ROWI Optimises Energy and Heat Management in Industrial Blasting Operations with ELGi

27 Feb 2024

EG Series air compressors with heat recovery enable energy savings and operational reliability.

Waterloo, Belgium, 27 February 2024: ROWI, a Dutch leader in metal conservation and blasting, has enhanced energy savings and eliminated downtime at its facility in Baak, the Netherlands, with the installation of three new ELGi EG Series air compressors. The upgraded compressed air system now includes one EG45V with variable speed drive, two fixed speed EG45 compressors, and an ELGi Heat Recovery System (HRS). This installation has enabled ROWI to significantly reduce energy consumption, secure continuity of operations, and reuse waste heat from the compressors to heat their production spaces.

The standout feature of ROWI’s facility is a robotic-powered blasting room over 25 meters long, which enables the refurbishment of large metal components e.g., from ships. In addition to metal conservation, ROWI excels in large-scale blasting projects, such as roads and airport runways, facilitated by their fleet of large-capacity trucks capable of covering many square meters of blasting. ROWI, with over 45 years of experience in industrial blasting, also develops specialised blasting machines tailored for both in-house and client projects. ROWI's blasting operations are powered by compressed air. That is why, when selecting a compressed air partner, the company's key considerations were identifying a reliable, sustainable, and energy-efficient compressed air solution to power its blasting services activities.

Alphons de Beer, Commercial Leader at ROWI stated: "Our introduction to ELGi's products came through our service provider and ELGi's channel partner in the Netherlands, Promotech. The installation occurred in 2022, and the system's reliability has been exceptional. Beyond routine maintenance, we've encountered no compressor breakdowns or issues. For us, this speaks for itself. The compressors do what we expected them to do—working reliably, efficiently, and with exemplary service provided by Promotech."

Reliable and sustainable use of energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of ROWI's operations and is closely aligned with their commitment to sustainable business practices. The ELGi Heat Recovery System integrated with the compressed air system utilises the waste heat produced by the compressors and allows ROWI to operate the underfloor heating system and warm their production halls. Consequently, ROWI has ceased utilising any heat sources other than the waste heat produced by the compressors.

"Energy consumption is a critical consideration for us. In the Netherlands, managing energy consumption and the current peak drawn from the power grid is crucial for operational efficiency and avoiding fines from energy companies,“ de Beer added. “When selecting the compressors, we evaluated not only their energy efficiency but also their contribution to increased sustainability. ELGi’s heat recovery capabilities allow us to optimise our energy use and contribute to more environmentally friendly operations."

Nils Blanchard, Regional Manager for Benelux, and France at ELGi, emphasised that: “At ELGi, we focus on pushing the limits regarding efficiency and reliability, thereby minimising the life cycle cost and environmental impact of our customer's operations. The EG Series represents one of the market's most efficient oil-lubricated compressor lines, tailored to meet the stringent requirements for reliability and efficiency across various industries and applications. Leveraging the HRS feature, customers like ROWI can benefit from a high return on investment, immediate cost savings, and, more importantly, carbon emission reductions, helping to lower the company's net carbon footprint.”

The ELGi EG Series sets new standards in air compressors, offering leading energy efficiency to significant cost savings in both operation and maintenance. The EG Series oil-lubricated screw air compressor technology stands out with one of the industry's lowest oil carryover of less than 1ppm, ensuring cleaner, more environmentally friendly operation. ELGi reinforces the reliability of the units with a best-in-class warranty program: 10 years warranty on ELGi’s airend without a limitation on running hours, 5 years on the rest of the compressor, 3 years on the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and 1 year on electrical and rubber parts.*

Additionally, the EG Series units are equipped with ELGi’s Neuron control system for comprehensive controlling, monitoring and reporting. Designed to perform optimally in conditions up to 50°C and pressure versions up to 12.5 barg, the ELGi EG Series represents a good blend of efficiency, reliability, and technological advancement for businesses seeking a high-performance air compressor solution.

Learn more about ELGi’s EG Series products here.

*Terms & Conditions apply.

About ELGi

ELGi Compressors is a global air compressor manufacturer with operations in nearly all European countries with a broad line of innovative and technologically superior compressed air systems. ELGi has consistently worked towards ensuring that its customers achieve their productivity goals while keeping the cost of ownership low. ELGi offers a complete range of compressed air solutions from oil-lubricated and oil-free rotary screw compressors and oil-lubricated reciprocating compressors, to dryers, filters, and downstream accessories. The company’s portfolio of over 400 products has found wide applications across industries. For further information on the organisation and its products, please visit https://www.elgi.com/eu.