Scrappage Scheme Targets Compressed Air Systems

Atlas Copco Compressors has launched a scrappage scheme for compressed air systems, offering GBP2,000 towards the cost of new equipment. With the Atlas Copco Compressors Scrappage Scheme, any compressor that is five years old or more, regardless of model or manufacturer, could be worth up to GBP2,000 against the purchase of new Atlas Copco compressed air equipment.

Those interested in participating in the scheme are invited to contact the company for an estimate of the trade-in value of existing equipment, with the reminder that the larger the capacity of the traded-in compressor, the better its scrap value. The scrappage scheme offer closes on 30 June 2010.

Gas Mixer Provides Synthetic Air For Medical Use

Witt has launched a next-generation synthetic air-gas mixer for medical applications. Medical applications require high-purity air as natural ambient air includes impurities such as dust, germs, viruses, oxides and, at worst, toxic particles that could adversely affect the care of the patient. As an alternative to the common use of compressors, Witt mixers can be used for the sustained, reliable production of synthetic air.

Using a mixture of pure oxygen and nitrogen with a similar composition to the atmosphere, hospitals and other medical facilities can achieve a high air-purity level for the protection of their patients. This gas mixer offers safe operation using a touch screen, low investment and maintenance costs, easy integration into existing systems and a low energy demand.

It meets all the required standards regarding construction, material and manufacture and all components have built-in safety features to ensure full functionality, even when external factors such as barometric pressure compensation could influence its working. Using two independent gas analysers guarantees the correct combination of oxygen and nitrogen, according to the company. The mixing precision of this new gas mixer is better than +/- 1 per cent and it can be connected via Ethernet to a network and other systems.

Particle-Into-Liquid Sampler Assesses Air Quality

The Particle-Into-Liquid Sampler (Pils) from Metrohm UK is said to be an effective way of producing real-time measurements for assessing air quality. The Pils system can measure particulate pollutants several times an hour and when used in combination with a Metrohm ion chromatography system, inorganic ions such as ammonium, nitrate, sulphate and chloride can be detected and quantified with a cycle time between five and 20 minutes depending upon application.

The Pils system uses small quantities of steam to form water droplets on individual aerosol particles. The water droplets containing the dissolved aerosols can then be captured and analysed by ion chromatography. The instrument can be operated unattended for up to 20 days depending upon the volume of reagents and size of denuder and can take samples every five minutes. The current method used for analysing airborne particulates is filter sampling.

The filters collect the aerosol particles usually over a 24-hour period and the results are reported as daily averages. High time resolution means more information can be gathered and trends and cycles can be observed. Applications where the Pils system can be used include indoor air quality monitoring, ambient air quality monitoring, tunnel monitoring, waste transfer and landfill site monitoring, stack emissions monitoring, and emission protection for employees.

Metrohm UK offers a direct online on-site analysis using well-established techniques and no manual sample preparation is needed. In combination with an ion chromatograph it is possible to determine the following species: cations (Na+, NH4+, K+, Ca++, Mg++), anions (Cl-, NO3-, NO2-, SO4--), organic acids (acetate, formate, oxalate), LOD (depending on ion) from 5-100 ng/m3. Full installation and training by a Metrohm applications chemist is included in the price of the system.

Flowmeter Ideal For Air Leakage Detection

Endress+Hauser has launched the ATT12A thermal air flowmeter, designed for compressed air applications. The ATT12A airflow trend meter is said to be ideal for use in air distribution, compressed air monitoring and air leakage detection.

The meter features an IP66 stainless-steel housing and all-stainless-steel construction. It can be installed in any location. Covering a range of line sizes and flow rates, the ATT12A t-trend can achieve substantial savings by monitoring compressed air usage and leakage, according to Endress+Hauser.

It features a push-button function offering user-friendly menu navigation and device configuration. Its illuminated LED switch point flashes in the event of any programming failure, meaning users are informed of the error immediately. The LCD display allows simple programming of the device through a guided menu and shows the measured values as well as the percentage of maximum flow rate and error codes providing information about the current status.

Airsaver Unit Automatically Controls Air Supply

The Airsaver control unit developed by Beckair is a compressed air control device designed to switch off the air supply when it is not needed. Any waste of compressed air is eliminated, which lowers energy consumption and cost.

It has timed functions that combine to give 'supply on demand' operation. The air supply stops when a gap occurs in the containers on a conveyor or when a container stops in front of the sensor. The stop signal can be delayed to allow the last container to pass through a machine by means of an adjustable timer.

The Airsaver can be used with a variety of sensors. Startup is instantaneous once a moving object is sensed again. One Airsaver unit can operate up to three valves. The sensor unit operates from a 24V DC supply and a power supply can be provided with options for both 110V and 230V AC. Payback time is typically within two to three months of use. It can be mounted onto existing installations and is protected to IP65, so it can be used in most environments.

Clustajet Ventilators Extract Contaminated Air

The Clustajet ventilator range from Beckair has no moving parts and no electricity is required, leaving it maintenance free and safe to use in damp and wet locations. Clustajet ventilators are motorless and bladeless fans operated by compressed air utilising Beckair's Ringjet technology to create a robust, high-performance ventilator. A Clustajet uses numerous Ringjets (bladeless and motorless fans) situated within a resilient steel casing.

They are designed to generate a high velocity jet effect. The Beckair Clustajet is lighter in weight while its size is smaller than an equivalent electric fan. Applications for Beckair Clustajets include extraction, ventilating and cooling. Clustajets extract welding fumes, solvent vapours and dust. They are able to ventilate confined spaces, tanks, sewers and tunnels. Clustajets also have the ability to provide a cool, high volume stream of air suitable for cooling components, pipe work, and processes and drying.

They are suitable for use in hazardous areas as they are certified as Atex exempt. Long distances can be covered by positioning many Clustajet units in series along the ductwork or by using a flexible hose. Clustajets can be joined in series by rigid or flexible hosing connected to either end of the main body.

The ventilators can be used in industries such as welding, shipbuilding, construction and utilities. Beckair recommends Clustajets to be used as a form of ventilation for confined spaces by extracting dangerous contaminated air in the working area and allowing fresh air to flow from a Clustajet by natural means via standard-size flexible hoses. For direct venting or tanks, flanged versions are available.

SMC Launches Clean Air Module

SMC has introduced its Series LLB clean air module, which is available in 23 various options. The LLB modules can combine a number of components such as a digital flow switch, a regulator, a regulator and pressure outlet port, an on/off valve, a restrictor and a filter. This modular approach offers space and installation time savings, plus removes the need to select and purchase individual components for a specific application.

With a nominal filtration rating of 0.01mm, the LLB is grease-free - for fluid contact space - and its cleanroom assembly and double packaging meet Clean class 10 accreditation. Designed for use with clean air or N2 gas, the LLB is available in flow range options of five to 100l/min (ANR) or 100 to 500l/min (ANR).

Hi-Line Unveils Compressed Air Filter Units

A range of compressed air filter units from Hi-line has been designed for the removal of oil, water, particulates and gaseous aerosols from compressed air systems. The die-cast filter housings are produced from high-grade aluminium with external and internal surfaces being alu-chrome treated. They are also subject to a tough epoxy baked-on paint finish in 'compressed air blue' - RAL 5015.

These treatments are designed to provide long-term protection, even when subject to the harshest operation conditions, ensuring a long service lifetime. Optional electronic or pneumatic differential pressure gauges can be fitted as required. The oil/water condensate is removed via a highly efficient robust brass drain assembly with the built-in capability to attach a 6mm dia nylon condensate discharge line.

The filtration elements use pleated filter media that combines maximum efficiency with very low differential pressure drop. They are available in several grades to accommodate particle removal down to five micron or three microns in size, with oil removal at 0.5 micron or 0.01 micron levels.

These elements provide impressive filtration efficiencies from 99.99 per cent to 99.99999 per cent with a further grade being specific to oil/aerosol removal down to 0.003mg/m utilising activated carbon technology. These figures are for operation at seven bar pressure and 20C, while all elements are validated and ensure high quality of compressed air to the ISO 8573.1 standard.

To comply with requests from distributors and agents, Hi-line has used standard connection technology between filter elements and housings. This ensures versatility and choice for end users, who would not therefore be locked-in to any supplier for consumable spares. The threaded aluminium housings are available with port connection sizes from 1/2in to 4in BSP, offering flow rates from 42 to 3672Nm/h.

Lightweight Hose Is Ideal For Air Tools

The UltraFlex hose is highly resistant to corrosion and offers outstanding working and burst pressures. PCL has launched a lightweight ultraflexible hose it reckons is the ideal companion for its range of handheld air tools Ideal for applications and environments where space is at a premium, yet complete freedom of movement is required, the UltraFlex air hose is a superb alternative to the traditional inflexible and heavy hose.

Manufactured in a quality three-ply construction, using highly flexible PVC and polyester yarn reinforcement, the UltraFlex hose is highly resistant to corrosion and offers outstanding working and burst pressures. UltraFlex also has a very good "memory", which enables bends and kinks to straighten out so that the hose can return to normal after use. Available with a blue cover and black inner tube in 30m coils, UltraFlex is a convenient and cost-effective piece of equipment designed to make life easier for the user.

The UltraFlex Air Hose complements PCL's extensive range of air tools, which includes everything from impact wrenches and ratchets, to sanders and grinding tools, all designed to meet the rigorous needs of a modern workshop. The portfolio has recently been extended with the addition of the Prestige range of high quality products, featuring low vibration, low noise, ergonomic grip and higher performance.

Guide Helps Users Cut Compressed Air Costs

EnergAir has released a free guide to reducing costs in compressed air systems. Challenge Convention in Compressed Air details several ways to improve the energy efficiency of compressed air systems. Aimed at plant managers, site maintenance managers and energy managers the intention is to help address preconceived ideas about compressed air generation (one of the major energy costs to industry) that are currently the cause of huge amounts of energy waste, the alternatives can add literally tens of thousands on the bottom line.

'The industry needs to challenge convention on compressed air in order to realise the savings that can be made', according to Peter Tomlins of EnergAir UK. EnergAir believes that it can provide vital knowledge regarding the purchasing and integration of variable speed compressors, compressor sizing, balancing system pressure, providing visibility of actual energy consumption, and monitoring saving when changes are made, information that would not normally be available to individual plant and maintenance managers.

The brochure also contains real examples of how savings have been made by leading UK manufacturers such as Britvic and the equipment used to achieve those savings. The guide also aims to dispel some myths about how much difference new equipment can make without being properly integrated and offers advice on how to get the best from an existing compressor installation. The EnergAir guide to reducing the running costs of compressed air systems is available in paper format free from EnergAir and as a high-resolution pdf from the company website.