Air compression, dust suppression and piping on show

Integrated Air Solutions will be showcasing a range of air compressors from the ELGi and FS-Elliott brands as well as the MethaSperse underground dust suppression system at the upcoming Electra Mining expo.

The company is the exclusive regional sales and service partner for ELGi Equipment and FS-Elliott and it delivers a variety of air solutions to South Africa’s mining, construction, engineering, cement, pharmaceutical, automotive, food and beverage, agri-processing, water well, and oil and gas exploration sectors.

Referring to the ELGi range of electric and diesel-driven compressors for mining and industrial air requirements, Integrated Air Solutions Group CEO Graham Russell notes: “These machines incorporate advanced technologies for optimised reliability and efficiency, delivering best-in-class total cost of ownership, or TCO.”

ELGi will be launching its new PG 45 electric portable compressor. Featuring advanced technology and a compact footprint, these eco-friendly electric compressors claim to set a new standard in the portable segment, offering the benefit of quiet and emission-less operation across the entire range. The rugged machines, which feature a TEFC squirrel cage motor with class F insulation, are manufactured from industrial grade steel and powder coated canopy for maximum corrosion protection and durability.

Further added value delivered by the ELGi electric compressor range includes:                                                                 

• Best-in-class reliability, maintenance and operating costs
• Energy-efficient airend design
• Efficient air-oil separation
• Optional variable speed drives for energy efficiency
• Innovative Neuron control system offering operating data and safety measures
• A user-friendly control panel with safety options
• Easy to manouver and transport                                                                                                           

The recent signing of a partnership agreement with North American air compressor manufacturer, FS-Elliott, means that Integrated Air Solutions can supply spare parts, service and plant upgrades to the local existing installed base of FS-Elliott centrifugal oil-free compressors.

Said to include one of the most energy efficient mainstream compressed air technologies, FS-Elliott centrifugal compressors are certified ISO 8573-1 Class 0 oil-free air for purity. A variety of Regulus controller system options on the machines are designed to deliver superior control. With no wearing parts that require regular replacements, maintenance is  reduced while reliability is increased.

Graham points out that air leaks can further exacerbate energy consumption by causing the compressor to work harder and consume more energy to achieve the same required pressures. “An optimal energy-efficiency solution therefore includes not only superior quality air compressors but also high quality piping and fittings,” notes Graham. “We are extremely excited to introduce our range of AIRCOM aluminium piping systems, following the recent signing of a partnership agreement with AIRCOM Piping Systems.”  The Italy-based company designs and manufactures piping and fittings and is ISO 9001 (TÜV) quality assured. The modular design of the system aims to provide flexibility and adaptability, contributing to increased plant uptime and production while reducing carbon footprints.

Continuous mining processes in underground coal mines can result in high levels of respirable dust and other fine particles that are harmful when inhaled and, in certain concentrations, propagate fire. Engineered in South Africa for a global market, the innovative MethaSperse system helps to reduce respirable dust and dilutes methane concentrations at the coal face. “MethaSperse utilises the energy of compressed air to transport a fine water mist to the immediate cutting area, effectively trapping dust particles which sink harmlessly to the floor,” explains Graham. “This dramatically reduces dust levels, making mining safer for all, with the added benefit of only consuming an additional 5 l/min of water.”

Integrated Air Solutions is a subsidiary of GiGi Investments and will be exhibiting at Electra Mining Africa together with sister companies Fogmaker, Integrated Pump Technology and Integrated Pump Rental.