Discerning compressed air users expect maximum availability and efficiency, even from smaller compressors. In addition, there is growing demand for seamless connectivity with master control systems, so that users can benefit from the enhanced efficiency and load distribution that this technology has to offer compared with simple, stand-alone systems.

Featuring energy-saving SIGMA Profile airend rotors and the latest internal SIGMA Control 2 compressor controller as standard, HPC Kaeser’s new SK series rotary screw compressors meet all of these needs. Moreover, users will be impressed by their significantly increased free air delivery and even greater efficiency.

The new SK series models are able to deliver up to 2.5 m³ of compressed air per minute at 7.5 bar (11 and 15 kW versions). Therefore, depending on the particular model, these figures represent an increase of 11% or even 14%, compared with their predecessors. This impressive performance boost has been achieved both through airend optimisation and the minimisation of internal pressure losses. In turn, these improvements have lead to a reduction in specific power of up to 5 percent. The use of premium efficiency IE3 electrical motors has also contributed to additional energy savings.

A further important efficiency-enhancing component is the new SIGMA Control 2 internal controller: This advanced system not only enables demand-oriented performance matching and dependable monitoring, but ensures even greater flexibility through its numerous interfaces and innovative plug-in communication modules. Therefore, connection to energy-saving master control systems, computer networks and / or remote diagnostics and monitoring systems could not be easier. A large display and an RFID reader located on the control panel make on-site communication with the system simple.

The new SK models all share logical and user-friendly design throughout. For example, the left enclosure panel can be removed in a few simple steps and allows excellent visibility of the system’s intelligently laid out components. Needless to say, the new SK series was designed to ensure best possible access to all service points. With the sound-damping enclosure panels in place, the
already low operational sound levels from these compressors are reduced to a super-quiet background hum.

In addition, the enclosure features four inlet openings for separate airflow cooling of the compressor, the motor and the switching cabinet and for compressor intake air. HPC Kaeser’s unique cooling system is equipped with a patented premium-efficiency dual-flow fan with separate cooling air flows for the motor and compressor.

This not only achieves optimum cooling performance, low compressed air discharge temperatures and minimal sound levels, but also promotes efficient air compression. The SK series’ modular design concept provides further advantages: In addition to the standard versions, which have a compact footprint of only 0.65 m², the SK22 and SK25 are available as ”T” models that feature an integrated, thermally shielded refrigeration dryer. SK series 11 and 15 kW versions with an integrated frequency converter (Sigma Frequency Control – SFC) are also available for variable demand applications suited to speed control.

Users that require not just an efficient compressor, but an all-in-one, compact compressed air system need look no further than an SK Aircenter. This space-saving combination of a compressor, refrigeration dryer and horizontal air receiver provides dependable and efficient compressed air production, treatment and storage within a smart, compact single unit. The SK Aircenter is the ideal choice for smaller businesses and workshops where space is at a premium, or for decentralised compressed air supply applications

For further details and information please contact us

Glaston has recently worked on a project to support a new production line in order to meet increased customer demands at global automotive manufacturer Kautex Unipart.

Project: To deliver compressed air and chilled water cooling systems to assist in new production line.
Cost: £100,000

Background: Kautex Unipart is a global manufacturer of plastic fuel tanks and fuel systems for the automotive sector. Due to the continued success of Kautex a new £3.8 million production line has been installed to satisfy the increased demand from Jaguar and Land Rover.

The company looked at its processes and immediately identified that additional compressed air and chilled cooling water would be required to support the new production line. What we did: Glaston were asked to manage the project and deliver the new systems in April 2011 and by August 2011 the project had been delivered on time and on budget.

We installed an energy efficient HPC BSD72 air compressor in the middle of the factory floor. The residual heat from the compressor is now used as a heat source for that area of the building, thus reducing the local heating costs. It is also very quiet, at 67 dB(A), meaning that it can be situated near the relevant production equipment without being a noise hazard to the workforce. With the compressor coming with an integral dryer the footprint was minimised in an area of the factory where space is at a premium. Used in conjunction with a galvanized vertical air receiver the new compressor not only supplies the new production line but is connected to the main factory air system giving additional flexibility to the site.

For the cooling water system we installed a new dedicated ring main to supply chilled water to the new production process. The system has been designed as such that additional production processes can be added in the future improving the flexibility and reliability of the water cooling system whilst ensuring that the electrical running costs are kept to a minimum.

Carl Lawrence, Senior Manufacturing Engineer at Kautex Unipart said:
“This is the third major project that Glaston Compressor Services have delivered for us. The service is top class, the projects never overrun and generate cost savings for us as well as increasing our efficiency. We are very pleased with our new production line. The compressed air and chilled cooling water system that Glaston Compressor Services has provided us helps us to meet and surpass the demands of our customers.”

Environmental awareness is not just a hot topic for policy-makers and media, but a key factor in business today and gaining ISO 14001 is a key step in demonstrating our own commitment.

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard for the environmental management of a business, designed to help organisations to ensure their operations comply with environmental laws and that major environmental risks and liabilities are properly identified, minimised and managed.

ISO 14001 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system. It applies to those environmental aspects that a company controls and has influence over. We have undertaken the three processes of ISO 14001 (set objectives; implement programme; monitor progress) and these will be constantly looked at to ensure that we carry out best practice when it comes to environmental management.

The award demonstrates that Glaston Compressors implements and maintains an environmental management system and complies with environmental law and regulations. Through gaining this award we can assure existing and future customers that we are conforming to these standards.

Benefits of ISO 14001

How you can benefit from our accreditation:
• You can be assured that we operate in accordance with environmental best practices
• Reduce energy as a result of our own environmental awareness
• Reduce costs through energy savings
• Potentially increasing profits through process improvements and energy conservation
• Help you to comply with environmental law and regulations

If you want to find out how we can help you call us on 01695 51010.

Like all businesses the downturn has had a significant impact on Glaston. Whilst we have been successful in retaining long standing customers, we have also regrettably lost contracts due to the recession. For example, a big loss to Glaston was the closure of LDV who were forced to cease manufacturing. Due to the versatility of the compressor industry feeding into many business lines from general manufacturing to energy production we can’t hide or become complacent to the fact that the recession has affected all of our customers. However, the diversity of our client base has clearly been a key facet of our survival.
Glaston continues to offer an outstanding quality of service and product line, which to date has helped us compete effectively and will be fundamental in ensuring that the business remains stable during these difficult times.

Q2 You have talked about customers, what about your competitors. Has there been a consolidation in the industry?

The recession has been difficult for even the strongest of companies. To maintain turnover we have seen our competitors working for a minimal or non-existent margin in some instances. Whilst some companies have managed to trade in this way, inevitably some have dropped out of the market place. What has become evident is that competition for new work is stronger than ever. However, at Glaston we have focused on providing a comprehensive, good quality service that has been successful in gaining and retaining customers.

Q3 How do you think the industry is faring now and do you see a skills shortage?

The compressor industry is struggling and is not surprisingly still down on 2008 figures. In my opinion, I think that it will take a few years before the industry shows any signs of recovery and growth.
A skills shortage within the industry is inevitable as engineering does not seem to be a popular academic choice. It will also be interesting to see how changes to university admission fees affect the industry. However, Glaston is actively trying to invest in the industry by providing apprenticeships with an engineering focus.

Q4 What do you think the future holds for the industry?

Given the current economic climate, I think that the immediate future (i.e next 5 years) will be very difficult and the industry will remain stagnant with no real signs of growth due to the lack of available investment.
In the future, to cut costs, there is also a risk that manufacturers may seek to sell directly to the end user. However, I strongly believe that using a specialist distributor gives the end user the best possible service. This is because companies like Glaston are small enough to care and big enough to get the job done. Glaston has always offered the personal touch and a commitment to high quality service. Thankfully, being a HPC distributor, with HPC and Kaeser being family owned, we share the same beliefs that distributors are the best way to the market place.

Q5 What has Glaston done recently to offer best levels of service to its customers?

I’m proud to say that we haven’t made any recent changes to our customer service. We have continued to offer a competitive service and listen very carefully to our clients needs in order to provide the very personal, high quality service we have always done.
A key attribute of the service we offer is Glaston’s ability to provide financing for equipment in certain circumstances, which allows customers to make net savings on running costs and enjoy superior reliability.

Q6 How would you like to influence the future of the industry?

I would like to see higher benchmarks for monitoring quality standards in the industry. In the USA, the CAGI (Compressed Air Gas Institute) requires providers of air compressors to make full technical data available. This is not the case in the UK, and consequently I believe standards vary significantly across the industry. We often provide CAGI derived forms to show the high standards we offer at Glaston and I believe that if this was done across the board, we would see a consolidation of quality manufactures and suppliers within the industry.

You can be safe in the knowledge that just because the compressor is 2nd hand doesn’t mean it will be any less reliable than a new compressor. Read more..

The Condensate collected by Filters and Dryers cannot normally be disposed of into normal drainage systems because the oil levels are far too high and it is a Legal Requirement to dispose of all Condensate via approved means. Read more..

You can be safe in the knowledge that here at Glaston we can also repair dryers of all makes and types and for peace of mind our in-house dryer engineers are all F-Gas registered, a legal requirement if you want to work with refrigeration gases. Read more..

We are primarily a HPC distributor being a founder distributor selling HPC compressors and ancillary equipment for over 30 years.
We can service and repair all makes of compressors, we well as HPC, including Atlas Copco, Compair, Sullair, Broomwade, Hydrovane, Ingersoll Rand, Worthington and many more. Read more..

Bespoke controls for maximum energy efficiency and remote monitoring.

Comprehensive maintenance and total site management for maximum reliability.