Higher flow rates and lower costs
May 1st 2007

Aero Stanrew has recently commissioned a new test rig for testing rotary components for jet engine turbines. Industrial Air Power – a distributor of Ingersoll Rand Industrial Technologies – has designed and installed an Ingersoll Rand SimplAir Evolution compressed air piping system for the new test rig. SimplAir Evolution's design has helped to reduce installation time and costs, whilst also delivering higher flow rates and lower running costs.

"The test rig contains a single turbine, which is driven by compressed air supplied by an Ingersoll Rand MH110 SSR rotary compressor," explains Shane Rice, telemetry production manager, Aero Stranrew. "As the test rig was sourced from a test equipment specialist in the USA, we needed to find a local supplier that was capable of designing and installing a compressed air distribution system to deliver air from the compressor and throughout the test rig. Industrial Air Power contacted us and we were very impressed with their knowledge and experience in providing industrial grade compressed air systems.

"Industrial Air Power has designed and installed a compressed air piping solution using Ingersoll Rand's SimplAir Evolution system. We have an 80mm system that runs from the compressor to the test rig, via two 1000 gallon air receivers.

"In the past, we've mainly used traditional galvanised steel pipes for any compressed air applications. Although this is the first time we've used SimplAir Evolution, it's been a great success. One of the main benefits is that it's a modular system – so, if our requirements change and the layout needs to be amended, it's very easy and cost-effective to reconfigure Evolution. We've already needed to alter the test rig configuration and it's been both quick and simple to do and there's been no need to spend vast amounts on replacement pipes.

"In addition to the 80mm piping for the test rig, we also have a 50mm ring main that provides workshop air for specialist balancing and measuring equipment and for general air tools. With an Evolution ring main around the entire building, we've got a system that is very flexible and adaptable. It's much easier and quicker to add outlet plates.

"SimplAir Evolution also has a HOT TAP facility, which enables us to add an outlet without having to depressurise the system. Whereas it can take several hours to add an outlet to a galvanised steel system, with Evolution it takes just minutes.

We can install an outlet virtually wherever we want one, so the possibilities for adapting the system are almost endless.

"As Evolution piping is much lighter than galvanised steel, the pipe supports and brackets combine mechanical strength with an elegant design. This may not appear to be an important factor, but a system that looks good not only improves the working environment but also helps to reinforce the right image. When customers visit us, they see an efficient, professional facility.

"For many of the tests that we run, we need to maintain maximum pressure within the test rig.

Industrial Air Power took care to design a pipe layout that minimised pressure losses and, as Evolution is made from anodised aluminium and has a much smoother internal bore than galvanised steel pipe, we benefit from lower frictional losses and higher flow rates. In addition, because Evolution uses positive Oring seals, we've seen no leakage – and, given the number of unions and connections in our layout, I've been very impressed."

More articles from Ingersoll Rand European Sales Ltd: