Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) is a leader and global supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable metal beverage cans. AMP’s products are distributed across Europe, North America, and Brazil. AMP utilizes vacuum pumps for multiple processes throughout their Fairfield, CA facility. Consistent and reliable response to vacuum demand by vacuum pumps is critical to production, but often comes at the expense of high energy usage and maintenance requirements. In response to these needs, AMP pursued upgrading their existing vacuum pump equipment/system with an engineered system utilizing high-efficiency equipment. Further, AMP needed the support of third-party resources to evaluate and quantify the energy impacts of this transition as well as financial assistance to justify the project. The project involved replacing (2) 100 HP fixed speed vacuum pumps with (2) 100 HP high efficiency rotary screw vacuum pumps with integrated variable speed drives rated at 2,636 cfm each. DCE facilitated the incentive application process through AMP’s local utility provider, PG&E and their Third-party Implementer, Cascade Energy.  As a result of the higher specific energy of the vacuum pumps (cfm/HP), the vacuum load is met by the three variable speed vacuum pumps, saving a significant amount of energy, especially during part-load conditions. The 200 HP fixed speed vacuum pump is no longer needed for normal daily operation and is used strictly as a backup.

The DCE project team developed a comprehensive feasibility study and navigated the customer through the complex customized utility incentive program.