CompAir supplies 'Change of Heart' scheme compressor to research institute

Citation

(2000), "CompAir supplies 'Change of Heart' scheme compressor to research institute", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 72 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2000.12772bab.054

CompAir supplies 'Change of Heart' scheme compressor to research institute

CompAir supplies "Change of Heart" scheme compressor to research institute

Keywords: CompAir, University of Southampton, R&D, Compression, Compressed air

CompAir has supplied two VMHD 500 oil-free reciprocating compressors to the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research at the University of Southampton. The two CompAir units were installed with associated dryers and filters by authorised CompAir distributor Motivair of Eastleigh, Hampshire.

The confined nature of the plant room meant that Motivair had to lift the compressors into place by crane. One of the VMHD 500 compressors was supplied under CompAir's "Change of Heart" scheme. The "Change of Heart" programme involves fitting a replacement compressor block, built to the latest specifications, that can be quickly and cost effectively installed into existing V-Major and V-Compact units.

John Taylor, Departmental Technical Superintendent at the Institute, explains:

We had a need for a source of oil-free high pressure compressed air. Our previous CompAir compressor had proved reliable and in consultation with Motivair we chose CompAir's "Change of Heart" scheme to facilitate a cost saving against the purchase of further new plant. Motivair also provided the best solution to a complex installation, enabling us to use our existing compressor room.

The Institute of Sound and Vibration uses compressed air for various applications at its test facilities. High pressure compressed air expelled through a loudspeaker in a reverberation chamber is used to test the structural integrity of satellite components. Bombarding the satellites with up to 190 decibels ensures that launch stresses are tolerated. Other applications include supplying high pressure air to wind tunnels and an anechoic chamber featuring an acoustic tunnel used for testing jet engine noise caused by turbulence. The Institute carries out research for manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Nissan.

The sensitive nature of the applications at the Institute demand dry oil-free compressed air. Oil-free operation is achieved via extended piston rods with non-lubricated packings and self-lubricating rings that run in replaceable, austenitic iron cylinder liners. The VHMD compressors have three-step regulation for full, part, or no load operation to reduce part load power consumption.

Energy consumption is minimised using automatic valve unloading to match variable air demand. All VHMD units are available with vibration absorbing mounts, ensuring isolation of the compressor from its operating environment.

Details available from CompAir UK Limited Tel: +44 (0) 800 731 6469.