Engineering
GREAT
Solutions
Location: Global
Customer: Atlas Copco
Key benefit: 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.
Photo courtesy of Atlas Copco
Precise flow control helps compressor
regulation system save fuel on drill rigs
Engineering
GREAT
Solutions
CS-09
For further information visit www.norgren.com or call 1.800.710.7823
