An ideal compressor

Pneumatic systems & components

4th Quarter 2010 Pneumatic systems & components

Arthur Rushmer Engineering deals with many mining applications and was looking for a low maintenance, long-life compressor which could operate under extreme conditions.

The new remote monitored ARE2000SS-GSMRM compressor meets these requirements. It is simple to maintain and has cellular SMS real-time electronic log book functionality. Inputs, alerts, alarms, trips and automatic immobilisation originate from a remote server. The unit is also programmable via dynamic, self-learning PLC logic. Supplying reports on a daily basis, the compressor can be audited via an electronic logbook to ensure that it delivers continuous performance within prefixed key performance indicators.

Long life

It also has exceptional life expectancy. The manufacturer Mattei has incorporated high precision engineering equipment to ensure outstanding quality. The bearing life is over 60 000 hours and the blade life is over 100 000 hours – equivalent to 12 years of continuous operation. The simplistic design consists of a rotor with vanes that rotate eccentrically in a larger diameter stator. The rotor is supported by bushes, not roller bearings which can cause out of balance thrust. A flexible coupling between motor and compressor eliminates the need for V-belts. There are no gears that require regular maintenance.

Cost effective

The modulating proportional intake valve, which is a standard feature, supplies air at a constant minimum pressure band, ensuring that the compressors can work without an air receiver, thereby reducing costs. Hence air delivery is automatically adapted to the system’s demand, ensuring optimum loading. There is also a continuous and automatic option with off-load operations that results in very efficient energy consumption.

Low maintenance

Exceptionally low maintenance is needed. Maintenance operations are carried out at predetermined intervals in accordance with electronic log book auditing. This involves changing the oil, replacing the air intake filter, and cleaning the oil return valves and combination air/oil cooler. The air/oil separation filters only need to be substituted every 10 000 working hours, resulting in significant savings in maintenance and downtime.

Oil control

The exclusive three stage oil separating system reduces oil carryover in the air to less than 3 ppm and extends the coalescing filter life to 10 000 operating hours. The air after-cooler ensures that air temperatures are no higher than 7 to 100K above ambient at the air discharge valve. The compressor is mounted on an open frame as the noise level is low and no acoustic silencing is required. This makes it easy to access all components when the unit is serviced.

With the design of the ARE2000 all aspects have been taken into consideration, even the filling of oil. There is a a 35 litre on-board oil reservoir with a mechanical pump. It takes about eight strokes to pump 1 litre of oil directly into the compressor.

Remote monitoring

The compressor is designed with a remote monitoring facility and this has been included in a unit exported to Australia. It is also available locally subject to an air contract being concluded with Arthur Rushmer Engineering.

For more information contact Terry Rushmer, Arthur Rushmer Engineering, +27 (0)11 908 4169, [email protected], www.are.co.za

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Pneumatic systems & components

An ideal compressor

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