Compressors: Technology and change
July 01st 2010

The year 2010 marks the 80th anniversary of the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS). Colin Mander, MD of CompAir UK, comments on the major technological developments and changing customer requirements in the industry over this period.

Most compressors in the early years of the compressed air industry were piston type reciprocating machines. Higher-speed air cooled machines were available, but proved notoriously unreliable. In the 1930s, sleeve-valve technology dominated the portable compressor market.

Over the years, petrol and latterly diesel engine speeds had increased at a faster rate than those of conventional compressors. The sleeve design was able to match these speeds without the expensive reduction gears necessary with other reciprocating compressors. During World War II, there became a greater need for compressed air equipment with machines used in applications ranging from operating air raid sirens to digging trenches.

Post-war development of high-speed diesel engines meant that new compressor technology was required. For example, in the 1950s, industry was introduced to the oil-injected sliding vane compressor, which could be coupled directly to an engine, resulting in smaller and lighter portable compressors.

It wasn’t until the 1960s that we start to see the screw compressor technology that is so commonplace across industry today. It was first introduced into portable compressors and then, following a major increase in efficiency, into industrial equipment.

In recent years, changes in customer requirements have driven substantial product enhancement within the industry. Manufacturing processes have become cleaner and more automated. In chemical or electronic component manufacturing and food packaging for instance, there has been an increased need for a clean and reliable air supply. In response, many manufacturers now offer oil-free compressors, which remove the issue of air contamination for operators.

Such requirements have also led to the introduction of our innovative Quantima range. Featuring unique Q-drive compression and motor assembly, this oilfree compressor has only one moving part, with no gearbox, and operates with the rotor spinning in a magnetic field at up to 60,000 rpm.

Many operators now demand more accurate control of their compressor networks, with emphasis on energy saving. Manufacturers now offer compressor controllers to help reduce power consumption by selecting the appropriate combination of compressors for optimum efficiency.

Other energy-saving technologies on the market today include variable-speed compressors, which match air supply to plant demand for a lower carbon footprint.

These efficiencies aren’t restricted to the industrial sector. There have also been significant technological improvements in the portable compressor market, with lighter and more energy efficient models now available.

In addition to proven technology, today’s customers see after sales support as a key factor in their purchasing decision. With most manufacturers producing products to a similar specification, the ability to offer comprehensive maintenance and repair services is now paramount to success in this industry. In particular, end users appreciate the need to use genuine spare parts, fitted by qualified engineers to ensure extended product life, especially in today’s financial climate where lifetime ownership costs are considered as important as the initial purchase price.

They will also research the manufacturer’s environmental policies, as well as their association with respected bodies such as BCAS before making a purchase decision.

Colin Mander will take over as president of BCAS in November 2010.

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