Location: Global
Customer: Atlas Copco
Key benefits: Intelligent air flow control
Case study
Requirement
Atlas Copco drill rigs use compressed air to
transport rock debris and clean blast holes
during drilling. The compressor regulation
system uses valves to control the pressure
and flow of air coming out of the compressor.
To get adequate pressure without wasting
compressed air Atlas Copco needed control
valves that could be adjusted to meet specific
demands. The analog valves originally
used could not be adjusted using software
algorithms. Electrical valves in a new control
system were adjustable, but not robust enough
to meet Atlas Copco's high standards for
performance and longevity.
Solution
Drawing on decades of expertise in air
preparation and flow control, IMI Precision
Engineering supplied an IMI Norgren
proportional valve that was "much better suited
for the application in terms of robustness, both
when it comes to external properties such as
vibration and temperatures, but also regarding
the internal fluid properties such as moisture
resistance," according to Erik Alden, Atlas
Copco Group Manager for Drill Rig Systems.
The valve is part of a system that makes the
rigs more fuel efficient.
For more information, go to:
www.norgren.com/us/mining
Precise flow control helps compressor
regulation system save fuel on drill rigs
Engineering
GREAT
Solutions
Photo courtesy of Atlas Copco
© Norgren, Inc. 2015
