The British Compressed Society (BCAS) has developed the UK’s first, independent performance verification programme for 50 Hz rotary compressors in the European market.
Buyers rely heavily on manufacturer datasheets to make informed purchasing decisions, but comparing performance data from different brands can be a complex task. Working with its manufacturer members, the programme, which is supported with a new website, produces datasheets which provide a uniform and commercially practical means of comparing compressor performance claims during the specification and buying processes.
This ensures that all compressors under consideration are measured using the same standards, allowing buyers to compare true performance across brands, including differences in power rating, pressure and energy consumption.
Independent verification at BCAS’s third-party testing laboratory is the cornerstone of the programme and validates the information published by each manufacturer. Verified data is, by its nature, trustworthy and can be of particular benefit when a company is implementing energy efficiency programmes and needs to report on its carbon reduction efforts with confidence.
Speeding up procurement
Compressed air systems involve multiple variables including kilowatt rating, flow rate, pressure, duty cycle and energy consumption to name a few. Standardised information helps buyers reduce technical complexity and reach a decision faster, without a protracted process of liaising with multiple vendors.
How the scheme works
Participating companies report compressor performance based on the internationally recognised ISO1217:2009 standard for compressors.
Datasheets for each of these machines is available on BCAS’s new website (https://performance.bcas.org.uk), helping buyers to compare models from different brands by kW size and by fixed or variable speed.
On a regular basis, BCAS selects, at random, machine samples to be sent to its laboratory in the UK. Here, each compressor is tested rigorously to verify that it meets the manufacturer’s published performance ratings.
Once a machine has passed, the participant may use the official verification programme badge on all qualifying machines. If a test unit does not pass, the manufacturer has the option to have a second unit tested, which has also been previously chosen by BCAS. If this unit also fails, the manufacturer must re-rate the unit based on the test results within 30 days.
Ashley Quarterman, Executive Director at BCAS said:
“Standardised, verified data helps buyers reduce technical complexity and reach a decision faster, without a protracted process of liaising with multiple vendors.
“In many industries, compressed air is a critical utility. If a system fails or underperforms, production can be impacted significantly. Buyers need to act fast to identify and specify a suitable replacement or upgrade to avoid costly downtime. Having the ability to compare different machines quickly and easily, whether assessing different brands or even different models from the same manufacturer, can really pay dividends.”
To view the current set of datasheets available, visit the new website at https://performance.bcas.org.uk.
