Mechanical Technology October 2015

⎪ Hydraulic and pneumatic systems ⎪

Variable speed rotary screw compressor – order to installation in seven weeks

G auteng-based Dintsu Engineer- ing Technologies (DET), one of Ingersoll Rand’s distributors, supplied, installed and com- missioned a 160 kW oil-free variable speed Ingersoll Rand Nirvana rotary screw compressor that is four times faster than any commercial competitors could offer. With the average delivery time from order to installation for this compressor type being about 24 weeks, the fast turn- around time is unprecedented at Ingersoll Rand South Africa. The client – with whom DET has a standing relationship in the provision of air quality monitoring, air dryer refurbish- ment and filtration maintenance – sup- plies all the bumpers for a niche range of top quality vehicles targeted at the upper- income market. Three of the client’s air compressors needed replacing and DET motivated that two of them be replaced with a single Ingersoll Rand solution: the 160 kW Ingersoll rand variable speed oil-free compressor which, among other benefits, realises an energy cost saving during less air-demand times due to the variable speed. The order was placed on the day of the motivation, shipment commenced a few days later with com- missioning taking place only seven weeks after the initial contact. “The variable speed 100% oil-free compressor market is somewhat limited,” points out Pierre Doman of DET, “and taking the cost of these units into consid- eration, stock held by South African OEMs is relatively small. The demand, therefore, flows over to their overseas manufactur- ers, which compounds the problem. Ingersoll Rand in Europe, however, held this specific compressor ex-stock. Given that the average time to build a variable speed oil free compressor takes between 16 and 20 weeks, Ingersoll Rand’s readi- ness granted us a substantial advantage.” To ensure long equipment life and reduced downtime, plant operators were trained in the basic operating principles during commissioning stage and, in addition to the standard warrantee provided on all Ingersoll Rand products and equipment, the client has opted for Ingersoll Rand’s extended five-year Air Care warrantee. Ingersoll Rand is a leading brand in

Dintsu Engineering Technologies (DET), one of Ingersoll Rand’s South African distributors, supplied, installed and commissioned a 160 kW oil-free variable speed Ingersoll Rand Nirvana rotary screw compressor in just seven weeks.

involving compressors in the pipeline for a variety of markets including one of the larger hospital groups,” says Doman. q

the market and has a large share of the South African and African markets. “We already have several turnkey projects

Festo expands its distribution network F esto South Africa, has expanded its net- work of product dealers and customer facilities to ensure greater access to its

efficiency. This will mean that point-of-sale facilities are no longer required in some of our branches, so we are deliberately rein- vesting these resources in sales engineers and Didactic training facilities, resulting in a significant increase in our sales force and affording customers more time and access to the engineering support team. “Ultimately we want to grow. Over the last 40 years, Festo has grown steadily within the South African market and we intend to continue that growth for the next 40 years. To achieve this we recognise the real need to ensure our products become more widely accessible, while at the same time invest- ing resources in our online distribution and Didactic training services,” Harvard explains. By working with BMG and Festo’s local distributors, the company is able to offer customers a large range of products and support services. “We have always taken pride in being able to offer unique services, specialised technical support, and efficient logistical processes that allow customers to fully access and utilise the world’s best automation technologies. “Now, with our increased distribution network, we are able to do more with our resources and ensure that our customers receive the best possible products, support and training so that they are able to enhance their own business interests,” Harvard concludes. q

products and services. With the inclusion of BMG as one of its official distributors and reinvestments of over R7.5-million in sales resources, Festo has increased its face-to- face sales presence by 20%. In addition, the company has developed online stores, contact call centres and direct delivery dis- tribution options. The addition of BMG as an authorised distributor provides for an increase in sales- customer interaction points throughout South Africa and Africa, ensuring customers have easier access to Festo’s offering and market-leading technical expertise. Festo products are now distributed through 12 BMG stores in South Africa’s major cities, 150 local distributors nationwide and almost 200 throughout Africa. Describing the expanded sales network, Warren Harvard, national sales manager for Festo, says, “Our aim is to provide customers with more access to Festo products and ser- vices. Our increased distribution network will benefit those customers who prefer walk-in purchase points, while those who still wish to place an order over the phone or through our website for next day delivery, will still enjoy the same service. “Our additional distribution sites allow us to commit our resources to ensure gains in

Mechanical Technology — October 2015

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