By tracking KPIs to strategically optimise standby and idle times, turbine rpms and more, it allows operators and managers to instantly see if their machines are using unusually high amounts of energy, find the cause and tweak the process. Over time, the running of the machine can be adapted for even better energy efficiency without negatively affecting blast results or throughput (in fact, both may be improved as a side-effect of energy reduction efforts).

Heinrich Dropmann, Senior Vice President Global Wheel at Wheelabrator, comments: "In pilot testing we saw that major savings were possible from relatively minor adjustments driven by digital process optimization.

For example, by reducing idle time by 1 hour per day, the tool was able to unlock €14,000 annually in energy cost savings for a roller-conveyor machine with eight 45kW blast wheels. Doing the same on a less powerful pass-through monorail machine with eight 15kW blast wheels still achieved a saving of €4,000 per year.

Developing digital technologies like this that unlock process efficiencies, energy savings and greater levels of productivity for our customers is a major priority for Wheelabrator. We are proud to see the impressive results and positive side-effects of addressing the energy use of blast machines head on."