Air compression :: Topics :: InMotionOnline

Compressed air auditing shows huge savings potential
A compressed air auditing program developed by the Electricity Commission is set to play a significant part in achieving targeted energy savings of $2 billion a year for the New Zealand manufacturing sector within five to 10 years.
Not just a lot of hot air!
In this article, Simon Wood, National Sales Manager, Boge Compressors, discusses how compressed air users can optimise their compressed air-related energy usage through heat recovery.
Ten typical mistakes with compressed air systems
Along with energy and water, compressed air is one of the most ubiquitous inputs into an industrial plant. Why then are we so aware of the need to conserve energy and water, but often so blasé about optimising the efficiency of our compressed air systems? Here, compressed air system innovator John McNab* offers tips for getting the best from new or existing compressed air systems, by identifying 10 common misconceptions about compressed air.

Hitting the compressor ‘sweet-spot’
Selecting the right air compressor can be confusing. There are numerous compressor types, variants and options to consider — each of which can impact energy efficiency and operating costs. Champion Compressors’ Executive Manager – Sales, Service & Marketing, Mark Ferguson, explains how identifying a compressor’s ‘sweet-spot’ can help determine if it is right for the application.
New challenges for compressor manufacturers
Emerging technologies present new challenges for compressor manufacturers — a trend report from ACHEMA 2009 provides some details.
Compressed air maintenance
As rising electricity costs compel companies to examine their energy usage, advanced technologies are emerging which bring new efficiencies to old tasks, such as ensuring a clean flow of compressed air. John Davis, Business Development Manager for the Australian operation of Parker domnick hunter Filtration, explains.
Laying foundations with compressed air
When TrimPile decided to take its pile-trimming and concrete-breaking business to the next level, the company chose air compressor and jackhammer technology from Sullair Australia.
Drive solution for the paper industry
Germany’s paper industry has a turnover of approximately 14.9 billion euro and a total of 3000 different kinds of paper are manufactured at around 180 production locations. Manufacturing paper using air motors ensures that the ravenous paper appetite of industrial nations is continuously satisfied.
The importance of oil-free air for PET blowing compressors
Oil contamination is an invisible enemy in all bottling installations and aseptic environments. Atlas Copco’s ZD high-pressure compressors are suitable for PET packaging production and now offer the security of 100% certified oil-free air with a Class 0 certification.
New standards help users compare compressed air quality and contamination
When selecting compressed air purification equipment, installers and users often compare the performance of equipment from many manufacturers in an effort to cost effectively achieve the quality of compressed air required by their application. John Davis, Australasian business development manager of Parker domnick hunter, explains what to look for when benchmarking compressed air purification products and how a new ISO Standard will help provide greater clarity.
Electricity supply — a key element of compressor installation
Compressed air systems can consume significant quantities of electricity, accounting for around 10% of Australia's power usage. An optimised electricity supply is an essential component of an efficient, cost-effective compressed air system installation.
New compressors boost WA energy
A recent upgrade to the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline (DBNGP) in Western Australia provides increased gas flow to local energy providers and features several turnkey air compressor packages
Optimising compressed air systems according to demand
Thanks to its versatility as well as its operating efficiency, compressed air is as important an energy source for today's highly automated industrial production as is electricity or gas
Safety: an asset not a liability
Industrial air compressor designer and manufacturer, Champion Compressors has set out to make safety 'earn its keep' by ensuring its safety protocols impact positively on the 'bottom line' of its clients

Ingersoll Rand R-Series 90-110 kW rotary screw air compressors
The Ingersoll Rand R-Series 90-110 kW rotary screw air compressors have an integrated, intelligent system, called Progressive Adaptive Control (PAC), that continuously monitors key operating parameters and adapts to prevent unexpected downtime. For example, should the filtration system start to clog or foul on a variable speed unit, the system will immediately display a real-time warning and maintenance indicator. Unlike conventional compressor controls, it won’t shut down the compressor should the situation worsen. Instead, it reduces the airflow to prevent overloading the compressor cooling system.
Boge API-SO series of oil-free compressors
The Boge API-SO series of oil-free compressors now meets the API 619:2004 standard. The series incorporates the same design features of the standard SO series and is suitable for chemical and pharmaceutical, food and drinks and semiconductor industries as well as the petrochemical and gas industries.
EcoPak compressor
The EcoPak range of compressors combines variable speed drive (VSD) technology with variable output control (VOC) technology. It enables an efficient production of compressed air for applications where there are widely varying compressed air demands.
CompAir 7-11 kW range of oil-lubricated screw compressors
CompAir has launched a 7-11 kW range of oil-lubricated screw compressors designed to deliver high reliability with low service and installation costs.
Compair L11VS to L18VS range variable speed compressors
CompAir has extended its portfolio of variable speed compressors with the launch of seven new models, to offer a comprehensive range of energy-efficient rotary screw machines from 11 to 250 kW.
Champion VOC series variable output compressor
The variable output compressor (VOC) series has been redesigned to further enhance its ruggedness for use in heavy industrial applications. The latest VOC line-up employs a direct-coupled gear-drive system which is suitable for harsh, dirty and aggressive environments.
Champion helps Carlton reach new heights
Champion Compressors, Kinetic Performance Technology (KPT) and Parker domnick hunter have teamed up to provide Carlton Football Club (CFC) with a state-of-the-art altitude training facility.
Scroll compressor
Atlas Copco has launched it latest oil-free scroll compressor, the SF 17-22 kW. It has been specifically designed for applications in industries such as hospitals, laboratories, breweries, universities or pharmaceuticals.
Screw compressor range
The CL series of screw compressors has been extended with the 7.5, 11 and 15 kW models. The CL 10, CL 15 and CL 20 supersede the Boge S 10, S15 and S20-2 models. Improvements have been made on volume flow, specific power consumption.
Scroll compressor
The Conquest range of oil-free scroll air compressors operates without the use of oil during the compression process, resulting in quality, oil-free compressed air. Compact and low on noise, the scroll air compressors can be conveniently installed close to work areas.
Re-engineered range of small compressors
Atlas Copco has redesigned and upgraded its fixed speed compressor, the GA 11+-30, and the variable speed version, the GA 15-30 VSD. In order to better match airflow to users’ requirements and eliminate the need to oversize, it has introduced a 26 kW model which is also available with the new-generation VSD.
Compressor controls
Atlas Copco has introduced the next generation in compressor controls to increase efficiency across its oil-injected screw compressors range 11-90 kW GA/GA+/GA VSD. The fifth generation of the Elektronikon Graphic controller (standard installed on the GA+/GA VSD) has been launched and the Energy Saving (ES) System ES6i has been expanded to control up to six variable speed drive or fixed speed compressors simultaneously. In addition, an online visualisation enables remote monitoring, allowing for anticipation of operating and maintenance needs.
Compressed air couplings
The Safety Full Blow Cupla range of compressed air couplings provides a safety system for compressed air outlets in ¼, 3/8 and ½" systems.
Compressor range with energy efficiencies
The SO-W series screw compressors have been improved in the free air delivery (FAD) and with up to 4% in the specific power required (kW/m3/min).
Rotary screw compressors
The DSD series of rotary screw compressors has been expanded with four models (the DSD 142, 172, 202 and 238), making it suitable for air deliveries from 13 to 24 m3/min (at 7.5 bar). The compressors are energy efficient, require minimal maintenance, provide reliability and are quiet. The unit’s depth has been reduced by more than 200 mm.
Air compressor
The compact tank-mounted Enviro series of air compressors delivers good economical and environmental performance.
Pipe, hose cleaning system
The Stauff Clean System provides a simple and low-cost solution for the removal of contaminant from the inside surfaces of pipes, tubes and hoses. All manner of pipe work configurations in the normal size range of 6 to 60 mm can be handled by the system regardless of pipe length, type of fittings or cleaning components.
Diaphragm dryer for compressed air
Metal Work Pneumatics has expanded its range of Skillair air service equipment with Diaphragm dryers.
Class zero oil-free air compressors
Class Zero certification rating has now been extended to the following Atlas Copco oil-free air compressors: high-capacity ZH centrifugal compressors, ZR/ZT tooth compressors, AQ water-injected screw compressors, SF scroll compressors and the P series of rental compressors.
Compressor range
The Esam range of reciprocating, oil-free and moisture-free air compressors is supplied in the following sizes: 1 Cylinder 50-85 Nlt/min, 2 Cylinder 98-170 Nlt/min, 3 Cylinder 152-252 Nlt/min and 6 Cylinder 356-595 Nlt/min.
Compressor training tool
Champion InnerWorx is an interactive training program which is available at www.championcompressors.com.au. The software is a training and diagnostic tool designed to support Champion Compressors' rotary screw compressors range.
Hard hat compressors
The Hard Hat version of the Series 7 compressor range has a medium density polyethylene canopy that provides high impact and corrosion resistance.
Cost-saving compressors
To minimise energy costs and environmental impact, Champion Compressors has developed the latest breed of hybrid compressors that provides reliability and efficiency at part and full loads.

Atlas Copco offers certified ‘net zero energy consumption’ compressors
Atlas Copco is said to be the first to offer certified ‘net zero energy consumption’ compressors with its ZR series.
Natural gas compressor distributor announced
Australian compressor technology group Champion Compressors has been named as the exclusive Australian distributor for Bidell Equipment LP (Bidell), a Canadian-based supplier of reciprocating and rotary-screw natural gas compressors.
State Minister opens compressed-air specialist's new HQ
Australian compressed-air specialist Champion Compressors has unveiled its new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburb of Dandenong.
Compressed-air technology group teams up with global compression system expert
Australian compressed-air technology group, Champion Compressors, has signed a national distribution agreement with global compression system expert, Cameron Compression Systems.
Compressed air and gas system manufacturer acquired
Compressed air and gas system manufacturer CompAir has been acquired by the US-based Gardner Denver Group.
Aircraft cooling system trialled
Cavotec has successfully trialled its pre-conditioned air system with Airbus.
Compressed air innovator a winner
Global EARS Limited has taken an innovative Australian invention from an idea to a prototype to an internationally successful product innovation in a very short space of time. In doing so, the company has been declared the winner of the Small Business category of the 2008 Governor of Victoria Export Awards and has also claimed the Commendation for Innovation Excellence.
Hands-on air compressor training courses on offer
Hands-on air compressor training courses offered by compressor technology group Sullair Australia are providing Australian industry with practical experience in compressor maintenance and operation.
Compressor technology group appoints state manager
Australian compressor technology group Champion Compressors has announced the appointment of Ross McNamara as its NSW state manager.
Role of compressed-air solutions explored
At the Drill 2008 conference in New Zealand, compressor technology group Sullair Australia explored the crucial role of compressed-air solutions in keeping Australian and New Zealand drillers online.
Compressed air specialist sets five-year safety record
Australian compressed air specialist, Champion Compressors, has recently chalked up five years without a ‘lost-time injury’.
Compressor technology provides environmental gains
An advance in compressor technology is now available in Australia that can provide environmental benefits and cost savings for industry.
Boge expands operation
Boge Compressors has expanded its operation with the relocation to larger premises in Rockingham, WA.
Natural gas could help solve fuel crisis
An industry leader has called for increased awareness of the potential of compressed natural gas to help ease the problems caused by rising fuel prices and concerns about greenhouse gas emissions.
Champion Compressors relocates HQ
Compressed air technology group Champion Compressors is relocating its headquarters to a state-of-the-art facility in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburb of Dandenong.
Energy-efficiency roadshow in Europe
Atlas Copco will run a worldwide 'roadshow' for its most energy-efficient oil-injected compressors ever produced: the GA 90–160 kW range.
New Zealand distributor announced
Sullair Australia has appointed Goughs Power Systems/Goughs Cat as its exclusive distributor in New Zealand. Goughs Cat has a network of 16 branches across the country.
Champion Compressors earns 'Australian made' status
Champion Compressors has been made a licensee of the Australian Made Campaign, earning the right to display the green and gold kangaroo logo on its range of industrial rotary-screw air compressors.
One million-hour safety record
Champion Compressors has recently achieved one million production hours without a 'lost workday case'. This means that for nearly four years, all Champion Compressors' work places — both its own manufacturing facility and its customers' sites — have remained injury-free.
Champion’s 10,000th compressor
Champion Compressors has produced its 10,000th Australian designed and built air compressor.
New public image unveiled
Champion Compressors has unveiled a new public image, comprising a new company slogan, a refreshing new colour scheme and a company mascot — Champ, the Blue Heeler.
Sullair Australia celebrates one-year anniversary
Leading international compressor technology group, Sullair recently celebrated the first anniversary of the establishment of its Australian manufacturing facility.
Company acquisition
The acquisition of Compair by Ash Air claims to have created New Zealandâ€™s market leader in the supply of air compressors, blowers, vacuum pumps, air tools, mail guns and related ancillary equipment.
Membership announced
Boge Compressors Ltd, a German compressor manufacturer, is now a member of the Air and Mine Equipment Institute (AMEI).

Oil-free air supply for recycled water project
The Glenelg to Adelaide Park Lands Recycled Water project is designed to provide a replacement for billions of litres of drinking water previously used for irrigation and significantly reduce treated wastewater levels in the Gulf St Vincent.
Compressor controller reduces energy costs
Operators of multiple compressors can achieve significant energy savings thanks to the Ingersoll Rand X-Series System.
VSD compressors
With electricity prices set to double over the next few years and the federal government committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, buyers of new compressors should assess the energy-efficient benefits of variable speed drive (VSD) air compressors.
Compressed air system built for energy savings
Australian carpet manufacturer Godfrey Hirst has optimised its Geelong production facility with an environment-friendly manufacturing solution, founded on a purpose-built compressed-air system from Champion Compressors.
Sustainable compressed air energy savings
As business becomes more aware of its carbon impact and finding ways to reduce its carbon footprint, Boge provides details on a tried and tested four-step approach to energy management for compressed air users. Its approach not only benchmarks an existing system but also provides for continual assessment and validation of the compressed air system.
Saving energy using valve
Often the work performed by an air cylinder is only required in one direction. During some operations, air cylinders are retracting or extending with no applied load on the cylinder rod - however, typically, the same pressure for both the extend (working) and retract (idling) operation is used. The use of common pressure for both functions can use an excess of up to 40% compressed air.
Compressed air system implementation reduces carbon footprint by 35%
Australian milk processor Murray Goulburn (MGC) has reduced its carbon footprint by 35% after the implementation of CompAirs recommendations in its demand side audit of the plants air system. The company has saved over AU$147,000 in energy and maintenance costs and cut carbon emissions by more than 1900 t at its Leongatha plant in Victoria after just five months.
Solution to assist industry calculate compressed air energy savings
SMC Pneumatics has developed an Energy Saving Software Package which is designed to assist industry calculate the cost of compressed air and to assess cost savings associated with the implementation of proposed energy-reduction strategies.
Bell Tea improves speed of packaging line
The Bell Tea Company is New Zealand's largest tea company, producing brands such as Bell, Tiger and Edglets. In addition, it is one of only two companies in the world licensed to produce Twinings tea
Compressors assist in mining project
Clean coal technology company, Linc Energy has recently installed three Boge SL481 screw compressors at a coal tenement site in Queensland
Energy savings in compressed air
Compressed air can be one of the most important utilities for industry; however, it can also be one of the largest consumers of energy

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