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BCAS appoints Steven Rohan as new President

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has appointed Steven Rohan as its new president.

Atlas Copco Group launches new identity

Atlas Copco Group has launched a new identity, including a new Group logo, a new visual identity, and a new Group message: Technology that transforms the future.

Designing an energy-efficient compressed air system

With energy accounting for a significant proportion of the cost of ownership of a compressed air system, operators will want to ensure their equipment is optimised for best performance. Vanda Jones, Executive Director at the British Compressed Air Society discusses the importance of good compressed air system design in helping to mitigate for rising energy costs.

Oil free compressed air: Factors to consider

Avoiding process contamination is a necessity for any hygienic application using compressors – ranging from the food and beverage sector, to pharmaceuticals to sensitive electronic environments. Claudia Vignelli, Product Manager Plant Air Centrifugal Compressors Ingersoll Rand, explores the variety of factors to consider when selecting the most appropriate oil-free compressed air technology.

Navigating cost saving winch solutions

Winches play a crucial role in ensuring ship passenger safety in the maritime industry. Responsible for lowering and lifting lifeboats and liferafts to and from the water surface, winches must be reliable, repeatable and easy-to-use. Technidrive, a bespoke integrated automation systems provider, says it recently tackled a challenge posed by Survitec, a manufacturer and supplier of liferafts, Marine Evacuation Systems (MES) and offshore rental PPE, to create a winch solution for its liferafts.

Prioritising energy performance when designing a compressed air system

Cliff Warne, BCAS Executive Director explores the importance of compressed air system design to ensure energy performance is optimised, highlighting the various options available to calculate the annual running cost of an air compressor, while also advising on how best to design an energy-saving system

British Compressed Air Society appoints Cliff Warne to Board

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has appointed Cliff Warne as Executive Director.

Understanding the PSSR

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (S.I. 2000 No 128) (PSSR) relate to pressure systems for use at work and the risk to health and safety. Vanda Jones, Executive Director at the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) outlines the responsibilities as an owner or operator

BCAS encourages further energy-saving measures

The Government’s new Energy Bill Relief Scheme, which came into effect on the 1st of October - is encouraging compressed air users to act now to minimise their compressed air energy consumption for the long-term through a series of low-cost measures. PWE reports.

Postponing compressed air maintenance costs more money than it saves

As energy prices continue to soar across Europe, operators may be tempted to delay the recommended maintenance intervals and routine service on compressed air systems in order to save cost. However, this can be an expensive mistake says Gary Spence, Service Operations Leader from CompAir

BCAS launches essential industry guide to compressed air installation

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has launched a new compressed air installation best practice guide (BPG 101). As one of the only truly impartial guides in the UK, the guide covers ‘installation’ in terms of the collection of equipment and processes within the compressed air system. PWE reports.

Celebrating 150 years of innovations

Atlas Copco, founded in Stockholm in 1873, has celebrated its 150-year anniversary. During a century and a half, Atlas Copco says it has been driving development and delivering breakthrough innovations to customers in many different industries.

Digital sensor data brings compressed air energy savings

Everybody is talking about digitalisation – and sometimes it is the simplest applications that demonstrate its power to transform. By opening a window to visualise their compressed air energy consumption in real time, production teams are defending against rising costs and achieving operating efficiencies with relatively little effort. PWE spoke to Darren Pratt, Industrial Instrumentation Product Manager for SICK UK.

More than blowing bubbles

PWE looks at different blower technologies and how to improve the reliability and efficiency of legacy plants.

Lowering energy consumption with variable speed compressor technology

Colin Mander, Business Line Director at CompAir, discusses the role that variable speed compressors can play in helping businesses to reduce their electricity consumption. Indeed, every kWh in electricity saved now, will contribute to even greater savings with the current and unprecedented increase in electrical costs.

How to reduce costs

Paul Clark - Business Line Manager - CTS Sales and Marketing, Atlas Copco, explains how compressed air systems health checks and energy audits carried out in an industrial environment can reduce costs, improve environmental performance, and help deliver energy efficiency improvements.

Standards and their impact on your business

Which Standards have an impact on your business as an end-user? BCAS reports.

Food industry urged to consider nitrogen as an alternative to CO2

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) is urging food producers to consider the benefits of onsite nitrogen generation, to help mitigate the risk of CO2 gas shortages in the future. PWE reports

Variable Speed Drive: why is it important for compressor users?

Typically, a fifth of UK industry’s electricity bill is attributed to the production of compressed air, but it is a sobering fact that a substantial portion of the generated power dedicated to its production is energy wasted. So how is a VSD compressor different from a conventional fixedspeed unit? PWE reports

Working safely with compressed air

Roy Brooks, technical development officer for the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) outlines some of the latest advice in working safely with compressed air.

Bespoke compressed air solution

Lentus Composites (Lentus), manufacturer of composite products, assemblies and systems, has benefitted from a bespoke compressed air solution from CompAir, which is expected to cut the business’ compressor maintenance costs by 80%.

Ten ways to make a compressor installation energy efficient

Compressed air accounts for a significant part of total energy costs for industrial manufacturers - typically about 12% and may be as high as 40% in some facilities. This means that any compressed air energy savings that are achieved will have a big impact on a factory’s total energy consumption and CO2 emissions. PWE reports

How to select the right blower technology?

PWE takes a look at how to select the right blower technology for industrial effluent treatment plants.

Best Practices for ultrasonic compressed air

Contrary to what some might think, compressed air is not free. In fact, for what it takes to produce it, to what is generated it is often considered the most expensive utility in a typical manufacturing facility. Air Compressor experts have also estimated that as much as 30% of the compressed air generated is lost via leaks in the compressed air system.

BCAS reiterates air treatment advice for COVID-19 concerns

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) is reiterating its advice to compressed air users to adhere to air treatment best practice during the Coronavirus pandemic. PWE reports.

The hidden value of compressed air heat recovery

Social responsibility is forcing manufacturers to find new ways of reducing their carbon emissions and energy consumption. Obvious steps like the use of low-energy light bulbs and automated heating offer some immediate carbon savings. But even once these steps are taken, there remains a pressure to reduce further. PWE reports.

Clean air-clean beer

Compressed air has critical roles to play in brewing operations but poses a major threat if it becomes contaminated. PWE reports

The right site: Where to install a compressor and associated infrastructure

Optimising a compressed air system’s performance is not just about the compressor unit. Where it is installed and how the associated infrastructure is designed also has an impact on a system’s energy efficiency, how quickly a business will see a return on its capital investment, and in some cases, even its ability to comply with environmental controls. Martin Chitty, business development manager at Mattei UK, explains how to choose a suitable site to install a compressor.

Optimising a compressed air system

Central controllers are the backbone of an optimised compressor installation, managing the whole compressor room, matching the air supply to demand while offering pressure stability, and contributing significantly to energy efficiency. Ken Revell, business line manager, compressor technique service division, Atlas Copco Compressors UK, says it is a proven fact that a 1bar pressure band reduction can achieve as much as 7% in direct energy cost savings.

Improving compressed air distributions systems - things to consider

BCAS looks at what to consider when improving the compressed air distribution system.

Making the wheels go around

From water, steam and electricity to compressed air, PWE gives a brief history of the factory through the ages and the energy that powered production.

How to choose the right oil for your compressor

Brian Barnes, business line Manager compressor technique service operations at Atlas Copco, outlines air compressor oil and additive properties and their functions: to seal, cool, clean and reduce wear.

Are ‘oil-free’ compressors a myth?

When purchasing new compressors, an increasing number of factory managers are stipulating ‘oil-free’ and ‘class zero’ requirements as part of the specification process. However, research shows that these products can be less energy efficient and cost more to maintain than oil-lubricated equivalents. Andy Jones, managing director at Mattei, considers how oil-free air can best be achieved.

Compressed air systems show Industry 4.0 in action

If Industry 4.0 has so much to offer manufacturers, why are so few of them rushing to implement it? Plant & Works Engineering spoke to Carl Sharpe, UK & Ireland sales manager of compressed air specialist BOGE who has some practical, real-life examples to show how its benefits can easily be gained right now.

From “Inter” to “Intra” cooling

Andy Jones, managing director at Mattei (pictured), explores how a two-stage sliding vane compressor coupled with the novel intracooling system could present the compressor solution of the future.

Choosing the right air treatment equipment

What air treatment equipment is recommended for an industrial compressor? Andy Lill, business development manager for Quality Air, Atlas Copco Compressors UK reports.

Compressed air drying with heat recovery

BEKO Technologies has installed a compressed air desiccant dryer to help reduce energy costs in a dairy. This wholesale dairy concentrates in butter production, butter specialities, convenience products for the end consumer as well as market-oriented products for the catering industry. The dairy is a family owned business and their product comprises of an entire range of modern dairy products: From butter to milk by-products, including cheese, everyone will find something to suit their taste.

Hygiene and safety solution

Gardner Denver has supplied a leading food packaging machine manufacturer with a solution to help ensure it meets required hygiene and safety standards. PWE reports.

Compressor downsizing saves energy

Salmon producer Marine Harvest VAP (UK) has achieved annual energy savings of £21,000 after Atlas Copco updated its compressed air system with new technology. PWE reports.

Dryer types - where to start with selection

Whether designing new systems, or reviewing existing systems, the first step should be to define exactly what are the compressed air purity requirements. Ensuring you have the correct advice is key and the dryer is only part of the process. The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) reports.

Self-sufficient efficiency

Although screw air compressors account for a large share of the market, vane technology should not be underestimated when it comes to reliability and its ability to deliver in harsh environments. Andy Jones, managing director at Mattei, looks at how the design of vane air compressors improves energy efficiency without compromising on performance.

Looking ahead to a ‘smart’ future!

BCAS Board members spoke to Aaron Blutstein to discuss some of the keys issues and trends facing the compressed air industry.

Oil free choice

Is an oil free air compressor right air for your application? The British Compressed Air Society reports.

Compressed air use: Putting safety first

Steve Matthews, QSHE Manager UK & Ireland, Atlas Copco, looks at the potential hazards involved in compressed air use and asks how aware is industrial management of the preventative measures that can be taken, the scope of current pressure regulations and the legal obligations of compliance. He outlines the safety responsibilities of the equipment manufacturer and all involved in the supply chain and examines whether the picture has changed from the past to mitigate any of these risk factors.

Making the best choice for your application!

Richard Oxley, vacuum product manager for Atlas Copco UK, discusses which type of industrial vacuum pump is right for your application to assist end users in selecting the best type of equipment for their application.

A new era of digital data

For decision makers within the industrial maintenance market, the Internet of Things (IoT) is enabling users of compressed air services to manage, optimise and improve their processes significantly. Charles Joel, Global IoT and analytics director at Gardner Denver, explains how the industry can capitalise on these opportunities, the latest technology available to do this, and how digital data looks set to provide analytics with real value for those using compressed air services.

New VSD vacuum pumps offers significant energy savings

Atlas Copco has launched new large GHS VSD+ pumps, which it says is capable of halving central vacuum supply energy costs. PWE takes a look in more detail.

Energy efficiency at the top of the agenda

For industrial compressed-air plants, the cost of acquisition accounts on average for only about 30% of the total lifecycle cost. The remaining 70% - energy costs. The good news is: upgrading to the latest compressed-air technology can reduce those costs significantly. It is no surprise then that energy efficiency remained top of the agenda at ComVac, at this year's Hannover Fair.

Compressed air is changing…

PWE reports from this year’s Hannover Fair where Gardner Denver has launched a new, water-cooled oil-free compressor from its CompAir brand – Ultima - offering up to 12% improved energy efficiency compared to a conventional two-stage machine with a 37% smaller footprint.

Oil alert

Mark Ranger, business line manager, oil-free air division at Atlas Copco Compressors UK, looks at how to ensure the right compressed air for the food and drink industry.