April 2012Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
When using lubricated air compressors condensates are generated by filtration and refrigeration drying, should these be released unchecked into storm water drains they pose a serious environmental threat. External service providers can be used for disposal, but then the oil-water condensate has to be collected and stored on site until removal by an approved waste disposal company.
Traditional methods are expensive
Traditional air treatment involves the use of multi-stage coalescing filters and activated carbon filters or carbon packs. These increase power costs to overcome the additional pressure drops. Maintenance costs also add up as life cycles for the elements are short in comparison to other systems. The life cycles for traditional filter elements depend on factors such as:
* Ambient temperature.
* Initial oil and dirt concentrations.
* Relative humidity of the compressed air.
* Incoming compressed air temperatures.
The results are high investment costs, potential for compressed air pressure drops, plus the oily waste still has to be treated to comply with environmental legislation.
The EcoTec process – obtain oil-free compressed air from lubricated air compressors, eliminate oily water waste and reduce operational costs
The EcoTec provides a one stop process for treatment of compressed air and eliminating oil-water condensate. The oil and other hydrocarbon compounds contained in the compressed air are cracked in several stages using a physical-chemical process and oxidised with the addition of air and oxygen. The end products are pure water and limited quantities of carbon dioxide. The resulting condensate contains almost no hydrocarbons and can be directly returned to the natural water cycle in accordance with water resources law.
Because of its compact design – only about 30% of the space necessary for a comparable active charcoal filter is needed – and the extremely long filter system lifetime of 10 000 operating hours, the EcoTec system is extremely economical. Oil-free compressed air and pure water condensates are generated by the EcoTec catalytic converter, other benefits include:
* Condensate can be disposed of without further process steps.
* Absolute operating reliability, as the efficiency rating of the filter is independent of initial oil concentration, plant operating temperature and moisture content of the compressed air.
* Problems of waste condensate disposal and the associated costs disappear completely.
* The environment downstream from the EcoTec is protected as there is zero possibility of oil contamination.
* Space savings due to compact size of the equipment – up to 70% smaller than conventional systems.
Compressed air treatment do’s and don’ts Artic Driers International
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
As a long-established importer and manufacturer of air dryers, Artic Dryers often sees the results of poor installation and issues with aftercoolers that create serious problems in air drying systems.
Read more...Analysers for use in high ambient temperature environments
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The 993X series of analysers from Ametek Process Industries are now IECEx Zone 2 certified for use in locations with up to 60°C ambient temperature. Built with IP66-rated enclosures and using an integrated cooling system, they can be installed outdoors or in minimally temperature-controlled enclosures, reducing complexity while lowering capital and operating costs.
Read more...The art of precision measurement
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To achieve precise, reliable measurement results when scanning component parts, use is frequently made of reference points. In optical measuring processes, these permit the referencing of three-dimensional objects during the digitisation.
Read more...Vibration test system supports international space industry TANDM Technologies
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Dragonfly Aerospace has launched EOS SAT-1, one of seven satellites in the world’s first agricultural-focused constellation. With optimisation of resources being a key component for Dragonfly, it called on TANDM to assist in creating and heavily expanding its environmental testing capabilities by providing a vibration test system that allowed it to perform in-house vibration and shock testing.
Read more...Sensor technology for brewing Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Brewing is a delicate balance, blending tradition with innovation. Now, modern sensor technology is stepping in to perfect the art of fermentation.
Read more...Loesche gets dirty Loesche South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The world’s attention is on environmental sustainability, and the pressure on countries and companies to demonstrate their commitment to preserving the environment and preventing climate change is at an all-time high. As we confront a multitude of environmental and social challenges, managing waste and maximising landfill diversion can play a key role.
Read more...Water systems with energy savings and sustainability Labotec
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
ELGA Veolia has relaunched its award-winning PURELAB flex range, with features to reduce the system’s environmental footprint and incorporate some of the latest innovations in water purification technologies. The ecological improvements integrated into the flex range have been made to reduce water and power consumption.
Read more...Keeping an eye on invisible radiation Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.
Read more...Technology for water sustainability Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The sustainability of surface water is critical for South Africa’s economic development, social well-being and environmental health. Endress+Hauser has a full range of liquid analysis sensors and transmitters to measure important parameters and has an excellent global track record in water and wastewater process plants and various surface and industrial water monitoring sites.
Read more...Acoustic imaging detector for gas leaks and partial discharge Artic Driers International
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
The new SUTO iTEC S532 acoustic imaging detector provides an easy and effective way to locate pressurised air and gas leaks and partial discharge (PD) in industrial high-voltage environments.
printer friendly version