Atlas Copco compressors keep pace with Michell Instruments expansion13 February 2013

Moisture and humidity instrumentation specialist Michell Instruments says its compressor plant supplier is keeping up well with the company's growing production demands.

Its most recent plant addition was an Atlas Copco oil-free ZT22 compressor and two CD dryers, installed by Peterborough-based Anglian Compressors and Equipment.

These generate high-quality air for instrument calibration – both UKAS certified and high-volume production instruments and sensors.

"The calibration systems use pressure swing dryers to achieve the -100°C dew point air and require the air supplying them to be dry and oil free," confirms Graham Daines, Michell's calibration laboratory manager.

"We cannot risk contaminating the calibration systems or the sensors we calibrate. This is why we have never considered oil lubricated compressors with oil filtration," he explains.

Daines also says that continuity of supply is important, which is why the plant involves a system of compressors and dryers in backup mode to cover for scheduled equipment servicing or breakdown.

Initially, Michell ran with two dryers and three piston compressors, installed by Anglian Compressors, but that system was upgraded when the company moved from Cambridge to its Ely factory in 2007.

An Atlas Copco SF-15 scroll compressor was then installed with one of the existing dryers. This enabled Michell to maintain the calibrations system in Cambridge and transfer the others one at a time to Ely.

When the move was complete, the set up comprised the SF-15 with two dryers (one for backup), with the two piston units working together as backup for the SF-15.

The ZT-22 oil-free compressor and CD70+ dryers were then added in 2011 to cater for a substantial expansion programme, undertaken to double production output, via additional calibration systems.

Brian Tinham

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.