Our fellow Made in the Midlands member and supplier, Gardner Denver, has released a new air-cooled version of its Ultima technology, which continues to set a benchmark in the market by being the first ever air-cooled oil-free compressor to offer heat recovery for process water.
With the air-cooled model capable of recovering up to 98% of heat generated during compression, cost savings of up to £70,000 are possible when compared with the nearest rival models.
Ultima technology is limited to a select number of distributors across the UK including Direct Air. Following the success of the water-cooled model where Direct Air achieved the first sale and installation in Europe, the new model proposes exciting opportunities.
The technology’s patented closed package cooling system means the energy captured when compressing air can be used to provide process water heating, delivering usable water temperatures of up to 85oC.
Its hybrid cooling capabilities offer extra flexibility for the user too. Operators can choose between either air-cooling, water-cooling or both, depending on the most economic means of cooling at the time.
For example, air-cooling might be more cost-effective to use during the winter period, as the heated cooling air can then be re-purposed for space heating in a facility. On the other hand, during summer months, when there is no demand for space heating, a water-cooled operating mode might be more economic.
The air-cooled Ultima compressor offers cost savings of up to 13 per cent when compared with industry standards, even without the additional application of heat recovery. Thanks to the speed-regulated fans, the power consumption in standard ambient conditions or at partial load is reduced even further.
Ultima is also the quietest compressor in its class, with noise levels not exceeding 70 dB(a) for the air-cooled model. For those deciding to operate the compressor at the point of use, this low noise level is yet another benefit.
Allan Dolby, Managing Director, said: “We believe the Ultima compressor range offers ground-breaking technology and has the ability to solve air quality issues for many compressed air users.”
“We’ve worked very closely with the water-cooled model and have been very impressed. One of the key benefits to Ultima is that it is offered as standard from 75kW to 160kW, with each unit fully upgradeable between this range. This means that should a site’s energy demands increase over time; we can upgrade their existing Ultima to provide the required capacity.”