INDUSTRIAL AIR SYSTEM CONTROLS

Plant ventilation and air system control panels are critical to maintaining system performance, regulatory compliance, and safe operating procedures in industrial manufacturing.

Standard Control Panel vs VFD

The manufacturing industry uses two types of control panels with their equipment systems: standard panels and VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) panels.

A standard control panel is a basic electrical panel equipped with switches, indicators, and relays designed to easily turn a motor on or off.

A VFD control panel not only starts and stops a motor but also regulates its speed by modifying the frequency of the power it receives. This enables more precise control and can lead to considerable energy savings.

STANDARD VS VFD CONTROL PANELS: KEY DIFFERENCES

Functionality:

• • A standard control panel typically offers just basic on/off functionality, whereas a VFD control panel allows for adjustable motor speed tailored to application requirements. It often includes features such as ramping up and down, torque control, and feedback mechanisms.

Complexity:

• • A standard control panel generally features a simpler design with fewer components, whereas a VFD control panel incorporates advanced electronics to regulate the variable frequency output, often equipped with a user interface for making parameter adjustments.

Energy Efficiency:

• • A VFD can considerably decrease energy usage by accurately regulating motor speed, especially when compared to a conventional control panel that operates with a fixed-speed motor.

While a VFD costs more up front, the energy savings and ability to manage motor speeds dynamically are well worth it for many applications!

How do System Controls work with Plant Ventilation?

The job of any industrial ventilation system is to move stale, dirty air out of the building and bring clean, fresh air in. This is generally done using centrifugal fans that are carefully selected and strategically located throughout the plant.

This airflow must be monitored on several levels, depending on what your plant is manufacturing or processing. Whether it’s humidity levels, the amount of dust particulates in the air, or temperature control, system controls are what enable you to track these closely at all times and keep the numbers exactly where you want them, with sensors in place to alert you if things shift out of the desired range.

HOW WE HELP

As a company that has worked in the business of industrial air movement for 20+ years, we bring vast industry knowledge to the table when setting up system controls for your plant ventilation systems. Our solutions are customized to your needs in process air, air filtration, dust collection, mist collection, and general ventilation equipment.

When you work with 3B Air Systems, this is what you can expect:

• • A site visit from us to get to know your equipment and ensure the right system controls for the job
  • Complete design, supply, and installation of the system controls
  • Help with optimizing your operations
  • Assistance with maximizing equipment ROI

Big equipment systems and manufacturing investments depend on good system controls to operate effectively, reliably, and safely. Our team of experts are happy to work with you on your next job. Contact us today!