Rand-Air, a part of the Atlas Copco Specialty Rental division and a longtime chief within the field of air, nitrogen, power, circulate (pumps), steam boiler and lighting options, just lately took a bold decision which has modified the means in which its customer – and Rand Air – will strategy future hires of an analogous nature.
Working in the petrochemical sector requires important attention to detail, with absolute security at all times imperative. When Rand-Air was approached by a long-standing buyer on this sector for tools to clear a sulfuric acid pipeline sure for decommissioning, they approached the task at hand in an innovative and agile method, developing with a different resolution from these beforehand applied.
“The venture undertaken was uncommon by nature. Our buyer required the usage of an air compressor which may carry out optimally in a high-risk, risky surroundings. We subsequently decided that this specific project demanded a fresh answer – and a departure from the greatest way during which it had previously been approached,” explains Rand-Air seasoned petrochemical trade sales representative Melanie Lake.
Oil-free air versus nitrogen
“Acid can not come into contact with any moisture – whether or not or not it’s water or oil – as a end result of its excessive volatility. Contaminants could cause hazardous chemical reactions and potentially even combustion,” explains Lake.
The clearing of the first sulfuric acid pipeline – undertaken in 2020 – was meant as a once-off venture. Rand-Air therefore took the decision to go with the Class 0 oil-free compressor as a end result of its production of high-quality, clean, oil-free, and totally dry compressed air.
“Multiple consultations and analyses preceded this challenge, to make sure that the Class zero oil-free compressor would produce air which was sufficiently pure, contaminant-free and dry, at a stress dew level of minus forty degrees,” she adds.
Prior to Rand-Air supplying the oil-free compressor, this explicit customer had all the time used nitrogen to clear their pipelines. By providing the Class 0 oil-free air solution, Rand-Air was capable of show that this was the higher solution in this case: able to provide a more environment friendly answer in a shorter time, and with considerably much less potential contamination or safety danger.
Ultimate effectivity with a number of makes use of
The first pipeline clearing venture using oil-free air turned out to be so profitable that the estimated 5 day compressor hire, was completed in just one. This incredible achievement further highlighted the operational effectivity of the oil-free compressors selected.
Following the success of the initial pipeline clearing, 4 more initiatives happened through the course of the year, and another is about for October.
“Efficiency and air purity are the reason that this specific compressor is one of the best and most viable answer for clearing pipelines,” says Lake. Compressors hired by the shopper this 12 months embody the PTS1600 compressor with a dryer which produces 1600 cubic toes of compressed air per minute.
“Oil-free compressors are able to be effective over tremendous distances. For example, a few 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, pressure drops – which affects the move. It is essential that air is pumped into the tanks at beneath 4 Bar,” Lake explains.
Oil-free compressors have multiple uses. Customers normally solely hire them for instrumentation, fermentation and aerating containers which are standard uses for these machines.
According to Lake, the fact that these compressors may additionally be used in applications similar to clearing petrochemical pipelines, demonstrates their diversity: “The oil-free compressor is even able to moving an 80 ton transformer, thanks to its capability to explode industrial pillows which are then positioned beneath the heavy transformer and floated,” she remarks.
All different capabilities apart, probably the most compelling purpose for the rent of the Class zero oil-free compressor was due to its capacity to supply clean, pure, contaminant-free dry air.
Making agility rely
Rand-Air attributes its excessive degree of customer success and repeat enterprise to an around-the-clock service and strong staff effort: “We have made ourselves indispensable to so many customers, due to our extraordinarily excessive requirements and substantial industry experience. Whenever there is a want for rental equipment, customers insist on using our options and companies – thanks to our stringent security audits, impeccable service and superior technical help,” says Lake.
True to its status in many industries together with petrochemical – Rand-Air has remained true to its ethos and tagline of ‘making agility count’ and providing efficient options to customer’s operational wants.
“We are a group which works together and supports each other regardless of the task. Our technicians and employees are on name 24/7 to ensure customer service and assist. pressure gauge 10 bar will all the time be ready to go above and beyond for a buyer, looking at their issues from recent angles, to search out them one of the best answer potential – ‘clearing the way’ for innovation and improved productiveness,” concludes Lake.
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