Membership

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Basic principles to agree upon.

It is virtually impossible to guarantee complete independence from brands, technologies, methods and people.  However, as TZ members we agree to act independently from manufacturers of compressors, dryers, instruments and other OEMS in the compressed air industry. Experts must follow 3 basic steps for minimizing energy use, using sustainable energy, and minimizing environmental footprint in the following order:

1.   Minimize compressed air consumption

In this step, we minimize the compressed air consumption of an existing installation without
making significant changes to the installation itself. This involves reducing leaks, lowering the system pressure to an acceptable level, and reducing inappropriate compressed air usage.

2.    Use of alternative energy sources

This step investigates whether alternative methods can be found in the production process
or the product itself for the use of compressed air. Can things be electrified?
Can an alternative medium be applied? In short, answering the question, “do we really need compressed air there?” at a detailed level. This step also involves raising awareness among personnel.

3.    Efficient use of compressed air

This final step examines the efficient generation and distribution of compressed air;
efficiency improvements in compressed air generation, smart compressor controls, blocking off unused parts, pipeline system optimization, maintenance strategies, etc., are all considered.

We also believe that we strive to work according to compressed air management principles we have defined to contain the following areas to which we will link to KPI.

RELIABILITY –  Establishing a reliable compressed air system is the key task for any compressed air manager.  Although many other aspects are important, they are secondary to reliability.

FINANCIALS – Understanding the factors that constitute the CA cost is the basis for virtually all decisions in a compressed air system.  Understanding – CA Operating cost (Total cost), CA Energy cost, Maintenance cost, Rental cost, Potential savings, SEC are fundamental for a compressed air management system.

SUSTAINABILITY – Energy and CO2 reductions, improved workplace safety, education are all part of the sustainability goals.  It is the key message in the TowardsZero concept.

VERIFICATION  –  The overwhelming majority of compressed air users all over the world share the problem of insufficient data made available. The reasons for this can be discussed but the problem is a central issue and inhibits problem identification, decisions and ultimately the verification of proposed actions.  It is therefore a key issue to resolve – identifying and establishing the appropriate KPI´s for the customers. (TEC, SSP, System power, System flow, system pressure, Air quality, Dew point, Pressure drop, Isentropic efficiency are some of the KPI`s we need to address.

TRAINING – Raising customer awareness of the compressed air issues is essentially a pre-requisite for a fruitful dialogue and progress with customers.  It is important that we facilitate the necessary training to senior management, compressed air responsible and to the staff and operators that in one way or another come into contact with compressed air.

Founding members

Wojciech Halkiewicz

Wojciech Halkiewicz boasts a profound career in the compressed air industry, spanning over 30 years. Currently, he is the owner of 7 Bar Sp. z o.o., where he has spent almost 14 years demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. Earlier, he co-founded Vector Ltd. and served as Vice President, effectively directing the company’s strategic operations.

His rich skillset in product development, sales management, and engineering is coupled with an extensive background in air audits. He has consistently driven companies towards enhanced energy efficiency and provided comprehensive solutions to complex challenges.

A milestone in his career was his significant contribution to Poland’s manufacturing sector, being part of the pioneering team that produced the country’s first screw compressors. His commitment to innovation continues to shape his success in the industry.

His technical expertise is underpinned by a solid educational background. He is a graduate of the Poznan University of Technology, where he obtained a Master of Engineering degree in Energy Systems and Devices – Flow Machines. This strong foundation has fuelled his career and facilitated his significant contributions to the industry. His enduring passion and dedication have solidified his status as a seasoned leader in the field of compressed air technology.

Daniel Winkler

Daniel Winkler is a seasoned professional in compressed air and asset management, with a well-established track record in providing e-learning solutions for companies across the Nordic region. Currently an Area Manager at CALMS Nordic AB, he oversees the introduction of the world’s most comprehensive system for compressed air and asset management to industries within the region. He is concurrently owner of LMS-Nordic AB, aiding businesses in their quest to reduce operational costs by significantly lowering compressed air consumption through targeted education and innovative solutions.

Prior to these roles, Daniel spent over a decade as the CEO of LMS-Nordic AB. His tenure saw the implementation of initiatives focused on the training of personnel and operators in the efficient use of compressed air. He pioneered strategies that led to immediate energy savings, an impressive ROI, enhanced safety, improved work environments, and moderated use of compressed air.

Before taking on the role of CEO, Daniel was the force behind the foundation and development of LEAQS, a highly-regarded, web-based leakage management program. His dedication led to the installation of multiple monitoring systems with diagnostic features across the Nordic region, improving system reliability and efficiency. He has performed numerous compressed air audits across a range of industries and sizes, further cementing his expertise in the field.

Daniel also offered his skills as the Marketing Director at Enersize, delivering services such as monitoring, measuring, leakage detection, and management of the LEAQS system.

Daniel’s formal education includes a two-year program at the prestigious IHM Business School from 1980 to 1982. His strong foundation in business, coupled with his extensive experience in the industry, has honed his skills in international sales, making him an exceptional leader in his field. His career demonstrates an unwavering commitment to promoting efficient and sustainable business practices.

Gorazd Bregar, M.Sc.

Gorazd Bregar graduated in 1995 with a degree in Process Automation from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana. In 2001, he completed his postgraduate Master’s degree in Business Informatics at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Ljubljana, specializing in computer information systems.

He is the founder of HPE d.o.o., a company focused on compressed air solutions, as well as a group of companies operating in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia. Gorazd also founded CALMS, the largest independent platform for managing compressed air and other energy utilities worldwide.

With 30 years of active involvement in the compressed air industry, Gorazd has participated in and led numerous projects constructing new compressor stations and renovating old ones with an emphasis on energy efficiency. He has also developed projects for controlling large turbo and screw compressor systems and is recently involved with energy audits. Gorazd is the author of several professional articles in the field of compressed air and a lecturer at industry seminars on the topic.

Board members

Wojciech Halkiewicz

Daniel Winkler

Gorazd Bregar

Patrick Boers

Josh  Wamser

Kiron Pande