Midland distributor for EARS
December 01st 2009 Preston-based EARS UK, the ‘Exhausted Air Recycling System’ specialists, has appointed its first Midlands-based distributor to offer, supply, install and service the exciting new EARS compressed air system.
The first EARS distributor in the Midlands region is experienced Telford Compressed Air Services of Telford, Shropshire. Telford Compressed Air Services was recruited through a rigorous selection process which took into account the company’s impressive track record of expertise in the compressor and air tool market, its engineering skills, attention to detail and customer service.
Energy savings
Established in 1994, Telford Compressed Air Services specializes in innovative compressed air systems for industry with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, cost savings, health and safety and reducing carbon footprint. It was this philosophy that made Telford Compressed Air Services the ideal partner for the distribution of Ears, the new, highly innovative air tool solution that improves productivity, saves energy, and significantly enhances conditions in the workplace.
Customer service
The company’s mission statement of ‘Total commitment and service’ reflects its focus upon outstanding levels of customer service to support its clients’ investment through a service division staffed by engineers with the experience and specialist knowledge to address clients’ questions, queries and problems. Telford Compressed Air Services also offers its clients a 24-hour callout service to help with any issues on the spot.
the solution to pollution
Telford Compressed Air Services sales director Dave Murray is excited about the potential of his company’s fledgling relationship with EARS. ‘Compressed air usage plays a major part in airborne pollution in the UK’, says Dave,’ with as much as 30% of the energy used in compressed air projects being simply released into the atmosphere. What the EARS system does is to capture and reuse the exhausted air, reducing airborne pollution and saving energy. It really is a great solution to pollution!’
Greater worker efficiency
Dave also points to the equally important reductions the EARS system can make in noise pollution: ‘The noise levels in a place like a large car bodyshop can be so extreme as to have a major impact on the ability of the workforce to do its job properly’, says Dave. ’With the EARS® totally sealed air return system, depending on the working environment noise levels can be reduced by up to 80% delivering not just better energy efficiency but greater worker efficiency too. EARS also has a big impact on health and safety because, with no exhausted air being pumped out into the atmosphere, airborne contaminants are also significantly reduced with no oil, dust or other pollutants being released. ’
The technology
Available as a complete compressor system or as a retrofit option with adaptors to suit the majority of proprietary compressors and air tools, the EARS system provides a closed loop between the air tool and the air compressor. Exhausted air is captured after powering the air tool and returned to the compressor via the patented EARS manifold. Supplementary atmospheric air is only used when the system is ‘charged’ and when additional ‘top-up’ air is required.
Up to 80% imporvment in compressor efficiency
As the returned exhausted air is still at a significantly higher pressure than the surrounding atmosphere, less energy is required to return it to operating pressure. This is because, within the closed loop, air pressure and volumetric flow remain almost constant. Results across various industrial sectors indicate up to 80% improvement in compressor efficiency.
Energy consumption reduced by 40% year on year
Nowadays, more than ever before, the issue of energy savings really is top of mind for industry. That’s why it’s worth remembering that, over a five-year period, an estimated 85% of the average costs associated with operating a compressed air system derive from the electricity used to generate and dry the compressed air.
If used to its full potential, an EARS compressed air system can make a significant impact on these costs by typically reducing energy consumption by up to 40% year-on-year. In many cases, the efficient nature of the EARS system also enables compressor users to switch to a much smaller compressor than they have previously used, an advantage that delivers yet further energy savings.
Complete system or retrofit
Accepting that not every company will have the resources or desire to invest in a totally new compressor system, EARS UK offers its Exhausted Air Recycling System as a complete solution or as a manifold-based retrofit option.
Available for screw-type and piston compressors of 2.2kW to 160kW, the retrofit patented EARS manifold feeds exhausted air back to the compressor and is supported by a comprehensive range of accessories including delivery and return air lines, new air tool options and air line adaptors for the majority of pneumatic tools currently used.
Rapid payback
‘With rising energy costs, the modest investment associated with the EARS® system will provide a particularly quick payback,’ says EARS sales director Richard Parker. ‘Take into account the health advantages and user benefits and EARS should seriously merit consideration from anyone investing in compressor technology, upgrading or enhancing their current system. As an effect of the lower carbon emissions resulting from the use of EARS, users may also qualify for a Carbon Trust interest-free loan.’ | 
