8 BULKDISTRIBUTOR Components
November / December 2021
Lighter , smaller compressors
The keys to optimising screw compressors in bulk transport include compact size and robust flow rates , writes Christophe Jovani
In recent years , trucks and their transport containers have become lighter
In the bulk transport industry , less leads to more . In recent years , trucks and their transport containers have become lighter , be it through thinner container materials , smaller containers or less heavy vehicles . These changes have occurred across the industry as a way for companies to get more out of their operations . If a truck and the container weigh less , they can improve their fuel efficiency and operational costs , while also slightly increasing their payload . But transport companies are not simply optimising to save on costs either . In the European market , recent regulations , such as Euro 6 , have created stricter vehicle standards . These standards began in 1992 ( Euro 1 ) and have evolved to their current iteration , which was established in 2015 . The Euro 6 emissions standards are the strictest of the bunch , and address real-world NOx and PM emissions from diesel trucks with changes to the heavy-duty vehicle test procedures , according to the International Council on Clean Transportation . Another part of this mix is the apparatus that aids the bulk transport industry in European markets – screw compressors . With the latest emissions standards and the trend to go lighter and be more cost and fuel efficient , screw compressors must also adapt to these requirements to ensure successful adoption in future bulk transport operations . This article provides the essential elements needed for screw compressors to become the preferred equipment choice in the bulk transport industry .
The lighter side
With bulk transport operators making weight ( and less of it ) a priority , screw compressors will need to be lighter to ensure transport vehicles don ’ t add unnecessarily bulky equipment that will impact their efficiency . Lighter screw compressors , especially for these applications , are possible . One example is the MX12 Screw Compressor from Mouvex , based in Auxerre , France , a product brand of PSG . The MX12 compressor weighs only 110kg , which allows it to operate on the transport vehicle without impacting its efficiency . Another important facet for transport vehicles , which put a heavy premium on space , is equipment footprint . Equipment that takes up less space frees it up for additional product storage which equates to a larger payload between transports . The MX12 also serves as an example of a compressor that has a small footprint . It measures 541mm to 569mm long , 346mm wide and 451mm tall . That footprint allows the MX12 and similar screw compressors to fit on nearly all vehicle chassis without sacrificing space for other equipment or , most important , bulk product . Another valuable attribute for a screw compressor with a compact footprint and low weight is a design that allows it to fit in nearly any space without compromise . The most optimal design for a screw compressor in these applications is modular . With that kind of design , operators can install the screw compressor easily in a variety of locations . Additionally , a modular design makes it simple for operators to repair , modify or upgrade the screw compressor as needed .
Consistent performance
A compact , lightweight , modular screw compressor checks the proper boxes for space , but all of these attributes are moot without reliable performance . Screw compressors in bulk transport applications need to provide consistent , reliable performance to help offload a variety of bulk products , such as cement , sand , gravel , plastic pellets , flour , calcium and animal food . Important performance attributes include a fast flow rate , robust pressure and a low inlet speed . A screw compressor that can deliver flow rates up to 1,130 cbm / hr ) will substantially reduce the time it takes to offload product . For example , if a bulk load requires an hour to offload using a standard screw compressor , having equipment with a high flow rate can do the same job 10-30 minutes faster . Having a faster offload process allows operators to finish jobs faster and unload more bulk products every day . With a fast flow rate achieved , a screw compressor also needs to reach and sustain enough air pressure to ensure the integrity of the bulk product delivery through the process . A screw compressor that can reach and maintain 2 bar of air pressure is capable of handling bulk loads of all sizes and consistencies , be it gravel
MH12 Screw compressor
The MX12 ’ s footprint allows it to fit on nearly all vehicle chassis without sacrificing space
or plastic pellets or finer materials such as sand and flour . Another essential attribute is low inlet speed . The importance of fuel efficiency has already been discussed , and having a low inlet speed provides operators with a screw compressor that will keep fuel costs and consumption low .
Other considerations
There are a variety of other features , beyond the essential ones , that bode well for screw compressors in bulk transport applications . One common problem for this equipment in these operations is overheating during operation . This problem will cause a screw compressor to stall , which will hamper the entire offloading procedure . To remedy this , screw compressors should incorporate an oil radiator into the apparatus . Doing so will regulate the screw compressor ’ s internal temperature so that it won ’ t stall during operation , which means it won ’ t be prone to overheating . Another consideration is selecting a screw compressor with an antivibration design . Compressors of all variations will vibrate as part of their functionality . Vibration is a by-product of compressors , leading many operators to use clamps or mounting brackets to reduce it to manageable levels . The problem with vibration , though , is it causes stress to the compressor
MH6 screw compressor
itself and can wear it down over time . While clamps or similar components can reduce vibration , finding a screw compressor with an optimised design , especially in bulk transport applications , is ideal to ensure the longevity and reliability of the components , leading to less downtime throughout its lifetime . Additional considerations , depending on the specific application , include :
• F or construction materials , such as cement , having an integrated PTO module on the screw compressor will make it compatible with most European truck frames without the need for torque limiters , gimbals or holders .
• For situations where space is confided beyond typical standards , there are screw compressors with even smaller footprints – 549 x 348 x 280 mm – that weigh as little as 94 kg .
• For dry bulk applications with extremely low atmospheric temperatures ( -30degC ), a screw compressor composed of cast iron or hardened steel will ensure proper functionality as well as good material compatibility .
• For liquid cargo delivery , screw compressors should have protectants on their body and screws , and have all exterior components constructed from stainless steel to ensure better compatibility with a broad range of chemicals . The components also provide additional protection against abrasion and corrosion in this type of application .
Conclusion
The demands for stricter emission requirements and lighter and more compact vehicles likely won ’ t lose momentum in the near or distant future . Space on these vehicles is at a premium for a reason and essential equipment , such as screw compressors , should not be sacrificed for less effective technology . The Mouvex MX12 is an example of a screw compressor that provides the footprint and performance needed to help operators with their bulk transport needs without the need to compromise on efficiency or functionality .
Christophe Jovani is the EMEA – marketing communications manager for Mouvex and PSG . Mouvex is a product brand of PSG , a Dover company , Oakbrook Terrace , IL , USA
www . mouvex . com www . psgdover . com