Industries Served Archives

Oil-free compressors

Written by Christopher Richmann on May 11, 2023. Posted in Compressed Air, Industrial, Manufacturing. Leave a Comment

Oil-less or oil-free compressors are compressors that don’t use oil. They’re the top choice for dentists, orthodontists, hospitals, salons, air suspension vehicles, food processing plants, chemical companies, and more. They’re even gaining in popularity.

So, how does a compressor without oil work?

Well.

All joking aside, compressors typically have a coating, such as Teflon, to keep the rotors moving smoothly without oil lubrication. In Kaeser’s case, the company uses blasted and bonderized rotors with a special coating process. These rotors are durable, resisting temperatures up to 575°F. Because this coating is highly abrasion-proof, its sealing and protection performance remain consistent — even after years of operation.

Why oil-free compressors?

Oil-free compressors are still catching on in popularity, but there are some very good reasons to have a compressor that doesn’t use oil — clean air and environmentally friendly, less maintenance, and more affordable to operate.

Cleaner air

Air quality control for pharmaceutical, healthcare, dentist offices, food manufacturing, beverage, and chemical industries — which are heavily regulated — could benefit from a compressor without oil.

Oil-lubricating air compressors do their best to keep oil vapors and particulates from entering the system. However, oil can still seep into the air and create contamination issues. Oil-free compressors do not have this concern.

Environmentally friendly

Going green goes along with cleaner air. Companies looking for an environmentally-friendly compressor will appreciate an oil-free system. Not only do they use less energy, but they require no oil, which means there’s less air pollution and less oil that’s used and discarded. There are even incentives for some companies to switch from oil compressors to oil-free.

Green companies, those creating solar panels, wind turbines, EV cars, and more might invest in oil-free to further lower their footprint and prove to their consumers they care about the environment.

Reduced maintenance

Oil-free compressors require far less maintenance. The main reason for this is that oil-lubricated compressors have oil that becomes dirty and breaks down; it needs to be replaced regularly, much like the oil in your vehicle. The oil level also needs to be checked regularly, and the oil filter, which prevents vapor from contaminating the air supply, needs to be replaced.

These maintenance tasks are not required for oil-free systems.

Kaeser indicates that fewer wearing parts and premium quality materials ensure reduced maintenance requirements, longer service intervals, and extended service life. Since the compressor doesn’t need oil tested or changed, that’s also an expense that’s eliminated. And large doors make it easier for a technician to assist in maintenance or repairs. That could mean fewer hours in total to service your compressor, even when it does need maintenance or repairs.

More affordable to operate

According to Kaeser Compressors, capital expenses and maintenance costs account for only a small part of a compressor’s total life cycle expenditures. Energy is typically the largest expense when it comes to compressors, so any efficiency saves money.

In addition, the oil-free compressor is easier to maintain and requires less maintenance.

Can be mobile

Kaeser makes a mobile oil-free compressor to use on the go, wherever you are. That could be handy in construction and other jobs where compressors need to go with you. Some authorized dealers even enable you to rent this equipment.

Oil-free compressor options

Elevated Industrial Solutions has the CSG-2, DSG-2, and FSG-2 series of two-stage oil-free rotary screw compressors. Download the technical specs to see options (such as water or air cooling).

We can even engineer a solution for you, making the installation turnkey. Contact us if you’re ready to jump into the 21st century and get an oil-free compressor, incorporating it into your existing system. We’re a Kaeser authorized dealer in South Carolina, Michigan, Northern Ohio (near Toledo), and Southern Ohio (Cincinnati / Dayton area, including Kentucky).

3M Xtract sanding system

Written by Christopher Richmann on February 23, 2023. Posted in Abrasives, Featured, Industrial, Industrial, Industrial supplies, Woodworking. Leave a Comment

At Elevated Industrial Solutions, we’re proud to offer the most effective, reliable tools, components, and accessories for a wide variety of industries. We offer leading brands, including 3M, which provides an innovative abrasive system – the Xtract ^TMsanding platform. 3M calls it “clean sanding.”

Why is that part of their tagline? This system provides superior dust extraction and clean sanding for a wide variety of applications, all while maintaining excellent performance from an effective orbital sander.

Xtract creates cleaner work environments

The most impressive aspect of this sanding system is the ability to extract dust particles, removing them from the atmosphere while creating a cleaner, healthier work environment. Using an innovative system that places extraction holes near every single particle of dust, the sander pulls a staggering 99% of all dust, almost creating dust-free sanding. This means a cleaner work environment, less exposure to dust and fine particles, greater productivity, longer disc life, less cleaning, and fewer dust particles on the final product. This all improves the final results while making workers happier.

The system utilizes multiple features to create this impressive dust extraction. It uses a premium net disc that allows dust to pass through, while the unique hole pattern on the film disc allows dust to move from the environment into the sander with ease. No matter where a particle of dust is located, it will be near a hole for quick extraction.

The advanced extraction starts with an open-weave net structure, which ensures every particle is near a dust-extraction hole. As a user sands a material, almost all dust is sucked through the netting and into a fitted backup pad. Then it exists through the vacuum exhaust, where it can be deposited into a filter bag or dust extraction unit.

It delivers the best dust extraction on the market, without requiring the user to line up holes in the sanding unit. All of these features result in faster implementation, less time cleaning, greater productivity, and (most importantly) a safer working environment for you and your team!

Xtract has advanced performance for multiple substrates

Manufacturers of virtually all types can take advantage of the superior performance, cut rate, and dust extraction, as this system is designed for a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and composite.

The net discs from 3M perform well on multiple substrates, and they come in various grades to ensure superb performance no matter what your specific needs. There are coarser grades, which are ideal for tough surfaces, leveling filler and putty, or even the removal of stubborn coatings. People using this abrasive can also select finer grades, which can be used on final finishes or soft substrates like paint or wood.

A cut rate that sets a higher standard

3M provided this chart to demonstrate the cut rate for the Xtract

Before we continue it’s important to cover what cut rate is. Cut rate is the rate at which an abrasive removes material from a surface (wood, metal, etc.); the cut rate is sometimes called the material removal rate (MRR). Cut rates are influenced by particle size, with larger and coarser particles conventionally believed to exhibit faster material removal rates – or high cut rates. Regardless of dust extraction and performance versatility, if a sander can’t complete the job efficiently, it’s not much use, especially on a large industrial scale. The Xtract system delivers one of the best cut rates on the market.

With a new line of abrasives from 3M, the system has a superior cut rate and a longer life. On a solid surface, the 710W features 3M’s proprietary Cubitron II precision-shaped abrasive grain. Cubitron II starts with a cut-rate that is 32% higher than the leading competitor. Not only does it start stronger, but this abrasive also finishes stronger. Cubitron II features a grain that as it wears continually fractures into a sharp point, ending with a 25% higher cut rate through the life of the disc. This all results in better sanding, quicker work, and better productivity. These features make the 3M Xtract sanding system one of the best abrasives and one of the most important tools in your operation.

Xtract features to improve sanding efficiency

Available in the 3M Xtract Electric Random Orbital Sander and the 3M Xtract Pneumatic Random Orbital Sander, this sanding system could add greater productivity and performance to your sanding operations. You can also add the portable dust extractor, filter bags, and a variety of sanding discs with a range of grit sizes.

Elevated can help your woodworking needs

We have recommendations for whatever your operation is, with expertise in abrasives and sanding. Our company has been helping people like you – in the industrial, manufacturing, and construction industry – for more than 60 years. (We can’t believe we started in the 50s.)

Contact Elevated to get a demo or order the 3M Xtract sanding system and other clean sanding solutions for your manufacturing facility.

What is CAGI … and why is it awesome?

Written by Tami Matthews on February 7, 2023. Posted in Compressed Air, Compressed Air, Compressed air systems, Manufacturing. Leave a Comment

If you’re a plant or facilities manager, you may already know all about the wonders of CAGI, but assuming you’re new to it CAGI has changed the world of compressed air.

What is CAGI?

CAGI stands for the Compressed Air and Gas Institute. On the CAGI website, it indicates it’s “the united voice of the compressed air industry, serving as the unbiased authority on technical, educational, promotional, and other matters that affect the industry.” It’s an organization that tests and standardizes information to make it easier to understand.

Why is CAGI awesome?

CAGI verifies compressor claims using a third-party testing program. According to CAGI, the program provides you with “reliable and verified performance data for rotary air compressors (5-200HP) and refrigerated air dryers (50-1000 scfm).”

And CAGI compares data, making it easier to read and understand one compressor vs. another through an efficiency rating value on its compressor data sheets – isentropic efficiency.

What is isentropic efficiency?

Utilizing isentropic efficiency is similar to using a Monroney window sticker when purchasing a new vehicle. For example, the Monroney sticker explains the projected miles per gallon of the vehicle, price, features, and other useful information that helps assist buyers when purchasing a new vehicle.

Isentropic efficiency incorporates operating pressure and greatly simplifies the process of comparing the efficiencies among several like-sized compressors each having slightly different full-load operating pressures. For example, for the same horsepower compressors, one sheet may show 125 psi operating pressure and another may show 130 PSIG, so comparing isentropic helps equalize the comparison. This video, developed by CAGI, explains how specific power is converted to isentropic efficiency.

Elevated can help provide CAGI data

If you’re considering an air compressor, your sales engineer can provide information about it, including comparing it to other compressors. For more information, talk with us about your compressed air system needs. We have specialists available to assist you with calculations, installation, pricing, and more.

Increase paint transfer efficiency

Written by Christopher Richmann on January 9, 2023. Posted in Aerospace & defense, Coating & Finish Systems, Coating & Finish Systems, Coating & finishing systems, Coating application equipment, Featured, Uncategorized. Leave a Comment

Paint transfer efficiency is critical to your industrial painting, whether you’re painting ambulances, marine vessels, pallets, or something else. Increasing the transfer efficiency saves money and meets state and federal regulations. Plus, it could even make your workforce more productive.

What is paint transfer efficiency?

Commonly referred to as “TE,” transfer efficiency is a calculation of how much paint spray covers a component, and how much is wasted. The higher the percentage, the better. But achieving high TE rates is extremely difficult, especially if your team is using mismatched, older, or insufficient equipment.

Understanding the standards

There are two standard models used for measuring transfer efficiency when painting equipment and parts:

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). This test simulates a conveyor system and generally results in percentages below 50%.
European Standard EN 13699-1 (EN). The EN test is performed by simply spraying a pattern in the middle of a large part.

The ASTM test almost always results in lower percentages than the EN technique does. For example, a test using the ASTM method may result in a transfer efficiency of 25 to 35%, while the same equipment under the EN test may show 70 to 80%.

Regardless, you must increase transfer efficiency at all times.

Why transfer efficiency?

High transfer efficiency is important for a few reasons. First, it’s essential to your bottom line. Suppose you have a transfer efficiency of 15%. This means for every $1,000 in paint, you are essentially using $150 while wasting $850 of paint. If you spend $10,000 coating a line of components, you would waste $8,500! Increasing the TE to an ASTM rate closer to 50% will create significant cost savings.

Second, better transfer efficiency reduces VOC emissions and waste. So it’s better for the environment. But … it’s not just important for air quality or to keep paint run-off from reaching water sources. Keeping your transfer efficiency high will help you stay within regulatory requirements. Learn more about federal standards. As you might imagine, some states (we’re looking at you, California) have stringent laws to protect people, land, and wildlife, including offering paint recycling programs with incentives.

Lastly, having a process and understanding how you’re using the equipment, including taking metrics for paint, increases productivity. That means you could paint more products in less time!

How to optimize transfer efficiency

There are many ways to enhance your transfer efficiency numbers, but the most important one is having the right equipment. Optimized equipment for painting, coating, and finishing will help increase transfer efficiency, especially if you have a paint booth or system recommended by knowledgeable industry experts.

Your coat and finish team should also be properly trained. Training team members on proper spray distance, angle (perpendicular coating), and trigger timing will all help your overall transfer efficiency, while also improving product consistency and increasing profit. This can be achieved only through consistent and ongoing training and assessment.

Luckily, Elevated provides that training and documentation, ensuring your entire workforce understands what to do and how to do it. We even offer parts service, replacing parts when you need them.

**Get help from experts and the right equipment**

Elevated Industrial Solutions is your source for top-quality coating and finishing equipment. Using the right tools and accessories is critical for maximizing transfer efficiency. Not only do we have spray systems, parts, and paint booths available from trustworthy partners, but our team has been implementing coating and finishing solutions across the U.S. We train and provide documentation so your team feels confident and productive.

Let us visit your site and give recommendations.

we're proud of the work in south carolina

We’re your South Carolina partners

Written by Tami Matthews on January 4, 2023. Posted in Air compressors, Compressed Air, Compressed air systems. Leave a Comment

At Elevated Industrial Solutions, we take pride in being the number-one supplier of industrial supplies, paint equipment, and compressed air systems. But we’re especially proud of the products and services we provide in South Carolina, the Palmetto state. Our air compressor business, in fact, is formerly known as Palmetto Compressors.

Everything you need for industrial air compressors

South Carolina facility managers are lucky; Elevated has all the equipment and parts in one location, all backed by our expert service.

We’re a Kaeser authorized dealer, providing the perfect air compressor for your specific facility. Our specialty is understanding what you’re trying to do and selling you the equipment you need. Plus, we’ll never oversell you. (After all, we want to save energy and money for our customers!) Whether you need a rotary screw compressor or a reciprocating compressor; whether you need vacuums, blowers, or dryers; or whether you need small parts like valves and gaskets, we have it all in one location.

We also offer compressed air system installations that are turnkey. We’ll discuss, design and engineer, plan, and project manage everything to make it as seamless as possible. Our portfolio includes some of the best-looking compressed air systems in South Carolina … if we say so ourselves. (Humble brag.)

Superior service from expert technicians

To be fair, you can find various parts for air compressors just about anywhere. What you can’t find is the exceptional service you’ll get from our team. Our team ensures your facility never goes down and your compressor-related expenses aren’t wasted.

Elevated’s service starts with scheduled preventive maintenance. Our maintenance checklist is comprehensive, encompassing tasks such as changing oil, cleaning the heat exchanger, lubricating the motor drive, and recording system pressure.

But our service doesn’t stop there. We offer air compressor system audits and analysis, including an air audit analysis (ADA), leak audits, vibration analysis, and even provide thermal imaging.

air compressor team in south carolina helping shriner's

Sure, our expert team has been in the business a long time, but we’re some of the nicest, most-service oriented people you’ll ever meet. We’re also just solid South Carolinians who give to local causes (from the Fountain Inn police to Shriners) and volunteer to make the world a better place, including helping veterans.

Always available to help

When your compressed air system is down, your facility is down. Don’t let production stop just because it’s a Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Get emergency service from our experienced, dedicated team! We’re available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays. Our employees travel across South Carolina easily and quickly, from Gaffney to Hilton Head and all points in between … including Greenville, Charlottesville, and Columbia.

More than compressed air systems

We go beyond compressed air, too. We provide industrial supplies such as abrasives, adhesives, tapes, sealants, safety products, and more. And we have coating and finishing equipment for your plant. It’s really one-stop-shopping for industrial companies: great air compressors and service as well as items to keep production running.

Any of our salespeople can offer advice as we’re familiar with the industry. (Part of our company has been around for 60+ years.)

Partners

Our goal is to improve your business. We suggest programs to save your company money, give ideas to improve processes, suggest productivity tips, and more. We’re partners – invested in your business, going the extra mile to ensure you succeed.

That’s why we’re Elevated. We do more in South Carolina. It’s also why we’re tops in the Palmetto State.

When you need preventive maintenance, installation, and parts in the Palmetto State, contact your South Carolina Kaeser distributor today! Plus we can help with industrial supplies and paint equipment.