frequently asked questions
q. why should i buy a vane compressor?
A. The vane compressor is a long term investment not a short term purchase. It will supply high quality pulse free air reliably and efficiently and can last up to three times longer than alternative technologies.
q. how long does a Hydrovane compressor last?
A. When installed and maintained in accordance with the correct service guidelines the Hydrovane compressor can last for as long as you want it to without replacements of any major components. 100,000+ operating hours is not uncommon.
q. how efficient is a Hydrovane compressor?
A. The specific performance of the Hydrovane compressor is comparable with any alternative compression method. REVS (Reduced Energy Venting System) offers energy savings when the compressor is off-load and during start-up; and is designed into most of the range. Hydrovane has also developed a full range of regulated speed (RS) compressors to minimize energy consumption in all speed ranges.
q. how reliable is a Hydrovane compressor?
A. The Hydrovane compressor is directly driven at low speed with minimal internal stresses. This means that with correct maintenance the compressor can run trouble free without affecting your productivity and profitability.
q. how long have Hydrovane compressor been in production?
A. The Hydrovane compressor was designed during the 1950’s and has been manufactured in the UK for over 50 years. During this period the technology has been continually refined and updated to the high degree of sophistication of today’s compressor. Hydrovane compressors remain the only totally UK manufactured rotary compressor.
q. how many Hydrovane compressors have been manufactured?
A. There are over 775,000 Hydrovane compressors installed around the world in a wide variety of market sector installations and applications.
q. what warranty do you offer on a Hydrovane compressor?
A. All Hydrovane compressors come with a standard 12 month warranty. However, an extended 10 year warranty plan (up to 48,000 operating hours) is offered at no additional cost. The extended warranty is a total package warranty (up to 10 years on the Air End and 5 years on the package unit parts).
q. how easy is it to install a Hydrovane compressor?
A. Most Hydrovane compressors are designed to be easily transportable with a forklift or pallet truck and fit through a standard doorway. The services are located to facilitate quick and easy electrical connection and pipe work.
q. how easy is it to service a Hydrovane compressor?
A. All Hydrovane compressors have a very simple service regime. The general service requires only changing the Lubricant, Air and Oil filters at 2000 hours. A comprehensive range of ready-made service kits containing all necessary genuine Hydrovane parts is always readily available from our Aftermarket department, along with individual parts. Click here to contact your local Distributor today!
q. what oil do Hydrovane compressors use?
A. There is a comprehensive range of oils to suit every application. For normal applications use Hydrovane CS300, for food grade applications use CSS30. An oil suitable for gas applications is also available.
q. how long do the bearings last on a Hydrovane compressor?
A. Hydrovane compressors use white metal bearings not roller bearings, therefore, there are no roller bearings to wear out. The white metal bearings are pressure lubricated and designed to last the life of the compressor. Remember other compressor technologies that use roller bearings need to have these replaced between 20,000 and 30,000 hours, which can be extremely expensive.
q. do Hydrovane compressors have a good resale value?
A. Yes, as the Hydrovane compressor and its components are manufactured from cast iron, and the vane technology employs low speed running, our vane compressors actually wear in (improved specific performance), while other compressors are wearing out (reducing specific performance)! Hydrovane compressors are one of the few pieces of equipment that actually improve in performance with age! That’s why they have high residual value. Many customers see Hydrovane compressors as not just a purchase, but more of a capital investment with relatively low maintenance costs over the compressors life.
q. how safe is a Hydrovane compressor to operate?
A. All our Hydrovane compressors conform to EEC and NEC safety regulations. They contain cut off thermistors to prevent the compressor from overheating. They are thoroughly tested before leaving our factory, so that installation is ‘plug and play’.
q. how noisy is a Hydrovane compressor?
A. The Hydrovane compressor generates high quality pulse free air. This means that the Hydrovane compressor is one of the quietest on the market. We like to say that other compressors scream, whereas ours purr! Certain Hydrovane compressors can be bought in either open or enclosed formats. The noise levels are significantly reduced on the enclosed format.
q. our systems demand is always changing – how will the Hydrovane compressor cope?
A. Most systems have an ever-changing air demand. Built into the Hydrovane compressor is a modulating control system. The servo/unloader design automatically senses the system pressure and will regulate the compressors flow to meet that demand. This will operate from zero flow right through to maximum output. No receiver is usually necessary, however it may be beneficial to even-out the demand cycle.
For improved operating efficiency, consideration should be given to a Regulated Speed (RS) Hydrovane, which will regulate its speed to meet the demand. This maintains maximum efficiency across all delivery requirements.
q. how can our air demand be estimated?
A. We can help you carry out an air demand audit on your customer’s premises. This will give you and your customer some firm statistics on the amount of air demand and the timings of demand.
q. when would you buy a regulated speed Hydrovane compressor?
A. The Regulated Speed (RS) Hydrovane compressor will be at maximum efficiency whatever the demand. In most systems demand ranges from 40% to 80% of full load supply. The RS will simply change speed to meet that requirement. The payback in energy savings can easily justify the extra premium. If the system has a constant high load, a Regulated Speed (RS) compressor is not normally required.
q. how does the price of a Hydrovane compressor compare to other compression technologies?
A. Size for size, Hydrovane and screw compressors are similar in price. However, you get a longer compressor life with a Hydrovane, and therefore greater value for your money. Click here to contact your local distributor for a quote.
