Mechanical Technology July 2015

⎪ Hydraulic and pneumatic systems ⎪

efficiency and cost savings blower,” Stubel affirms, “which gives a tremendous increase in energy savings. “Looking at long-term cost savings, the above ex-

reliability and durability, maintenance costs, economy of space, ease of han- dling, and noise level. “Our current units require an oil change every 400-600 hours (4-6 weeks), while the Delta Hy- brid requires a change every two years, reducing costs dramatically,” says John Pavlik, the treatment plant’s supervisor. “The town had been searching for a solu- tion to the high energy costs of plant’s current system and frequent mechanical failures that the manufacturer could not resolve, so we agreed to this comparison test,” he explains In addition, the belt-drive technology is “the simple beauty behind the design”. The simple self-tensioning system is 97% to 98% efficient and it enables the driver speed to be optimised, regardless of whether the machine is connected to a variable speed drive (VSD) or not. The belt drive system provides versatility and adaptability for different applications. The modular, compact design of the Delta Hybrid allows multiple units to sit side by side, saving space while offering ample access for maintenance.

ample equates to a return-on-investment of 1,5 years

Pavlik also found the unit to be rela- tively quiet compared to others. “When running with the acoustic enclosure open, although workers still had to use hearing protection, such as ear plugs, other units require use of double hearing protection, such as plugs and ear muffs,” notes the treatment plants supervisor. Aerzen Airgas, formerly Airgas Compressors, is the sub-Saharan subsidiary of German-based Aerzen Maschinenfabrik (Aerzen), one of the world’s leading specialists in the design and manufacture of roots blowers, turbo blowers, screw compressors, rotary lobe compressors and gas meters. q One of Aerzen Airgas’s Field Service vehicles ready for action.

and an average annual energy cost saving of R25 000, when based on a 24 hour running schedule. With a minimal price difference of R36 000 between the D 24 S and an equivalent standard blower cost, the figures start to speak for themselves,” he says.

Advantages at a wastewater treatment plant

In addition to providing significant energy and cost savings, testing at a wastewater treatment plant in Huntingdon, USA showed that the Delta Hybrid holds its ground in fundamental areas such as

Mechanical Technology — July 2015

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