When zero is hero: Class 0 oil-free vs technically oil-free air
July 2019
Motion Control & Drives
Oil-free compressed air is used throughout industry, where the purest compressed air quality is critical to the end product and to the processes involved, such as in the pharmaceutical or food and beverage sectors, for example. “As the leading provider of portable power and air solutions in the country, Rand-Air has the right solution for our customers, in that we are able to supply oil-free compressors which have a TUV Class 0 certification under the ISO 8573-1 standard. With this assurance, customers can have peace of mind that they are guaranteed 100% oil-free compressed air,” explains fleet manager, Craig Swart.
The evolution of this stringent standard reflects the ever-increasing requirement for quality air for processes and end products. Class 0 is a more stringent industry standard where the total oil content is measured – not only aerosols and liquids but vapours as well – by the internationally recognised TUV organisation. Rand-Air sources its oil-free compressors from Atlas Copco, which put these units through the most rigorous tests available. Atlas Copco is now the first manufacturer to receive Class 0 Certification for all its oil-free products.
In the field of air compressors, there are two terms which need to be understood, Class 0 and technically oil-free. The latter term means that oil is injected into the compressed air and then removed afterwards using a filtration process. This involves an oil separator in the compressor, coalescing filters to remove most liquid oil, and then an activated carbon filter to remove oil vapours. With technically oil-free compressors, during the filtration process failures can potentially occur. For example, separators can break and filters can become saturated. These factors are exacerbated when the operating temperatures are high. When using a technically oil-free system, there are also other issues to consider such as ensuring that filters are regularly changed, treatment of the condensate and higher energy costs.
“At Rand-Air, all our PT-, PN- and Z- range of compressors are Class 0 oil-free, TUV-certified and we have a range of oil-free compressors to suit most applications. So if your requirement is for oil-free compressed air, one has to ask: “Why take the risk of potential damage to equipment or reputation?” A Class 0 oil-free compressor from Rand-Air is your optimal solution,” Swart concludes.
For more information contact Byrone Thorne, Rand-Air, +27 11 345 0700, [email protected], www.randair.com
Further reading:
Osterwalder launches multi-plate, fully electric powder press
Motion Control & Drives
Osterwalder Technology has launched the MPneo 480, a 480 kN fully electric multi-plate powder press with up to six cross-pressing modules. Designed for hard metals, ceramics and advanced engineered materials, the press supports complex geometries and offers optional
Read more...
Ground helical racks for superior precision and durability
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has announced its ground helical rack series, engineered for smooth operation, high torque transmission and long-lasting performance in precision motion systems. The racks are designed for demanding environments such as machine tools, high-speed automation equipment and precision positioning systems.
Read more...
SpinDrive launches Magma X100 active magnetic bearing controller
Motion Control & Drives
SpinDrive has launched the Magma X100, a new active magnetic bearing controller platform for applications up to 150 kW. The platform brings oil-free, frictionless bearing technology to mobile machinery, semiconductor equipment and other high-speed rotating equipment at a cost comparable to conventional bearing solutions.
Read more...
Sealed split spherical roller bearings deliver rapid installation and reduced downtime
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings combine a split design with premium engineering to enable rapid installation and simplified maintenance, reducing mean time to repair by up to 70% and keeping operations running in sectors from mining to food and beverage.
Read more...
Inclination sensors for motion control
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.
Read more...
Inside the Giant Magellan Telescope with mechanical engineering at astronomical scale
Motion Control & Drives
Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, set to become the world’s largest Gregorian optical infrared telescope, is well underway. While its scientific mission is to transform astronomy, its performance depends heavily on advanced mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineering.
Read more...
Drives cut energy use by up to 30% amid rising costs
Motion Control & Drives
Rockwell Automation’s PowerFlex 755TS variable frequency drives are delivering energy reductions of 10 to 30% in Africa’s industrial operations, with adaptive control and predictive maintenance features that cut downtime by up to 50%.
Read more...
Proportionate specification for hazardous locations
Motion Control & Drives
As automation spreads deeper into processing, handling and transport operations, motors are increasingly required to operate in spaces that sit on the edge of hazardous zones.
Read more...
Keep your turbines spinning
Motion Control & Drives
No turbine is immune from wear and tear. Unexpected downtime or poor performance can quickly degrade its value and lifespan, but strategically maintained turbines can deliver decades of performance.
Read more...
Linear drive architectures deliver versatility without complexity in medical technology
Motion Control & Drives
Linear drive architectures provide a straightforward, configurable way to deliver precise linear motion, making it an increasingly valuable solution in medical motion designs.
Read more...
printer friendly version