Rand-Air, a half of the Atlas Copco Specialty Rental division and a longtime chief in the subject of air, nitrogen, energy, circulate (pumps), steam boiler and lighting options, recently took a bold determination which has modified the finest way its customer – and Rand Air – will strategy future hires of an identical nature.
Working within the petrochemical sector requires crucial attention to detail, with absolute safety always crucial. When Rand-Air was approached by a long-standing buyer in this sector for gear to clear a sulfuric acid pipeline sure for decommissioning, they approached the task at hand in an innovative and agile manner, coming up with a different solution from those beforehand utilized.
“The challenge undertaken was unusual by nature. Our buyer required the use of an air compressor which might carry out optimally in a high-risk, unstable environment. We therefore determined that this particular project demanded a contemporary resolution – and a departure from the greatest way in which it had beforehand been approached,” explains Rand-Air seasoned petrochemical industry sales representative Melanie Lake.
Oil-free air versus nitrogen
“Acid cannot come into contact with any moisture – whether or not it’s water or oil – due to its extreme volatility. Contaminants could cause hazardous chemical reactions and doubtlessly even combustion,” explains Lake.
The clearing of the first sulfuric acid pipeline – undertaken in 2020 – was meant as a once-off project. Rand-Air therefore took the choice to go with the Class 0 oil-free compressor because of its manufacturing of high-quality, clear, oil-free, and totally dry compressed air.
“ ไดอะแฟรม ซีล and analyses preceded this venture, to guarantee that the Class 0 oil-free compressor would produce air which was sufficiently pure, contaminant-free and dry, at a stress dew level of minus forty levels,” she adds.
Prior to Rand-Air supplying the oil-free compressor, this particular buyer had at all times used nitrogen to clear their pipelines. By offering the Class 0 oil-free air answer, Rand-Air was able to prove that this was the higher solution on this case: capable of supply a more environment friendly solution in a shorter time, and with considerably less potential contamination or safety risk.
Ultimate effectivity with a quantity of makes use of
The first pipeline clearing project utilizing oil-free air turned out to be so successful that the estimated 5 day compressor hire, was accomplished in just one. This unimaginable achievement further highlighted the operational efficiency of the oil-free compressors chosen.
Following the success of the initial pipeline clearing, four extra initiatives occurred during the course of the yr, and one other is set for October.
“Efficiency and air purity are the rationale that this particular compressor is the best and most viable answer for clearing pipelines,” says Lake. Compressors hired by the customer this 12 months include the PTS1600 compressor with a dryer which produces 1600 cubic ft of compressed air per minute.
“Oil-free compressors are capable of be effective over large distances. For instance, some of the pipeline initiatives have required air to be pumped through pipelines of between 2.5 kms to 5 kms. When compressing air over this distance, strain drops – which affects the move. It is important that air is pumped into the tanks at beneath 4 Bar,” Lake explains.
Oil-free compressors have a number of makes use of. Customers often only hire them for instrumentation, fermentation and aerating containers that are normal uses for these machines.
According to Lake, the truth that these compressors may also be utilized in functions similar to clearing petrochemical pipelines, demonstrates their variety: “The oil-free compressor is even able to transferring an 80 ton transformer, thanks to its capability to blow up industrial pillows which are then placed underneath the heavy transformer and floated,” she remarks.
All other capabilities apart, probably the most compelling reason for the rent of the Class zero oil-free compressor was because of its ability to provide clear, pure, contaminant-free dry air.
Making agility count
Rand-Air attributes its high degree of buyer success and repeat business to an around-the-clock service and robust group effort: “We have made ourselves indispensable to so many purchasers, due to our extremely excessive requirements and substantial industry experience. Whenever there’s a want for rental equipment, customers insist on utilizing our solutions and providers – thanks to our stringent security audits, impeccable service and superior technical assistance,” says Lake.
True to its popularity in many industries including petrochemical – Rand-Air has remained true to its ethos and tagline of ‘making agility count’ and providing effective options to customer’s operational needs.
“We are a team which works together and helps each other no matter the duty. Our technicians and employees are on name 24/7 to ensure customer service and assist. We will at all times be prepared to go above and beyond for a customer, looking at their problems from contemporary angles, to search out them one of the best resolution possible – ‘clearing the way’ for innovation and improved productivity,” concludes Lake.
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