September 2019

COMPRESSED AIR 40 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2019 www.hpmag.co.uk these savings can be. Towards the end of last year, Thorite key account manager, Steve Bradbury, visited Selby based Service Timber Ltd and offered to data-log their two aging fixed speed compressors; an 11kW Hydrovane and a 15kW HPC model. Service Timber is one of the largest timber component suppliers in the North of England with a wide range of customers who rely on a dependable supply of high-grade timber and the two compressors are used to power all the timber preparation equipment and are in almost constant use. For many companies who need a reliable source of compressed air, the age of their compressor isn’t much of a concern. It’s almost a case of “Well it’s running just fine, we have it serviced regularly, so what’s the problem?” The problem lies with the running cost or energy consumption of an old compressor, matched against the cost of a new one that has all the latest energy- saving features. The savings that a company can make by updating its compressor are considerable and Thorite, the UK distributor of compressed air products and systems, is proficient at showing factory owners just how significant Thorite secures substantial savings for Service Timber By data-logging Service Timber’s air compressors, Bradbury quickly established their air demand profile, showing that by replacing the two existing compressors with one new variable speed compressor, considerable savings could be made. Quite how much was amazing. A new 30 kW Hydrovane variable speed rotary vane type compressor was installed last November and is set to save Service Timber over £2000 per year. www.thorite.co.uk GenAir, hirer of compressed systems and desiccant dryers, has had the environmental qualities of its emission-free, All Weather All Electric Air Compressor formally recognised by the internationally respected campaigners, The Green Organisation. Three senior representatives from the West Midlands-based company have been invited to a glittering presentation ceremony, hosted at the Houses of Parliament on 25 November, where they will receive their award. These individually designed compressors have a working pressure of 10 –190psi with a maximum free air delivery of up to 400cfm. With a whisper quiet noise level of just 67dB (A) and protected in a fully weatherproof canopy, these brand-new units are claimed to be perfect for use in all situations and particularly in areas governed by emission and noise rules. GenAir comments that there are many advantages for using an electric compressor as opposed to a diesel-powered set. The company states that because most diesel sets can only run for about 12 hours before they need refuelling, their fuel levels will require constant monitoring. This, says GenAir, can distract an operator away from more important tasks. As Genair’s electric compressors run entirely free from fuel, the environmental damage from diesel spillage is completely eliminated. Furthermore, GenAir comments that a diesel engine’s filters must be replaced every 500 hours – that’s every three weeks for a project that runs for 24 hours. Electric compressors can be left alone for up to 4000 hours before maintenance is needed, giving them a significant advantage on all major programmes. GenAir reports that they continue to operate in extreme temperatures from minus 25degC to plus 50degC and their built-in after cooler and water separator will eliminate up to 70% of moisture. This will help with delivering superior air quality for improved performance. GenAir’s managing director, David Timmins, said: “Naturally, we are honoured to receive this award. Emission elimination and compliance with NRMM regulations have been the driving factor in developing these compressors. To have them officially acknowledged as a sustainable product is extremely satisfying.” The Green Apple Awards began in 1994 and have become established as the country’s major recognition for environmental endeavour among companies, councils, communities and countries. The Green Organisation is an international, independent, non-political, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world. The Green Apple Awards are supported by the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management and other independent bodies. www.genair.co.uk GenAir set for a Green Apple Award for All Weather All Electric Air Compressor