Vertical compressor answers user demands

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 29, 2006

Available now, the Hydrovane Mark II vertical compressor has been designed using customer feedback from users of the previous generation units.

Hydrovane turned to its customers for feedback and ideas when designing its new Hydrovane Mark II vertical compressor.

Based on the popular design of its predecessor, the updated model includes many new features, most of which were as a direct result of listening to their customers.

Two years ago, Hydrovane launched the Mark II's revolutionary predecessor; a vertical, rotary vane air compressor in three sizes: 4, 5 and 7kW.

It boasted the highest specification of any compressor available on the market and its innovative vertical design, which saw the direct integration of the compressor and electric motor, eliminated any drive components resulting in a high efficiency yet low maintenance unit all in a small footprint.

This original model has been well received around the globe and the key to its tremendous success has been reliability - since the launch, factory test compressors have been on a continuous stop/start cycle and have now clocked up over 250,000 stop-starts - the equivalent to many lifetimes of normal use.

However, two years and over 2600 compressors later, Hydrovane was keen to make sure its compressors remained at the cutting edge of technology and, in direct response to customer consultation, it began creating the second generation of vertical compressors.

Bob Cheshire, Managing Director of Hydrovane, comments: "The introduction of the first Hydrovane was a revolution in the compressor market and we have seen its popularity increase significantly over the last couple of years.

But we didn't want to stop there and despite having already achieved a breakthrough design we moved swiftly onto our next challenge - how do we make the best even better?".

"We were keen to maintain the core features offered by the first generation of vertical compressors but by listening to feedback from customers, distributors and most importantly service engineers, we were able to identify a number of potential enhancements".

"There was a common theme in all their wish lists: performance - more air for less power, combined with higher quality air and an even lower noise level".

"All these comments and ideas were discussed, analysed and costed and proposed design improvements were then referred back to the customers to ensure their needs had been met".

"The result is an outstanding compressor which takes advantage of all the ground-breaking elements of the original design enhanced by customer-driven improvements - offering users exactly what they want from their equipment".

The ABS plastic panels have been replaced with a steel enclosure, making the system extremely robust and practical yet retaining its totally unique appearance.

And within this steel enclosure, the starter box now takes up a complete side of the compressor - expanding available space so that any additional equipment that may be needed for external control can be easily integrated.

On the regulated speed (RS) version, the inverter drive will now be totally enclosed within the starter, with a controlled flow of clean cooling air for maximum efficiency and extended operating life.

A state-of-the-art electronic controller has also been added.

The controller has a continuous illuminated control panel displaying air pressure and compressor temperature for clear visual control of the main operating parameters.

One of the many features of this new controller is the automatic countdown to next service, facilitating cost-effective timing of service procedures.

And with service in mind, the oil filter and oil drain tap have been repositioned to the front of the compressor, making servicing both speedy and totally accessible.

Immediately following the relaunch of the 4 to 7kW sizes will be the 11 to 22kW sizes, incorporating all of the new technology developed on the smaller units.

Also, to complement the new compressors, is the new version of Hypac.

Hypac, again driven by customer demand, is the integration of the Hydrovane compressor with inline filtration, refrigerant dryer and receiver all in a self-contained package.

The Hypac offers the Hydrovane user ultraclean, dry air without the need for additional downstream equipment.

Hydrovane is so confident in the reliability of all its compressors that it is extending its unique Advance five-year warranty to ten years, with an additional lifetime guarantee for the blades.

Hydrovane continues to lead the market in revolutionary compressor design, with more new and innovative compressors to come in 2006.