Experts will be available on stand C8 to discuss the new Ultima oil-free compressor technology and the new iConn air management platform; both designed to help operators lower cost of ownership through reduced energy consumption and improved operational efficiencies.

 

　　Ultima oil-free compressor

 

　　Showcased for the first time in the UK, Ultima is a revolutionary new, water-cooled oil-free compressor, offering up to 12 per cent improved energy efficiency compared to a conventional two-stage machine with a 37 per cent smaller footprint.

 

　　Launched as part of the company’s CompAir PureAir range, Ultima is available in models from 75 kW to 160 kW and is designed for best in class performance, for applications that demand the highest levels of air quality and purity.

 

　　Unlike standard oil-free compressors, which have a single motor and mechanical gearbox design to drive the low and high-pressure air ends, Ultima uses the U-Drive concept - two, high-efficiency, permanent magnetic motors which replace the gearbox and single motor.

 

　　These variable-speed motors, powered by an inverter, can achieve speeds of up to 22,000 rpm and deliver efficiencies greater than IE4.

 

　　While conventional variable-speed machines are already well proven in numerous applications and deliver high energy efficiency, the two stages of compression are linked mechanically, meaning they need to speed up and slow down at the same time.

 

　　Ultima, however, is different. By removing the gearbox and single motor entirely and replacing with two U-Drives powered by two separate inverters, each airend stage is now driven directly and independently, for even greater performance. An intelligent digital gearbox design then monitors and adjust the speeds of each aired continuously, ensuring maximum efficiency and pressure ratios at all times.

 

　　iConn

 

　　As Industry 4.0 is driving manufacturers to share and analyse asset data, customers are demanding more intelligent insights into their compressed air performance that will remove risks, improve productivity and reduce energy consumption.

 

　　The CompAir iConn air management platform has been developed to meet this requirement by delivering advanced analytics, which enable operators to stay in control of their installation. The system can provide historic, real-time, predictive and cognitive analytics, enabling users to rectify potential issues before they happen.

 

　　The iConn cloud platform is particularly beneficial for businesses with multiple, remote sites or unmanned installations. It enables users to monitor compressor performance from a single location, via their mobile device, tablet or PC.

 

　　Visitors can also find out more about Gardner Denver’s range of services to improve compressed air performance and efficiency, including air audits and tailored maintenance packages.