Sometimes when there's a problem with a piece of machinery, it's not always the machine manufacturer's fault. Sometimes it's a product, supplied by the vendor, that's inside the machine that is causing the problem.

For example, when a compressor is showing signs of carbon and varnish deposits or is in need of frequent oil drains, there's a good chance that it's not the machine's fault. Instead, the type of compressor fluid being used may be to blame.

Such was the case at ETOPI, LDA -- a Portugal-based manufacturer of compressors. They were getting complaints from customers about oil thickening and short drain intervals. So even though ETOPI, LDA was providing premium compressors, the ineffectiveness of the compressor fluid being used was beginning to create a negative perception.

ETOPI, LDA has been manufacturing, importing and exporting compressors since 1987. The industries they serve include paper and printing facilities as well as metalworking and packaging plants.

The company also boosts a robust technical assistance and maintenance team -- servicing all the compressors they sell.

"We take great pride in our products and making our customers happy is our number one priority," says Jose da Silva, General Manager, ETOPI, LDA. "So when we started getting complaints from our customers about shortened drain intervals, carbon residue and oil thickening we knew that we needed to find a better compressor fluid that would provide exceptional performance benefits and make our customers happy."

da Silva embarked on a search to find the best compressor fluid for his operation.

After careful consideration, da Silva made the switch to Petro-Canada's COMPRO XL-S 46 compressor fluid. The fluid had all of the performance benefits he was looking for, including resistance to oxidative breakdown, extended drain potential and reduction of oil thickening.

"We manufacture premium quality compressors, therefore, the compressor fluid we put in them must also be premium quality -- that's why we switched to Petro-Canada's COMPRO XL-S 46," explains da Silva.

While COMPRO XL-S compressor fluids provide equal or better resistance to thermal and oxidative breakdown versus leading PAO synthetic fluids. In actual use, COMPRO XL-S fluids provide up to 8,000 hours of continuous, worry-free service in rotary screw compressors and the opportunity to significantly reduce compressor operating costs.

Customer complaints about shortened drain intervals, carbon residue and oil thickening have ceased. Drain intervals were extended to 5,000 hours and inspections revealed substantially less carbon and varnish residue on components.

"da Silva has begun to extend the fluid service life by 1,000 hours every month. "Extending the extra 1,000 hours helps to save money across the board, in downtime reduction, maintenance costs and simply by using less fluid."

Petro-Canada

The GA range of oil-injected compressors feature compression elements based on Atlas Copco's patented asymmetric rotor profiles which drastically reduce volumetric losses. Through the optimization of oil injection, flow and temperature, the compression process is kept at the coolest possible temperature, thereby minimizing thermodynamic losses. Design features include Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, the use of radial fans with VSD regulation, high-efficiency motors and no-loss drains. Extra energy-saving options include an integrated energy recovery system and/or VSD as the main motor.

Atlas Copco

Now you can convert your shop air used for pneumatic tools and equipment to breathable clean air. The North 3 stage portable filtration panels purify compressed air by removing oil, water and particulate contaminants. The carbon monoxide monitor activates an audible and visual alarm when CO concentration exceeds 5 PPM. Applications include painting, confined space, asbestos abatement, cleaning, maintenance, sandblasting, construction and municipal applications.

North Safety Products

The Next Gen KS3030 heavy-duty diesel air compressor produces air flow volume of 30 cfm at 175 psi and 35 cfm at 100 psi from diesel powered service vehicles. It can continuously run a 1" impact gun or wrench. The powder coated air compressor features all CNC-machined parts. Steel valves and deep cylinder fins for rapid heat dissipation. It runs at very low rpm and has a counter-balanced crankshaft, cast iron pump and oversized main bearings.

Next Generation Power

The versatile, non-hygroscopic A/C compressor oil works in all types of mobile A/C systems and features a leak detection agent. The new universal synthetic oil PAO-OIL 68 Plus UV oil's leak detection ingredient is a concentrated, highly effective UV dye that does not affect the oil's performance characteristics. The oils are non-hygroscopic and do not absorb moisture. They are compatible with other lubricants and reduce the noise level of the compressor.

Hella, Inc.

Donaldson cycling refrigerated compressed air dryers provide energy-efficient operations with patented technology, flexible design and intelligent control. Microprocessor-based controllers are programmed to measure and respond to critical operating parameters and anticipate demand, which allows the Donald RFC Series dryer (200-650 scfm) to proactively encounter load changes and adjust operating cycle to avoid dew point spikes. The Ultrapulse controller offers modes of operation, depending on the needs of the process and changes in ambient conditions.

Donaldson Company

The expanded S-energy® Series of lubricated rotary screw air compressors is now available in both constant speed and variable speed drive models, ranging from 15 (11 kW) to 100 (75 kW) horsepower with capacities of 44 to 500 acfm and pressures from 100 to 175 psig. Its air-end design with the low restriction inlet valve, low pressure drop air-fluid separation system prevents energy loss. Additional energy savings are achieved with optional Variable Speed Drive (VSD) compressors that provide the flexibility to vary both capacity and pressure to match system demand. All models are available as a complete Performance Air System with optional integral Sullair SRS refrigerated dryers and filters for the efficient remove of condensate and particulate.

Sullair Industrial Products

The Jenny electric single-stage, horizontal-tank stationary air compressors feature cast-iron compressor pumps and powder-coated, ASME certified tanks. The latest models in the single-stage line offer 60- or 80-gallon horizontal tanks and provide 5 horsepower while displacing 27.8 or 28.7 cfm at 125 psi. Magnetic starters come standard on these larger units. A wide range of horsepower and cfm displacement levels are available from there, including 3, 2,1.5, 1 and 3/4 horsepower. The smallest model in the line uses a 17-gallon tank and provides 1/2 horsepower. It displaces 3.4 cfm at 125 psi. Each unit is splash lubricated with Jenny "Ultimate Blue" compressor pump oil to ensure the pistons, bearings, crankshaft, rings and cylinders are protected.

Jenny Products, Inc.

Low pressure air sources include the Allegro family of Ambient Air Pumps which are portable and oil-less producing no carbon monoxide, oil vapor or oil mist. The Allegro Air Carts can supply two to five workers with breathable compressed air. Filtration panels include an AC/DC-powered, portable unit called Carry-Air™, which is housed in a rugged Pelican case. The wall-mounted AC/DC units, called Wall-Air™ , are for more permanent job sites. The design of the high-pressure Multi-Regulator Filtration Panel allows each regulator to be individually adjusted at different pressure settings. The oil-less Portable Compressor is suitable for confined space applications and provides clean, breathable air to high pressure-demand respirators.

The EndurAir Rotary Screw air compressor package provides clean, cool, compressed air. The built-in, three stage oil separation system minimizes oil carryover in the compressed air, making it a very user friendly and easy to operate compressor package.

Gardner Denver

The new generation of Corena S and AS is now available alongside the existing Corena P and AP lubricants to maximize the performance of rotary (screw or vane) and reciprocating (piston) compressors. Shell Corena S ­ severely hydro-treated compressor lubricant for rotary vane or screw compressors in normal and demanding operating conditions. Shell Corena AS ­ synthetic premium-quality compressor oil for rotary-vane or screw compressors in severe operating conditions such as high temperatures and humidity. Shell Corena P ­ mineral-based compressor oil for reciprocating/piston compressors in normal and demanding operating conditions. Shell Corena AP ­ synthetic premium-quality compressor oil for reciprocating/piston compressors in severe operating conditions such as high temperatures and humidity. Shell Corena NG ­ semi-synthetic compressor cylinder oil for use in sour and/or wet natural-gas reciprocating compressors.

Shell Canada Products

The CAM Series compressed air flowmeter monitor and manage compressed air and/or nitrogen usage in industrial facilities. The CAM Series flowmeters use thermal-dispersion mass-flow technology for localised measurement of air usage and detection of low air flows and air system leaks. They are easy to install. The meter clamps onto a vertical or horizontal pipe, with two flow-sensing probes projecting into the pipe through 3/16-inch drilled holes. The meter seals directly to the pipe without cutting or welding. Each meter is manufactured and calibrated for a specific pipe size. The meter's digital display indicates flow directly without setup or adjustment.

FlowMeters.com

The new generation of Corena S and AS is now available alongside the existing Corena P and AP lubricants to maximize the performance of rotary (screw or vane) and reciprocating (piston) compressors. Shell Corena S ­ severely hydro-treated compressor lubricant for rotary vane or screw compressors in normal and demanding operating conditions. Shell Corena AS ­ synthetic premium-quality compressor oil for rotary-vane or screw compressors in severe operating conditions such as high temperatures and humidity. Shell Corena P ­ mineral-based compressor oil for reciprocating/piston compressors in normal and demanding operating conditions. Shell Corena AP ­ synthetic premium-quality compressor oil for reciprocating/piston compressors in severe operating conditions such as high temperatures and humidity. Shell Corena NG ­ semi-synthetic compressor cylinder oil for use in sour and/or wet natural-gas reciprocating compressors.

Shell Canada Products

The PowderDry™ system was designed as an easy-to-install replacement for plastic comb or fan nozzles, air jets, disk nozzles, drilled pipe and other common pneumatic blow-off devices. The versatile system generates high velocity airflows for effective debris and moisture removal. Its washdown-capable design is suited for food, beverage and packaging operations and its durable construction holds up in harsh industrial environments. The system incorporates a Paxton centrifugal blower that develops maximum air flow and pressure from a small, 3HP motor. An FDA-compliant hose carries the airflow to a unique 6-nozzle air tube that delivers successive hits of high impact air. A fully adjustable, stainless steel, mounting arm holds the air tube securely in place.

Paxton Products

Gardner Denver recently expanded its line of Variable Speed, VS series compressors with the addition of the VS80-110 and the VS 135-170 models. These new platforms of rotary screw compressors combine the ultra efficient Enduro+ airend with the revolutionary AirSmart control system to ensure that power cost is minimized.

Gardner Denver

Canadian Industrial Equipment News July/August 2008

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