Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
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 hours is not uncommon.
Q. How often do the blades in a Hydrovane compressor need replacing?
A. The rotor blades and stator are all manufactured from high quality cast iron. Through the life of the compressor the mating surfaces become highly polished and the compressor even becomes more efficient. The blades should never need to be replaced. 'Vanes run in - others wear out.'
Q. How efficient is a Hydrovane compressor?
A. The specific performance of the Hydrovane compressor is comparable with any alternative compression method. Most of the range include REVS (Reduced Energy Venting System) which offers energy savings off-load & during start-up. Hydrovane have also developed a full range of regulated speed compressors to minimise 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 compressors.
Q. How many Hydrovane compressors have been manufactured?
A. There are over 500,000 Hydrovane compressors installed around the world in a wide variety of 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, in most markets the built in 10 year ADVANCE warranty scheme is offered. ADVANCE is a total package warranty and is included in the purchase price.
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 Oil, Air and Oil filters at 2000 hours. A range of ready-made kits containing genuine Hydrovane parts is always available.
Q. What oil do Hydrovane compressors use?
A. There is a comprehensive range of oils to suit every application. For normal applications use Fluid Force 2000. For high temperature or long life use Fluid Force HPO. For food and sensitive applications use Fluid Force Clear.
Q. How long do the bearings last on a Hydrovane compressor?
A. Hydrovane compressors use bushes not bearings, there are no bearings to wear out. The white metal bushes are pressure lubricated and designed to last the life of the compressor. Remember bearings need to be replaced between 20,000 and 30,000 hours. This is 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, whilst others are wearing out! 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 people see Hydrovane compressors not just a purchase, but more of a capital investment with low maintenance costs.
Q. How safe is a Hydrovane compressor to operate?
A. All our Hydrovane compressors conform to EEC safety regulations. They contain cut off thermistors to prevent the compressor from overheating. They are thoroughly tested before leaving our factory in Redditch, so that installation is a ‘plug and play’ formality.
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, but ours purr! Certain Hydrovane compressors can be bought as either open or enclosed versions. The enclosed version reduces noise far more than the open variety.
Q. My customer’s system 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 best 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 are you going to estimate my customers air demand?
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 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 similiar in price. However you get a lot more for your money with a Hydrovane. See the benefits in "Why Hydrovane" (click here).