Compressed Air/Compressors

 

 
Accurately Measure and Log Dew Point Data to Improve Manufacturing Quality and Performance
 

GOLETA, Calif. – Sept. 27, 2022 ― Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today announced the Extech RH600 Dew Point Meter for accurate and fast dew point temperature measurement primarily positioned to prevent problems associated with water vapor in compressed air systems.
As part of a predictive maintenance program in manufacturing environments, the Extech RH600 provides measurement down to -50°C (-58°F) with an accuracy of ±2 °C (±3.6 °F) over the entire range pressure, up to 20 bar. The Extech RH600 is ideal for monitoring dew point across long periods of time, including for monitoring switch behavior within the drying process and better optimizing energy consumption.

“For inspectors who require the convenience and freedom to inspect multiple positions within a compressed air system, the Extech RH600 provides the ideal form factor at a competitive price to capture accurate readings and then data log that information as part of an integrated predictive maintenance program,” said Rob Milner, director of business development, Teledyne FLIR. “The Extech RH600 is also optimal for low-humidity measurement with high accuracy, but should the sensor get wet, it can withstand the condensation and fully recover for future use.”
The included RH601 dew point probe provides accuracy and long-term stability. Users can directly insert the probe sensor into the compressed air system through a G half-inch thread, ensuring reliable readings with increased peace of mind, knowing the probe will dry quickly after moisture contact. The highly sensitive probe provides inspectors the ability to measure relative humidity at less than 5 percent and with high accuracy (±0.025 percent).


Data Logging for Predictive Maintenance
Users can easily monitor dew point on the built-in color graphical display with a menu-based user interface. They can program high/low set points for temperature as well as relatively humidity and dew point with visual and audible alarms. The device also enables logging and transferring up to 32,000 datasets to a PC in CVS format via a USB cable connection. The easy data transfer provides inspectors all key datapoints to create inspection reports for colleagues and clients, as well as to integrate the data into broader predictive maintenance initiatives that consolidate and analyze data across multiple inspection types and equipment.

The Extech RH600 consists of the RH601 dew point probe, AC adapter, micro-USB-to-USB-A cable, a 3.7 V Li-ion battery, and a hard case for storage. For more information, including availability and pricing by region, visit www.flir.com/RH600.

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) is delighted to announce the first candidate to be enrolled on the new Compressed Air and Vacuum Technician (CAVT) apprenticeship.
 
Owen Webb, from Alton Compressor Services Limited (Alton) in Fareham has begun his training to coincide with this year’s National Apprenticeship Week and is the first young engineer in the UK to benefit from the scheme.
 
Owen’s training will be delivered by Semester Learning and Development (Semester), also the first provider in the UK to run the apprenticeship.  Using its proven online learning platform, Owen can train around his other work commitments.  Scott Margison, Managing Director of Semester explains:
 
“Following conversations with both the BCAS Training and Development Committee as well as the team at Alton, we could see the value that the CAVT apprenticeship would offer. In particular, how it could meet the urgent market requirement to develop specific skills related to compressed and vacuum systems.
 
“We are therefore proud to be the first training provider to offer the new CAVT apprenticeship and are really looking forward to working with Owen as he progresses through the variety of modules.  Our online delivery means that he can work flexibly, and at a pace which fits around his work schedule.
 
“Owen will benefit from a dedicated course tutor, alongside individual subject experts and an NVQ assessor.”
 
Commenting further, Jordan Sainsbury, Managing Director at Alton added:
 
“Owen started with us in October last year and initially, we were looking at a number of engineering training courses to help with his training and development. However, none of these offered any in-depth insight into the field of pneumatics, or the specifics of our industry. 
 
“So, when we learnt about the new CAVT apprenticeship, we were really keen to find a provider that would be able to deliver the training.  Scott and the team at Semester have been really enthusiastic throughout the process and we are all so proud that Owen will be the first person in the UK to kickstart the scheme!”
 
“Working in a family-run business like ours and managing multiple priorities can make it more difficult to schedule training.  The online approach really suits us.  Owen can schedule his apprenticeship modules around the daily demands of a busy service and engineering department.  We can’t wait to see how he progresses!”
 
During the three-year apprenticeship, candidates will learn how to commission compressed air and/or vacuum equipment and their associated systems, alongside service and maintenance, fault diagnosis, repair and system optimisation.
 
The course will also include the development of transferrable skills, which can be provided via BCAS training courses including working safely with compressed air and compressed air treatment technology to name a few.
 
The final two years will be more focused on developing the key engineering skills required by the industry, including installation, commissioning, service and repair of compressed air and vacuum systems.
 
Roy Brooks, Technical Development Officer at BCAS added:
 
"We are delighted that Owen will be undertaking the new apprenticeship, helping to plug the skills shortage of qualified engineers. The standard ensures that upon successful completion, the apprentice achieves a national apprenticeship, academic qualifications and may apply for the professional recognition of EngTech with The Society of Operations Engineers.
 
“We look forward to seeing how Owen progresses, paving the way for the latest generation of compressed air and vacuum technicians.”
 
 
To learn more about the CAVT apprenticeship and to view the full occupational standard, visit https://elearning.bcas.org.uk/compressed-air-and-vacuum-technician-cavt/
 
To learn more about Alton, visit www.altoncompressorservices.co.uk/

Fox Thermal has begun a free educational webinar program designed to discuss technology, applications, and product solutions for industrial, wastewater, chemical processing, oil & gas, biogas, and many other markets.  

The first in this series will focus on compressed air systems and the leaks that cost facilities tens of thousands of dollars a year in utility expenses.  

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) is urging manufacturers and processors to adhere to best practice guidance concerning the treatment, quality and maintenance of compressed air, during this period of lockdown.

The BCAS technical helpline is receiving an increasing number of enquiries during the Coronavirus pandemic from end-users concerned that their compressed air supply is adequately protected and seeking advice to ensure that there can be no risk from airbourne contaminants.

Award-winning screw blowers installed at Charles Brand wastewater facility

Gardner Denver distributor Team Air Power has delivered a bespoke compressed air solution that is predicted to generate approximately 30 per cent in annual savings for the Kinnegar wastewater treatment plant operated by Charles Brand, a leading provider of tailored water and wastewater solutions.

EXAIR’s new Mini Cooler with Dual Point Hose Kit provides a stream of 20°F (-7°C) cold air to prevent heat buildup, reduce downtime and increase productivity. It is effective on small machining operations to eliminate burning, melting and heat related breakage. The dual point option allows the cold air outlet to be directed at two different spots when cooling larger diameter tools, cooling two separate points or opposite sides of a material or process. Single Point systems are also available.

Gardner Denver’s smart IoT analytics system, iConn, is now enabled on industrial Hydrovane compressors from 11kW to 45kW. The cloud-based data management platform enables operators to optimise and improve their compressed air processes and performance.

Gael Force Group, a leading marine equipment, technology and engineering business, has specified the compact Robox Aqua blower technology from Gardner Denver’s Robuschi brand, enabling it to overcome challenging space restrictions on the company’s marine feed barges.

Gael Force Group is a manufacturer and supplier of feed barges for the aquaculture industry. These are built in Inverness and Fort William, and in operation in a range of locations across the west coast of Scotland, including Argyll and the Outer Hebrides.

Champion has launched its next generation rotary screw compressors, offering reliable, economical and efficient performance in a completely new package.

Available in both fixed and variable speeds, the new 30-75 kW rotary screw compressor series delivers the highest levels of reliability and performance with low operating costs throughout the compressor’s life. The range’s high-efficiency integrated airend is designed and made in-house, with compression elements manufactured using the latest CNC rotor grinding machinery, coupled with laser technology to maintain precise manufacturing tolerances. The airend’s integrated design also makes it a very compact solution.

If an open, unchecked water pipe was being used to cool a machining process, the excessive volume of liquid being used would be obvious to see as it pooled on the floor. It would be clear that you would want to test lower flow rates that would conserve water and save money yet still effectively cool the part.