The New Competitive Edge in Industrial Equipment: The Direct-Drive Air Compressor
Those who demand optimum performance of an air compressor system capitalize on the advantages of less moving parts
Michigan City, IN (PRWEB via PR Web
Direct) May 4, 2005 -- In a quest to wring every ounce of performance from a
manufacturing or processing plant, every piece of equipment must operate at
maximum output with minimal maintenance. Realizing that less moving parts
translates into greater reliability and increased efficiency engineers requiring
an air
compressor are now turning to today's new direct-drive systems.
The
reasons for this shift are apparent. Air compressor belts stretch over time and
require adjustment of the pulleys. Belts also occasionally break, bringing
production to a halt. Gears fare only marginally better, requiring constant
lubrication while suffering parasitic losses. Once the teeth wear down,
replacement gears must be installed while production waits.
"Gears and
belts have persisted for a surprisingly long time because it's the least
expensive and most flexible way of building machinery," observes Steve Van Loan,
President of Sullivan-Palatek, a manufacturer of direct-drive rotary screw air
compressors. "But businesses now operate with scalpel-thin operating margins
where any break in production can put you 'in the red.' In such environments,
the advantages of direct drive prove invaluable."
While the majority of
electric air compressors in the 5-100 hp range are belt or gear-driven, the
Sullivan-Palatek air compressor system utilizes a direct-drive rotary screw
which eliminates many unnecessary moving parts such as gears and pulleys.
Sullivan-Palatek compressors also employ larger rotors in the air-end assemblies
that, in effect, offer a "higher displacement" so that they turn slower. The net
result is extended service life while delivering more air at higher pressures
using lower horsepower.
The simplified design advantage of having the
electric motor directly drive the rotary compressing unit also translates into
electrical cost savings up to 8% over compressors that employ intermediary
drives.
Given less maintenance, more up-time, and greater operating
efficiency, direct drive air compressors allow plant and facility managers to
concentrate on achieving peak performance.
Sullivan-Palatek manufactures
electric and diesel driven rotary screw air compressors, along with a
complete line of accessories.
For
information:
Sullivan-Palatek
Steve Van Loan
Email: e-mail protected
from spam bots
Toll Free: (800) 438-6203
Fax: (219) 872-5043
Web: www.palatek.com
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/5/prweb236468.htm