Keep up with compressed air
Compressed air systems are prevalent in industrial applications, large and small. Whether you want to upgrade to a more efficient system or component or optimize the ones you have, a variety of new technologies are at your disposal.
Advanced compressors
A new oil-injected screw-compressor design promotes energy efficiency and prolongs electrical component life. Atlas Copco’s new GA VSD range has a dedicated variable speed drive motorthat matches output to demand and avoids compressor idling time. It has a “cool canopy,†single-ducting design that lowers temperatures at the element outlet and draws in less conductive dust. It also leverages IE3/NEMA premium efficiency motors.
“Our new GA VSD compressor can deliver up to of 35% energy savings, which, over the life of a compressor, yields tremendous savings that often provide a return on the initial capital investment in just a few years,†says Paul Humphreys, vice president of communications for Atlas Copco Compressors (www.atlascopco.us).
For small horsepower applications, Gardner Denver (www.gardnerdenverproducts.com) recently introduced new fixed and variable speed rotary-screw air compressor offerings, the Apex andApex VS Series. Both the Apex and Apex VS Series utilize an Enduro airend operated by anAirSmart microprocessor controller, allowing for a plug-and-play compressed air system. Tank and dryer selections can be tailored to the system’s needs.
"From the easy-to-use AirSmart controller to the stainless steel braided hoses, the Apex and Apex VS series are differentiated when it comes to features in small horsepower rotary screw air compressors," says Drew Hoffman, product specialist for Gardner Denver.
Compressed air monitoring
Tools that monitor compressed-air consumption and identify leaks and inefficient air products have great savings potential. Exair’s new USB data logger can be used with the company’s digital flowmeter to maintain a measurement history, which can be transferred to a computer for viewing on included software, or imported into Excel. The USB data logger can be configured to recordflow rates ranging from once per second up to once every 12 hours.