Compressed Air/Compressors

Hi-Plex hybrid technology from Hi-line provides cost-effective, energy-efficient compressed-air drying

Estimates suggest that Class 4 moisture content according to ISO 8573-1 is acceptable in the majority of compressed air system applications, thus supporting the use of refrigeration dryer technology. However, where applications demand higher levels of moisture removal, desiccant tends to be the go-to technology. The long-standing problem here is the higher cost associated with desiccant dryers, which is why Hi-line Industries, a UK-based leader in the design, manufacture and installation of energy-efficient compressed air purification equipment, is addressing this issue with its new Hi-Plex dual technology dryers. This hybrid solution combines Hi-line’s established refrigeration and PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) air treatment technologies, creating an energy-efficient system at low capital cost compared with standard heat-regeneration desiccant air dryers. 

So how does Hi-Plex work? Well, a Hi-line Tundra refrigeration system first removes bulk moisture via zero loss auto-drains, after which it chills the air to +1°C in the heat exchanger, condensing out all water to a +3°C PDP (Pressure Dewpoint). From here, the pre-dried air passes into an energy-efficient HPSA (Hi-line Pressure Swing Adsorption) dryer where it is further dried via adsorption to lower dewpoints of between -20°C PDP and -70°C PDP depending on end-user requirements, meeting Class 2 moisture content in accordance with ISO8573.1. As a point of note, Hi-line can add an Activated Carbon Tower for Class 0 applications.

Hi-Plex regeneration takes place by deploying a vacuumed-assisted fan, which uses a reduced amount of purge air to cause a desorption effect within the desiccant beds. A side-channel vacuum pump removes the small amount of remaining water (via exhaust silencers) back to the atmosphere from where it came. This plug and play system is fully automatic: wet air in – dry air out.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Continued ……

Importantly, Hi-Plex high-performance dual technology dryers typically run at only 1-2% purge in comparison with 13-15% on a standard desiccant air dryer. Even more savings are achievable following the specification of Hi-line’s optional AEMS (Automatic Energy Management System) for dewpoint control. AEMS features a digital dewpoint readout, high-humidity alarm, and set and demand regeneration function. As a result, customers can ensure they only use a minimal amount of energy to achieve dewpoints at any given time. In total, energy savings of over 70% are achievable compared with a conventional desiccant dryer, offering far quicker return on investment (ROI).

Every Hi-Plex dual technology dryer is application-specific, but built from standard off-the-shelf Hi-line products. The company adds all the components, stainless steel pipework and filtration to a compact skid at its UK headquarters and manufacturing facility in Burton-upon-Trent. Hi-line will happily cater for any special requirements, such as even smaller footprint or lower height dimension to fit inside a low-ceiling compressor house, for example. The company can also facilitate connection to customer software or a BMS (Building Management System).

Hi-Plex systems are available from 165 to 1700 Scfm, and from 3.1 to 10.8 kW installed power. A five-year warranty is standard subject to service criteria.

 

Estimates suggest that Class 4 moisture content according to ISO 8573-1 is acceptable in the majority of compressed air system applications, thus supporting the use of refrigeration dryer technology. However, where applications demand higher levels of moisture removal, desiccant tends to be the go-to technology. The long-standing problem here is the higher cost associated with desiccant dryers, which is why Hi-line Industries, a UK-based leader in the design, manufacture and installation of energy-efficient compressed air purification equipment, is addressing this issue with its new Hi-Plex dual technology dryers. This hybrid solution combines Hi-line’s established refrigeration and PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) air treatment technologies, creating an energy-efficient system at low capital cost compared with standard heat-regeneration desiccant air dryers. 

So how does Hi-Plex work? Well, a Hi-line Tundra refrigeration system first removes bulk moisture via zero loss auto-drains, after which it chills the air to +1°C in the heat exchanger, condensing out all water to a +3°C PDP (Pressure Dewpoint). From here, the pre-dried air passes into an energy-efficient HPSA (Hi-line Pressure Swing Adsorption) dryer where it is further dried via adsorption to lower dewpoints of between -20°C PDP and -70°C PDP depending on end-user requirements, meeting Class 2 moisture content in accordance with ISO8573.1. As a point of note, Hi-line can add an Activated Carbon Tower for Class 0 applications.

Hi-Plex regeneration takes place by deploying a vacuumed-assisted fan, which uses a reduced amount of purge air to cause a desorption effect within the desiccant beds. A side-channel vacuum pump removes the small amount of remaining water (via exhaust silencers) back to the atmosphere from where it came. This plug and play system is fully automatic: wet air in – dry air out.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Continued ……

Importantly, Hi-Plex high-performance dual technology dryers typically run at only 1-2% purge in comparison with 13-15% on a standard desiccant air dryer. Even more savings are achievable following the specification of Hi-line’s optional AEMS (Automatic Energy Management System) for dewpoint control. AEMS features a digital dewpoint readout, high-humidity alarm, and set and demand regeneration function. As a result, customers can ensure they only use a minimal amount of energy to achieve dewpoints at any given time. In total, energy savings of over 70% are achievable compared with a conventional desiccant dryer, offering far quicker return on investment (ROI).

Every Hi-Plex dual technology dryer is application-specific, but built from standard off-the-shelf Hi-line products. The company adds all the components, stainless steel pipework and filtration to a compact skid at its UK headquarters and manufacturing facility in Burton-upon-Trent. Hi-line will happily cater for any special requirements, such as even smaller footprint or lower height dimension to fit inside a low-ceiling compressor house, for example. The company can also facilitate connection to customer software or a BMS (Building Management System).

www.hilineindustries.com

 

 

Bauma 2013: Lightest fully vibro-reduced handheld hydraulic pick hammer

Atlas Copco United Kingdom - Atlas Copco News >> 
Atlas Copco introduces at Bauma 2013 the lightest fully vibro-reduced handheld hydraulic pick hammer to the market: the LH 8E. Weighing 9.5 kg, the breaker is ideally suited for horizontal work in brick and concrete work as well as building renovation. The new vibro-reduced housing and handle are the key to a significant decrease of vibrations.

Tensor ES with Power Focus 600 – a great entry level product to electric tightening.

Atlas Copco United Kingdom - Atlas Copco News >> 
With the introduction of Atlas Copco’s Tensor ES tools with the Power Focus 600 controller, using a state-of-the-art electric tightening system has never been easier. It can be set up and run from the box in minutes, and computer software is no longer required.

Bauma 2013: New jaw version turns Combi Cutter into Mobile Shear

Atlas Copco United Kingdom - Atlas Copco News >> 
At Bauma 2013, Atlas Copco will launch a new jaw variant that turns the CC 3300 Combi Cutter into a mobile shear.

Atlas Copco showcases innovative vacuum pump and on-site nitrogen generation solutions at Pro2Pac

Atlas Copco United Kingdom - Atlas Copco News >> 
Pro2Pac 2013
March 17-20
ExCel London
Stand S2555

Atlas Copco Compressors, a leading manufacturer and provider of innovative vacuum pumps, on-site nitrogen generators and compressed air equipment, will be showcasing its latest solutions for the packaging industry at this year’s Pro2Pac exhibition.

Atlas Copco opens a customer center in Senegal

Atlas Copco United Kingdom - Atlas Copco News >> 
Stockholm, Sweden, April 18, 2012: Atlas Copco has established a customer center in Dakar, Senegal, to strengthen relations with customers in the construction industry and other customer segments in the region.

More productivity to compact cost of ownership

Atlas Copco United Kingdom - Atlas Copco News >> 
The Atlas Copco range of compaction equipment will take your productivity to a whole new level. Outstanding compaction efficiency – thanks to superior forces and the high speed of our rammers, plates and rollers. See how our total costs of ownership can benefit you whatever your compaction needs.

Atlas Copco awarded large mining order in South Africa

Atlas Copco United Kingdom - Atlas Copco News >> 
Stockholm, Sweden, April 19, 2012: Atlas Copco has received one of its largest orders ever in South Africa, to deliver Pit Viper 351 blasthole drilling rigs for a value of around MSEK 250 to Kumba Iron Ore, a unit of Anglo American.

Atlas Copco to launch underground “app”

Atlas Copco United Kingdom - Atlas Copco News >> 
With the growing use of smart phones, tablets and other hand-held devices, Atlas Copco is now taking full advantage of app technology to give its customers quick and easy access to information.

Atlas Copco Rental provided 300 million m³ of "100% oil-free air" to Pearl GTL Project

Atlas Copco United Kingdom - Atlas Copco News >> 
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Atlas Copco Services Middle East is unique in its rental equipment offering. Not only does the company run its own fleet of mainly oil-free air compressors and high pressure boosters, it also has access to the Atlas Copco Rental equipment worldwide. This ensures specialist equipment, purpose developed for applications within the oil and gas sector, is readily available throughout the Middle East.