Makes reducing AIRLEAKAGES sense ?

Of course it always makes sense to reduce Airleakages !  However, in this case, reducing the airleakages would only result in more BLOW-OFF of the Centrifugals.

This installation is equiped with Centrifugals (6x700HP).  During the night and during the weekend, a 100M3/min is produced of which 50m3/min is leaking.  Reducing the leakage down to 20M3/min would provide a substantial energy saving.  However, one centrifugal would only blow-off that recovered Airleak.  

By adding on 50M3/min Double acting reciprocating Oil-free compressor which is super efficient in full load and part-load, the energy saving of reducing the airleakage and energy efficiency at full load can be realised !

PS.  Reducing the airleak to zero is of course the target, but is only possible after the maintenance intervention.  As time passes, the airleakages starts to increase again.  A continuous maintenance schedule needs to keep the airleakages in a factory to a low acceptable level.