Quincy Compressor
Quincy, Illinois
Intern: Amanda Metz
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Quincy Compressor manufactures compressed air systems and vacuum pumps. The
company has been in operation since 1920 and has been located at its current
facility in Quincy, Illinois, since 1966.
The intern focused on the facility’s lighting system, powder coating
washer, and air compressor lines.
Results:
The intern identified several lighting upgrades to improve energy efficiency,
with savings totaling over $38,000 a year. The cumulative payback period, including
utility rebates, would be less than 2 years. The recommended upgrades included:
- Replace
the metal halide lights in the production area with T8 fluorescent fixtures
and electronic ballasts.
- Install motion sensors in the north
warehouse.
- Replace the office lighting with T8 fluorescent fixtures.
- Convert
exit signs to LED technology.
The intern recommended several changes to improve the powder coating 5-stage
wash system. These changes included:
- Institute a counter-current flow
scheme.
- Install a sensor to
shut the system off when the line is sitting idle for an extended period
of time.
- Install a conductivity control system to reduce the facility’s
water consumption. Based on preliminary analysis, water consumption could
be reduced by as much as 80%, saving the facility thousands of dollars annually.
Both the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center and a cleaning chemical supplier
have been contacted for further assistance in implementing this project.
The intern recommended that air leaks in the air compressor line be repaired.
Rebates from Ameren Utilities would be available to help fund this project.
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