History of Hydrovane

The beginning


The original Rotary Vane concept was conceived and developed during the 1940’s by Alfred Bullows. Licensees were appointed to manufacture the Rotary Vane Compressor. One of these licenses was the Hymatic Engineering Company, which developed the original design into a commercially viable product. In 1960 the Hydrovane Compressor Company was born with its own management team and dedicated manufacturing facility.

 

Product evolution
 
1950’s

At this stage the product range consisted of a 2hp compressor (9pu), a 4hp compressor (18pu) and a 10hp compressor (45pu). The compressors were free-standing on a 3-legged tripod consisting only of an electric motor directly driving an integrated Air End.

The range was extended to include the 15hp (66pu) compressor and 25hp (120pu).
  1960’s

Hydrovane began to design and develop its own compressor range. These became known as the 3 Series consisting of 4 compressors 3hp (13pu), 5.5hp (23pu), 7.5hp (33pu) and 10hp (43pu). This was a significant improvement in air quality by utilising Modular Ceramic Separators rather than the original felt pad design.
 
  1970’s

The range was expanded by the addition of 40hp (170pu) compressor and with a partnership agreement with Mattei of Italy, the range was extended to include a 60hp (250pu), a 75hp (350pu) and a 100hp (450pu). This enabled Hydrovane to offer a full range of vane compressors from 1 - 100hp.
 
  1980’s

Further evolution of the design was the 8 Series, which replaced the original 120pu and 170pu compressor designs. The 8 Series range consisted of 25hp (128puas), 30hp (148puas), 40hp (178puas). The new design was a total package concept with built-in starters and aftercoolers. Because of the open package design Hydrovane was ideal for most installations, however, in certain applications noise became a major sales point. Hydrovane responded by introducing a range of air compressors, which were enclosed offering very low noise levels. This range covered 10hp - 100hp.

Later during the 1980’s the 5 Series, 1, 3 & 5hp were introduced which were also made available on receivers. The range was completed by the introduction of the 7 Series, 7.5hp - 20hp.
 
  1990’s

The 9 Series was introduced consisting of totally enclosed 55 and 75kW. In the late 90’s the ‘Combi’ was introduced combining the open design which could easily be converted to an enclosed compressor with snap on panels. Energy conservation was becoming an emerging issue and Hydrovane’s first design was the Synergy compressor which was a 75hp 2 speed PAM electric motor.
 
  2000’s

The Regulated Speed energy saving compressor range was introduced in 7kW, 15kW, 22kW, 37kW and 75kW sizes. Hydrovane enter the gas boost compressor market.

The construction of the Hydrovane compressor evolves significantly - with a totally revolutionary vertical design, significantly reduced footprint and market leading performance. The range is further expanded with the introduction of the Hypac, integrating compressor, filters, air dryer and receiver in one compact package.