SmartAir Master helps improve compressor performance

CompAir has launched SmartAir Master, a simple-to-install control system that provides detailed management reports to help plant engineers improve the performance and efficiency of a compressor network.

The SmartAir Master will intelligently control up to 12 compressors, fixed or variable speed and can reduce energy consumption by up to 35%, by operating all of the compressors in the network to the narrowest pressure band. 

It is considered that the easier a controller is to install and commission and the more comprehensive the data it provides, the more efficient the compressor network can operate.

CompAir has therefore designed the controller to be very easy to install, with a series of on-screen prompts that guide the commissioning engineer through the set up and confirm when each parameter has been programmed correctly.  

Some controllers require a high degree of technical input and detailed information about each compressor in the network in order to be installed correctly.  In contrast, once each compressor is connected to the SmartAir Master, the engineer needs to enter only minimal information as the controller will identify all the units in the system and will self-programme many stages.

In addition, unlike conventional controllers, which need numerous interface cards to communicate with each compressor, the SmartAir Master has just two options, helping to improve the speed and ease of installation.

These functions combine to ensure that the most efficient compressor combination is selected, thereby avoiding the risk and associated cost of offload running. 

In addition, where compressors of the same capacity are installed, the system will equalise running hours so that no machine is over or underused, reducing maintenance concerns and costs. 

SmartAir Master provides a variety of performance data on a visual touchscreen, giving plant managers a comprehensive overview of the complete system, including downstream equipment to help improve network performance.  This can include information such as the status of each compressor connected, as well as network pressure, compressed air consumption and pressure range, all of which can be presented in graphs or tables.

In addition, SmartAir Master is available with a removable SD memory card, enabling data to be transferred to and analysed on a pc and management reports produced.  A local network connection is also provided, allowing system data to be viewed using the optional web server module.

Benefits at a glance: 1) Step-by-step operation and programming via full colour touch screen.  2) User-friendly and self-explanatory, with "commissioning wizard" for easy programming. 3) Fault and warning messages for each compressor are listed along with exact time and date. 4) Service technicians can immediately analyse the cause of any maintenance required. 5) Simple installation with low cabling costs using a data cable with a "bus structure". 6)  An on-screen user manual is also available.

Accessories such as dryers, filters and condensate drains are easily connected to the SmartAir Master directly or via an extension module.

CompAir in profile
CompAir is a leading global manufacturer of compressed air and gas solutions, providing high performance and low operating cost compressors and ancillaries for a broad range of applications. CompAir is present in many industries including chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, automotive, construction and CNG. 

CompAir has an extensive network of dedicated sales companies and distributors across all continents, offering global expertise with a truly local service capability. With a complete range of world-class rotary screw, piston, centrifugal and vane compressors, including high-pressure, oil-free and portable models, CompAir has the innovative solution to all compressed air and gas requirements.

For further information, view website: www.compair.com 

Say goodbye to standby: ANSMANN's ZeroWatt
"green" power technology arrives in the United Kingdom

ANSMANN, the specialist manufacturer of batteries, battery chargers and power supplies for industrial, consumer and hobby applications, has announced the arrival of its patent-pending ZeroWatt "green" power technology in the UK. ZeroWatt technology eliminates the consumption of standby power by electronic equipment without compromising normal usage or convenience. Standby power consumption is the electrical power drawn from the mains by electronic equipment that has either been placed in sleep mode by remote control or has actually been switched "off" but is still connected to the mains and therefore "on".

ANSMANN patent-pending ZeroWatt "green" power technology.

"ZeroWatt says goodbye to standby," said Paul Channell, Managing Director of ANSMANN Energy (UK) Ltd. "Standby power consumption is a fundamental part of both today's electronic consumer society and modern industrial life. Yet it is distinctly at odds with the 'green' agenda. It might be convenient but it is simply not eco-friendly. While other initiatives have simply sought to 'reduce' standby power consumption, ANSMANN's ZeroWatt power technology completely eliminates it by automatically disconnecting electronic equipment from the mains when it is switched to standby mode."

ANSMANN's is making the ZeroWatt power technology available under licence to manufacturers worldwide for incorporation into their electronic equipment designs. ZeroWatt exceeds both the requirements of the US Energy Star programme and the EU's similarly stated ecological objectives.

ANSMANN is also announcing the first of its eco-friendly industrial and consumer power products utilising the ZeroWatt technology including battery, travel and microUSB device chargers and mains adapters. ANSMANN's ZeroWatt Powerline 4 AA/AAA battery travel charger and Powerline 5 battery charging station for the 'famous five' (AAA, AA, C, D and 9V E block) batteries, which automatically disconnect from the mains when charging is complete, are available now. The microUSB charger will be available in July 2010. ANSMANN is also introducing a range of ZeroWatt mains socket adapters including an intelligent time-controlled countdown timer in white and green (May 2010), an infrared controlled mains socket adapter that works with existing remote controls for TVs, HiFis and DVD players (late summer 2010) and an intelligent adapter with reactivation button for PCs (late summer 2010).

"The cost savings and associated environmental benefits that could be generated by the elimination of standby power consumption are all too evident. It's estimated that cutting standby power consumption could save around 20 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually," continued Paul Channell. "In major industrial countries the size of the United Kingdom, France or Germany, standby power consumption is estimated to be around 20 billion kW hours a year. This equates to between 10% and 20% of the annual electricity usage of a typical household."

For further information contact, Paul Channell, Managing Director, ANSMANN Energy (UK), e-mail: pchannell@ansmann.co.uk

MR7000 - Marking and reading solution

The MR7000 is a complete solution for micro percussion marking, Data MatrixTM codes as well as reading Data MatrixTM codes. It provides high-precision marking complying with standards in affect in the aerospace, defence, automotive and other industries.

The MR7000 is the ideal marking solution for aircraft parts, safety-critical parts and high added-value parts. The precision of the guidance and the use of an electromagnetic stylus provide perfect control of positioning and impact force. The solution also includes a hand-held Data Matrix™ code reader, connected either to a PC or to the marking machine itself, so that the conformity of the marking on the part can be checked. Lastly, micro percussion marking cannot be forged, in contrast to ink-jet marking, for example.

The MR7000 is particularly ergonomic and simple to use. The marking area is 100 x 120 mm, with a 280 mm motorized Z-axis. No manual adjustment is necessary: the electromagnetic stylus is fitted with a touch sensor which automatically locates the marking surface and positions itself correctly. The marking log is saved in the machine and can easily be exported The marking program can be defined and loaded into the machine in advance by the supervisor (force, texts, etc.). All the operator then has to do is execute the markings, without having to adjust the programming.

A wide range of accessories are available. The circular part marking system converts the MR7000 into a 4-axis machine (X, Y, Z, rotation), ¬ this procedure does not require a PC. An automatic plate feeder with a 160-item capacity means that certain tasks can be automated.

TECHNIFOR technical assistance and customer support is available in more than 30 countries.

For further information, view website: www.gravotech.com