Air-Tech 2008 - exhibition preview

The 2008 Air-Tech exhibition takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 22-24 April. Pre-registration is now available at www.airtech08.com/airtech/show_link16.asp - and the following preview will help you to plan your visit.

Britannia Heatex Ltd (www.britheat.co.uk) will be highlighting its expertise in the design and manufacture of both shell and tube and air blast heat exchangers. The company also remanufactures and/or repairs existing equipment. Compressor, pre-coolers, intercoolers and aftercoolers form a large part of the company's product range. Units can be designed and manufactured to meet unique customer requirements from materials such as carbon steel, copper and copper alloys, stainless steel and even titanium. Britannia Heatex can cater for one-off or serial production orders and has many extended surface tube options to help make cooling systems as compact as possible.

Beko Technologies (www.beko.de) will be showing its recently launched innovative products, including the Oil Control, Medbac and Drypoint dryers. Oil Control enables permanent monitoring of the oil content of a compressed air flow down to 0.001mg/m3h - either centrally or at individual points. It is now possible to monitor the quality of compressed air by continuous online measurement in compliance with the latest pharmaceutical and food industry standards. Compressed air used for medical treatments has to meet very special requirements in terms of quality, availability and patient safety. With Medbac, permanent monitoring of all common medical gases is possible online, and with an alarm function when pre-set levels are exceeded. The heat-regenerating Beko Everdry compressed-air adsorption dryers are designed for large volume flows of up to 20,000m3/h and more. Everdry means customer-orientated, custom-designed drying systems standardised, high-performance technology.

Condensate Systems (www.oil-water.com) will launch the latest and largest addition to the Sepura family of condensate cleaners. The new Sepura 1500 is claimed to be the only available separator of its size priced under 1000, bringing legal disposal of condensate within the financial reach of all compressor users. Compact, yet suitable for compressor capacities up to 2500m3/hr (1500cf/m), the unit uses the same proven, single-column filtration design as the smaller 100, 300 and 750 models. Said to be far less expensive to own and operate than messy, weir-type separators, Sepura represents a radically new approach to oil and water separation. Every model can be serviced singlehandedly 10 minutes, with no steam cleaning necessary. Backed by a 12-month, 100 per cent performance guarantee, each unit can easily achieve 10ppm lubricant in the drain water. In addition to the Sepura range, Condensate Systems will also be exhibiting timed drains, alternative oil/water separator service kits and carbon bags.

Boge Compressors (www.boge.co.uk) will exhibit one of its product developments alongside samples of its established and successful product range. Geoff Taylor, Managing Director says: "On-going research and development has positioned the Boge products in the vanguard with cutting-edge compressed air solutions. We really are thinking inside the box when it comes to designing German-quality, state-of-the-art compressor technology. Air-Tech 2008 provides an opportunity for compressed air users to see inside the "box' and discover the Boge quality proposition." Creating sustainable compressed air energy savings continues to be a peripheral drive for Boge, as Geoff Taylor explains: "We continue our commitment to support compressed air users in reducing their carbon footprint. We have been implementing a four-step approach to energy management with our customers for quite some years now. This strategy is supported by an extensive range of energy-efficient products."

Teseo UK (www.teseoair.com) will be exhibiting its new range of Multi Fluid Modular Aluminium Pipework Systems for the transportation of compressed air, breathing air, oils, nitrogen, water and other fluids with pressures up to 25 bar. The HBS system, which ranges from sizes 25-110mm and AP ranges of pipework, both offer total modular pipework systems for factories, aerospace, food, packaging, printing, health, textiles car plants and many more. AP is the latest generation of modular piping system developed by Teseo, available in 20, 25, 40 and 50mm diameters with a wide range of accessories. The pipes are manufactured from extruded aluminium and are connected to fittings and accessories, equipped with O-rings, with the exclusive dovetail clamping and joining system patented by Teseo. The ATS range of workbenches, air track trolleys and swinging arms for air/electric tools complement the range.

Donaldson Filtration Deutschland (www.donaldson.com) describes itself as a leading worldwide provider of air and liquid filtration systems and replacement parts. The product portfolio covers industrial and process filtration, sterile and liquid filtration, refrigerant and adsorption dryers, special systems, chillers, condensate drains and condensate purification systems. An extensive programme of components and systems is available for the removal of emissions such as dust, oil mist and harmful gases, as well as a complete line of hydraulic filter heads and housings.

Factair (www.factair.co.uk) will be launching the F4000 and F4001 Breathing-Air Quality Test Instruments. These incorporate a feature that allows results to be recorded within the unit's memory and then, at a later date, downloaded to a PC via a USB memory stick. Mounted within robust Peli cases, the F4000 has an electronic flowmeter and has been designed for low-pressure systems up to 10bar and high-pressure systems when used in conjunction with the F3002 regulator. The F4001 is designed for high-pressure systems and utilises a digital dew point meter to measure water content. Factair will also be presenting details of its range of specialist Atex and breathing-air compressors.

Jacob (www.jacob-uk.com) will be displaying its range of thin-wall, fully-welded modular steel pipework and ducting components for air-conveying, extract-lines and gravity chutes. Normally delivered from stock, 19 standard diameters are available from 60-800mm in a choice of 1, 2or 3mm thick primed, galvanised or stainless steel. Each component has a machine-lipped end, which, when fitted with a specially designed U-shaped gasket and Quick-Connect pull-ring, creates a 3bar overpressure certified connection. Hence high-pressure tightness is achieved in a pipe system with the capability of fast installation and fast dismantling. Air movement characteristics inside a Jacob pipeline are enhanced thanks to smooth-pressed bends, which assist airflow with the minimum of resistance. A wide range of accessories complements the pipework; inspection doors, visualisation ducts, product-control and air-control valves and diverters are press-formed to high tolerances. Request a comprehensive 130-page priced technical manual at the company's stand at Airtech

HPC (www.hpccompressors.co.uk) will be exhibiting a selection of equipment from its highly successful range of energy-saving rotary screw compressors, robust portable diesel-driven compressors and Omega rotary blowers. HPC Compressed Air Systems supplies innovative products and systems to many of the UK's highest quality manufacturing businesses. The company's experienced specialists and engineers provide comprehensive advice and supply complete systems for all aspects of compressed air technology, whether it be industrial electric, portable diesel units or rotary blowers, including each item of downstream and ancillary equipment, such as dryers, filtration, drains and control systems.

Michell Instruments (www.michell.com) will be exhibiting many products suitable for measuring moisture in the compressed air industry, with the DryCheck instrument being displayed for the first time. DryCheck is a dew point instrument that offers an accurate, reliable, stable, but cost-effective and complete instrument for monitoring moisture levels in compressed air. Michell will also be exhibiting established products such as Cermax, a high-specification portable hygrometer. Cermax offers a wide operating range, extremely fast response and a host of user-definable features such as data logging and multiple display options. Michell's Easidew family of instruments will also be on display. The Easidew range is reliable, cost-effective and flexible for measuring moisture in compressed air.

Mattei Compressors (www.mattei.co.uk) is the UK subsidiary of ING Enea Mattei SpA, which specialises in the development and manufacture of highly efficient rotary vane air compressors. Exhibits will include the new 100 series, a range of cost-effective yet industrial-quality air compressors, as well as open and enclosed air compressors from its wide and varied range covering 1.5-250kW (2-335HP). The company will also showcase its highly energy-efficient air compressors. Mattei's Maxima range, which is suited to a constant base load demand, is claimed to lead the way in the efficient production of compressed air, requiring as little as 5.4kWof electricity to produce 1m3/min (35cfm) of air; this range offers installed powers of 30-110kW (40-148HP).Where air demand fluctuates, Mattei's Optima range of variable-speed drive air compressors is available from 11-90kW (15-120HP).

Bambi Air Compressors (www.bambi-air.co.uk) will be showcasing its range of oil-free air compressors, silent air compressors, vacuum pumps, gas circulators and sprinkler system compressors. The company manufactures the Compton brand of diaphragm compressors at its modern manufacturing facility in Birmingham, making it one of the UK's leading compressor producers. Bambi's compressors are used in autoclaves, door locking, food packaging, printing, plus thousands of general pneumatic standalone applications. Bambi has developed one of the largest portfolios of compressors from the ultra-compact 351VM diaphragm pump to a 4.0HP oil-free tandem compressor with integral -40C air dryer and 100-litre air receiver. Bambi's stainless steel gas circulators are used throughout the nuclear energy industry because of their highly efficient design combined with small footprint. One-off or special designs can also be produced.

Atlas Copco (www.atlascopco.com) will be showcasing its compressors and air treatment products, including the latest energy-saving VSD additions to the family of WorkPlace and Class 0 oil-free compressors and blowers, together with a new FD VSD refrigerant dryer. Also new will be the very latest state-of-the- art, energy-efficient and space-saving 90k WGA Size 2 new generation of industrial compressors. Additional attractions include the innovative GN dual-output compressor range that produces nitrogen and compressed air simultaneously, the compact, maintenance-free SD membrane dryer unit that needs no electrical power, and the simple-to-install AIRnet modular push-fit piping system. Remote monitoring systems for multiple stationary compressors include the AIRConnect system, which is designed to monitor, measure and manage an entire compressed air installation to help improve productivity. Details will also be available for Atlas Copco's range of aftermarket products and services, together with those of attractive finance schemes offering high-quality compressor ownership without the initial capital outlay.

Aerzen (www.aerzen.co.uk) will be displaying its capability in the supply of Roots type blowers and screw compressors for pneumatic conveying and air applications. The company has extensive experience in the cement, powder, water, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Specialising in high-volume, low-pressure, oil-free machines where high reliability is required, units are PED rated and can be ATEX certified. Packaged blower and compressor sets can be delivered in acoustic enclosures with intake filter, outlet silencer, drive assembly and monitoring gauges. All items are specifiable in terms of low noise levels or paint specifications. Air blowers, exhausters and single-stage compressors are available in flow rates of 30-15000m3/hr up to 3.5barG. Double-stage compressors achieve up to 10barG. Aerzen also manufactures oil-injected compressor stages for system packagers, as well as a specialist range of process gas machines. With in-house repair and servicing capability, planned maintenance and hire options, Aerzen offers a complete service to industry.

Tom Parker (www.tom-parker.co.uk) will be exhibiting a 'revolutionary new air tool technology.' The Exhausted Air Recycling System (EARS) is said to be redefining the production of compressed air and producing substantial benefits including reduced energy costs, lower carbon emissions, and improved workplace health and safety. The EARS tool system provides a closed loop between the air compressor and the air tool by capturing the exhausted air from the tool and returning it to the patented EARS manifold that is fitted to the compressor. This closed-loop system generates more useable compressed air with less energy, making this system a real innovation in pneumatic tool technology. Visitors to the stand can see a demonstration of how the EARS compressed air system can decrease power consumption by over 40 per cent, increase the compressors volumetric output by over 50 per cent, and reduce tool noise and airborne contaminants.

Worthington Creyssensac (www.airwco.com), which is exhibiting with Mark Compressors (www.markcompressors.co.uk), is introducing its latest addition to the Rollair screw compressor range - the RLR1500AT/270. This is an 11kW, 8bar fixed-speed compressor with integrated dryer and water separator, offering a free air delivery of 60cfm. Also on display are the Decibair DNX Pro 332 -a 2.2kW, 10bar, low-noise, piston compressor with an output of 12cfm - together with the S52 model in the S range of condensate separators. There is a new addition also for Mark Compressors' range of piston and screw compressors, dryers, filters and accessories, namely the MSA 11/8 IVR, 11kW, 10bar rotary screw compressor with a FAD of 57.2cfm.

Filterworld (www.filterworld.co.uk) is a leading UK filter manufacturer that specialises in compressed air and vacuum products. As well as manufacturing filters to the highest standards, the company offers a variety of products aimed at compressed air treatment. On its stand will be a range of compressed air and vacuum pump filters, together with VT refrigerated air dryers. Also on show is a European preview of the new range of VT heatless desiccant air dryers. This range delivers high-quality dry compressed air at a low price.

Testo (www.testo.co.uk) will be showcasing its range of instruments for the management of compressed air plant systems. The Testo 6440 compressed air flow meter helps to reduce compressed air costs by allowing companies to assign costs by department, machine or product, and it also facilitates peak load management. The Testo 6740 transmitter accurately measures humidity in compressed air systems to help companies avoid costly damage to systems and reduce operating costs by running demand-regulated drying cycles.

Reelcare (www.reelcareuk.com) will be exhibiting heavy-duty hose reels from US manufacturer Reelcraft and high-quality UPVC hose and cable reels from Australian Manufacturer Recoila. In addition to this, Reelcare will also promote the latest addition to its extensive SE Range.

Beaumanor Fluid Fittings (www.beaumanor.com) is launching a new catalogue and self-service website, plus the company will be meeting with its recently appointed distributors and hoping to meet new potential distributors. Many new product groups will be shown and existing ranges have been extended. Beaumanor Fluid Fittings offers products from Walterscheid, AZ Pneumatica, Sirai Solenoid valves, Loctite, Cube Air, Barnwell, Aignep, Abac, Redashe, PCL, Ham-Let, Legris, John Guest, Jubilee and others. Product demonstrations and samples will be available to view on the Beaumanor stand.

And finally...

Remember, you can pre-register at www.airtech08.com/airtech/show_link16.asp. Your Air-Tech visitor pass will also give you access to a number of co-located events:

Drives & Controls (www.drives08.com) - read our preview at www.machinebuilding.net/n/n0848.htm.

PWE (Plant & Works Exhibition) (www.pwe08.com) - read our preview at www.machinebuilding.net/n/n0872.htm.

IFPEX (www.ifpex08.com) - read our preview at www.machinebuilding.net/n/n0858.htm.

MACH (www.mach2008.com) - read our preview at www.machinebuilding.net/n/n0866.htm.

Electrex (www.electrex08.com) - read our preview at www.machinebuilding.net/n/n0875.htm.

Subcon (www.subconshow.co.uk).

IP&EE (Independent Power & Energy Europe) (www.ipee.co.uk).