Case Studies

Here is a rather small application story, but a valuable solution for the customer, nonetheless. Oftentimes success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out!

One of our Compressed Air Service Technicians, Brian Allison, was at a concrete facility servicing their system and noticed a slipping hazard due to excess water and oil build up on the floor and wall near the equipment. He brought up the simple benefits of an oil/water condensate separator and how it could take care of all the oil and water on the floor, while also allowing them to properly treat the condensate and remove the oil from it before proper disposal. The customer was all for it.

As the “before” picture shows, the condensation drain lines coming off the equipment would purge into a bucket, but almost always ended up on the floor and wall, creating a wet and oily mess. With a simple installation of a Nano Purification Solutions SEP 120 ST Oil-Water Condensate Separator and a Condensate Manifold, we were able to remove the mess off the floor, remove the oil from the condensate, and deposit the condensate into a nearby drain.

In the “after” picture, you can see the floors and walls are now dry. Moving forward, this separator will be added to the preventative maintenance schedule and will be serviced on a regular basis.

This Ohio-based university had two oil-free scroll air compressors that were installed by another air compressor company years ago. Scroll compressors consist of two spiral-shaped scroll elements in which one scroll remains fixed, where the other scroll orbits around the stationary scroll to compress the air. Recently, they had two scroll elements fail due miscommunications regarding maintenance from the previous compressed air supplier.

With having several other Quincy machines already in service, the University found C.H. Reed online and contacted us to discuss their compressed air requirements.  Upon talking to the customer and exercising proper due diligence, we identified that oil-free compressors were not actually a necessity for their applications, and they were the perfect candidate for oil-flooded rotary screw systems.

After going through some options, they decided on two separate Quincy Compressor QGS Rotary Screw Air Compressors to meet their needs; a QGS-10 and a QGS-15. Both systems were mounted on 120-gallon air receiver tanks, integrated refrigerated air dryers, and additional filtration to reduce contamination levels of the compressed air to 0.01PPM.

Lastly, we introduced our customizable preventative maintenance programs which will help them increase reliability, minimize downtime, minimize costly emergency repairs, lower their energy costs, prolong equipment life, and lower the total cost of ownership for these units.

In the end, this customer is happy they didn’t have to invest in additional (more costly) oil-free units and will have peace of mind knowing that these new rotary screw compressors will be properly maintained by C.H. Reed’s Service Dept. moving forward.

This water treatment plant, based in Maryland’s Eastern Shore, now has efficient and reliable compressed air for their different processes. Contact C.H. Reed for your next compressor project. Serving PA, MD, DE, VA, WV, OH, & NY!

50,000 lbs of peanut butter a day – that’s a lot of snack bars!

The customer requirement was to be able to unload 20-25 totes of peanut butter a day into their process. Working closely with them and testing at Graco, we determined the best solution for this requirement was a 4-pump STU (Sanitary Tote Unloader) with an electronic controls package allowing us to integrate into their controls and set recipes to meet batch requirements.

With this setup, we are able to unload a tote in 10 minutes, which easily met their requirements and allowed the proper amount of time to remove the empty tote, prepare the new tote and then load. In addition, the tote evacuation rate was consistently 97%- 98%.

If you have sanitary requirements to unload high-viscosity food or pharmaceutical ingredients, C.H. Reed, Inc. can help. Whether it’s a 300-gallon tote, 55-gallon drum, 5-gallon pail, or custom mix kettles, we have a solution for you.

This customer had a large stripping and refinishing project where they restored a number of church pews after a fire. To make quick and efficient work of this project, we recommended and sold them a Graco Merkur pump and spray package, which definitely got the pews looking good again!

This customer, a kitchen cabinet manufacturer, has about 3 years and 16 million cycles on this Graco Endura-Flo Circulation Pump without failure! They are using a pretty abrasive enamel base to paint their cabinets, showcasing this pump’s durability under extreme operating conditions. This pump is available in 3:1 extended durability and 4:1 extended pressure options with Graco’s DataTrak. Lastly, this pump is the ideal solution for multiple colour-change and piggable systems. Contact C.H. Reed for your next fluid transfer project.

Recently, an Ohio-based machine manufacturer reached out to us to get more information on spray booths, as they had a very old booth that was in need of an upgrade. We worked with them to further understand their needs and ended up installing a new spray booth from RTT Engineered Solutions. The new booth is a big step up from their old booth that had homemade sidewalls and poor flow. Their new booth measures 10′ wide x 8′ tall x 7′ long on the interior, giving them plenty of space for quality finishes moving forward.

This snack food manufacturer had an issue that needed to be addressed regarding the evacuation of icing during their manufacturing process. The key for this project was to eliminate residual material that previously had to be manually reclaimed after evacuating the bowl using a competitor’s pumping system. This was done by an operator physically bending over the bowl and scooping the leftover icing into the next bowl by hand. Having to manually scoop leftover material by hand is not only unsanitary, but it’s also an unsafe/repetitive task for the operator that actually resulted in workman comp cases.

We engineered a custom kettle unloading system utilizing an air-powered 3″ Graco ram sanitary pump package. This system proved to be very successful in the evacuation of icing from the kettle; leaving only 10 lbs of residual material to be scooped compared to the 200+ lbs leftover with their previous pump. The customer is very pleased with these results and is looking to add 4 more systems down the road.

To see more of our sanitary pumping capabilities, click here and contact us for your next project.

This customer previously had two vacuum pumps, a 25 HP and a 20 HP, operating one at a time. After analyzing their demand and usage, we determined that those units were too oversized for their applications. We recommended and installed two 10 HP Quincy Compressor variable speed vacuum pumps, saving them 15 HP and 10 HP respectively. These new Quincy QSV vacuum pumps are significantly more energy-efficient than the older vacuum technology, so they can expect to see increased energy savings as well.

This Ohio-based meat processing plant was in need of a mobile compressed air solution where they could easily move the entire compressed air system to different parts of the plant, as well as their other facilities as needed. Having worked on several mobile compressed air system projects for customers in the past, C.H. Reed was up for the task! Click the link below to read the full story on how we were able to meet this customer’s goals utilizing a 40′ shipping container to create a reliable, protected, and movable system. Click Here

This customer manufactures plastic containers for the snack food industry and compressed air is an essential part of their production process. Previously, they had two 125 HP variable speed rotary screw compressors from the early 2000s in their facility. One of which has had several airend replacements and was due for yet another airend and motor rebuild. On top of that, the two compressors were essentially competing against each other and weren’t running as economically as possible. This is where C.H. Reed comes in.

After discussing their goals and compressed air requirements, we learned that two additional lines were being added to the system that would require an additional 200 CFM on top of the 1,200 CFM of air that they were currently using. They were also experiencing a 10 PSI pressure drop at a certain location in their facility.

We recommended the installation of a new Quincy QSI 200 fixed speed air compressor to be used in conjunction with the other variable speed unit that they were keeping.  The Quincy QSI combines around-the-clock dependability with one of the most durable and efficient airends in the industry. (The QSI is to be used as the baseload compressor with the other variable speed compressor as the trim unit.) We also swapped out their old, undersized air dryer for a Pneumatech cycling water-cooled dryer to provide a 38-40°F pressure dewpoint at 100 PSI, 100°F inlet air temperature, and 100°F ambient air temperature. Lastly, we replaced the existing 1,000-gallon air receiver with a 3,000-gallon receiver and relocated the existing receiver to the opposite end of the plant. This new dryer and receiver combo completely fixed their pressure drop issue.

They now have a completely optimized compressed air system that no longer competes against itself; delivering smooth, consistent air to their facility. On top of that, replacing the old variable speed base load compressor with the new fixed speed QSI 200 baseload compressor will actually be a lot more energy-efficient for them, not to mention extremely reliable.

This trailer manufacturer had two old downdraft paint booths that were in pretty bad shape. We tore down one of their old booths and installed a new RTT Engineered Solutions booth in its place, while they kept running in the second booth. They then switched production to the new booth, while we tore down and erected another new one. We also relocated two Graco Finishing 2KE units and feed systems into the new paint room. This customer is happy to have a cleaner, safer, and more productive finishing environment.

We just got done helping this leading manufacturer of custom-designed, pre-engineered metal building systems with a Graco Plural Component (2K) XP-50 Spray project. Moving forward, they only need to mix the exact quantity of materials that they need to spray on their metal beams; reducing wasted materials and saving money by using less clean-up solvent. This easy-to-use 2K sprayer also provides consistent spray qualities and is super easy to maintain. Want to learn more? Contact C.H. Reed for on-ratio, excellent spray qualities that save you money.

For the last 20 years, this Ohio-based automobile parts manufacturer was running a fixed-speed air compressor for their production process. When it came time to upgrade, we introduced them to Quincy Compressor’s QGV series of rotary screw compressors. The QGV is a variable-speed compressor with a specially designed drive that controls and adjusts operating speeds accordingly. This delivers more constant pressure, protects against power surges, and lowers overall energy consumption.  The customer loves their new compressed air system and is already experiencing part-load energy savings as the machine is running in the 38-45% range under normal production.

Recently, we worked with a water treatment plant on a compressed air project that entailed networking two different air compressor brands together. Their goal was to have a new rotary screw unit, that they had purchased from a different compressor company, communicate with a new Quincy QGV-100 Rotary Screw Compressor that they just got from us. The other compressor companies bidding on the job could not get the two to communicate without an additional (expensive) central controller.

Click here to see how we were able to provide a quick and easy solution to deliver the most energy-efficient system for this customer.

This is a water-based mold release application that was previously being sprayed on manually. Now, it’s a powered roller conveyor equipped with Exair fogging nozzles, fed by a Graco diaphragm pump.

This customer recycles and manufactures beautiful antique hardwood flooring from vintage barn wood and other historic structures. Previously, their process consisted of hand-spraying each individual, repurposed plank. This can be time-consuming as it often necessitates a lot of work; so they decided to automate their spraying process.

In conjunction with Stanza Machinery out of Charlotte, NC, we installed 2 Graco Merkur Wall-Mounted Supply Pumps piped together with AirNet Aluminum Piping. Inside Stanza’s Linear Spray System, we installed 4 Binks 360 Airless Spray Guns, 2 of which use the 409 tips, that apply 4 mils of “tinted varnish” finish. This is done at 400 PSI, a range typically only accomplished with air-assisted airless guns. Being able to spray without using atomizing air helps with overall transfer efficiency, overspray, and is essentially one less variable to control. At this lower pressure, the tips are expected to last much longer than the previous air-assisted airless tips that are sprayed at nearly 1000 PSI.

Using the linear Stanza Spraying Machine along with these Binks Spray Guns, the customer will be able to apply both varnish and stain without having to change spray tips; saving them both time and money.

This food manufacturer had a 200 HP Quincy QSI 1000 Air Compressor that was installed in 1980. C.H. Reed started servicing their compressed air system in 2012; helping to keep the aging compressor in steady operation.  After 40 years of reliability and 8 years of consistent C.H. Reed service, they opted to invest in a new compressed air system.

After working with them to understand their goals, they went with a new Quincy QSI 1500 (300 HP) with the variable displacement option (Power$ync) to save energy during periods of low demand. Since the new unit is an outdoor installation, it is also furnished with a TEFC (Totally Enclosed, Fan-Cooled) motor, a NEMA 4 (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) enclosure, and frost protection.

To purify the air stream and absorb moisture, a 1500 CFM Heated Blower Purge Dryer was installed. The customer will see a quick ROI based on the energy saved with the blower operating as the purge source and not utilizing up to 15 % purge air (up to 225 CFM lost to purge). The dryer was ordered with the optional pre-filter and high-temperature after-filter mounted and piped with a 3-valve bypass. This makes for a quick and easy installation. Lastly, we supplied them with a Quincy Oil Mist Eliminator just after the compressor to protect the dryer desiccant beds from oil carry-over just in case there happens to be a catastrophic oil separator failure or scavenge line issue.

Looking to upgrade your compressed air equipment? Contact C.H. Reed to schedule a system walk-through.

This metal product manufacturer was experiencing issues regarding costly product returns and rework due to their painting contractor struggling to keep up with demands. After comparing costs of outsourcing vs. painting in-house, they decided to purchase their own painting equipment. We worked with them and came up with a solution that would not only help streamline production but would be easy to use and completely adjustable for varying product sizes. The system consisted of a built-in conveyor (that the customer fabricated themselves), a Graco wall-mounted 47:1 King Pump with six automatic air-assisted G40 paint spray guns, and a manually operated control panel. To power this paint spray system, we also installed a Quincy QGD-25 rotary screw air compressor with all the proper filtration components. In the end, this customer now has a reliable painting system that is easy to use and completely flexible. They no longer worry about material coming back not painted; saving them time and money, and most importantly, saving them from lost opportunities and dissatisfied customers due to sub-par paint finish qualities.

The benefits of Preventative Maintenance Programs are numerous. They enhance the productivity of the equipment, reduce overall operating costs, reduce downtime, reduce emergency repairs and greatly extend your equipment’s life expectancy and value of your investment. In 1999, a key partner invested in multiple Graco Precision Mix II units to meet their production and quality goals. At the time, these units were the benchmark for electronic proportioning with the highest level of technology and control.

For 20 years, C.H. Reed has provided a customized Preventative Maintenance Program on these units with authorized, factory-trained service technicians and OEM parts. As a result, the machines have run to the same standards as the day they were put in.

However, during a recent yearly audit we conduct for our customer on their paint finishing requirements and goal for continuous improvement, we identified that these units were obsolete. Although working well, hard parts pricing had drifted higher due to lower demand and, most importantly, the software and some electronic components were no longer supported; creating a serious risk should any of those components fail. As a worldwide leader in their industry, our end-user decided it would be best to invest in equipment upgrades to eliminate potential risks to their position.

C.H. Reed worked closely with them on this equipment upgrade and plan to install. The latest generation Promix 2KS was selected as a replacement. The technology and design enhancements over the Precision Mix II make the Promix 2KS a great, flexible machine and platform.  We were able to upgrade all machines without shutting down any operations during the removal of the old units and installation of the new. Coupled with a Preventative Maintenance Program to support, the end-user can look forward to years of trouble-free operation, lower cost of ownership, and enhanced finishing quality. Lastly, the risk of unsupported equipment has been eliminated.

This old Quincy QSI-50 rotary screw air compressor was installed at a local Pennsylvania metal product manufacturer in 1972.  (It still runs great!) They used it up until the end of 2019; only swapping it out to get a more technologically advanced, energy-efficient unit. That’s 47 years of reliable performance and productivity thanks to proper, routine maintenance by C.H. Reed.  Contact us today and ask us about our compressed air planned maintenance programs.

This local manufacturer needed to increase their production capacity. With more production equipment, the plant’s demand for compressed air increased. After reviewing the customer’s needs, and data logging the system, a Quincy QSI-750 Power$ync air compressor was installed, along with a new storage tank and flow controller. The customer had two older Quincy Compressors in operation, a QSI-500 and a QSI-370. In order to ensure system redundancy and energy efficiency, the C.H. Reed Controls Group was tasked with finding a way to network the new compressor with the old compressed air system. Click here to read the full story on how we were able to network this new air compressor to their old compressed air system without any microprocessors or embedded networking capabilities.

This engineered package was created for large automatic milling machines to clean the mill shavings from the cutting fluid.  The customer’s mill was constantly shut down due to mill shavings clogging the cutting fluid distribution lines.   This not only created unwanted downtime, but the machine was also milling bad parts when the cutting fluid lines clogged.

Using a Graco Husky 2150 2” diaphragm pump, double bypass Graco 1.5” bag filters and some creative design to make a compact package, we were able to build a mobile filter sled that the customer can easily move between milling machines. Contact our Engineered Systems Department to learn more about our one-off solutions for a variety of industrial applications.

This local Pennsylvania manufacturer was in the process of moving half of their facility to another location. Prior to the move, their compressed air system consisted of a 60 HP variable speed compressor that provided 302 CFM. The maximum load on the previous compressor was 55% (166 CFM). After a quick walk-through of the area of their plant that was moving locations, we determined the actual air requirement would be approximately 100 CFM.  With plans to increase production to meet future demands, we opted to go with an energy efficient, 30 HP variable speed compressor that provides 141 CFM at 125 PSI.  (The competition simply quoted them 50 HP and 60 HP units without even looking at their load profile.) The installation consisted of a Quincy QGDV-30 Rotary Screw Air Compressor, a BEKO refrigerated air dryer, Advant Air Filters, a 400-gallon storage tank , zero air loss drains, and a flow control regulator. The system was piped together using 40 mm Transair Aluminum Compressed Air Piping. C.H. Reed’s Service Department also installed and set up Quincy ICONS monitoring system, so we receive monthly service emails, machine service status, an online performance dashboard, and data logging. This allows C.H. Reed and the customer to receive service notifications to quickly identify any issues or problems, if and when one arises. Lastly, we helped them secure an energy rebate of $1,500 using their new variable speed compressor and zero air loss drains. Click here to read more.

Recently, C.H. Reed teamed up with an Italian-based electronics manufacturer on a compressed air project.  With a solid network of distribution here in the U.S. and a new business climate, they decided to open production at their Pennsylvania plant.  Their European facility consumes approximately 100 CFM.  With plans to increase U.S. production and add a nitrogen generation system (that will consume more air), we agreed on two Quincy QGDV30 tank mounted, variable speed compressors; each with a capacity of 141 CFM at 125 PSI. On top of the 2 compressors with mounted dryers, filters, and a condensate separator, we installed Quincy’s ICONS monitoring system.  Now, both the customer and our service department get SMS/E-mail alerts automatically if the air compressors fault for any reason, or if routine maintenance is due. With complete redundancy and proactive monitoring, they can focus on upcoming expansions and increased productions without stressing about costly air compressor inefficiencies.

Hot potting, the process of mixing multi-component paints by hand, can cause you to spend more than you should on wasted material, extra labor, and off-ratio re-work costs.  A compact, entry level plural component proportioner can reduce these expenses and provide a quick ROI.  This Graco Promix 2KE pump-based system helped this fabricated metal product manufacturer go from hot potting to consistently mixing their two-component paint on ratio every time; eliminating expensive re-work and material while experiencing an improved finish quality.

If you’re still “hot potting” to mix your two-component paints, contact C.H. Reed to learn how you can save time and money with a plural component proportioner.

C.H. Reed recently installed 2 Quincy QGV-40 air compressors, and 2 Quincy QMD-230 desiccant air dryers for a food flavorings producer in Maryland. The compressor/dryer pairs were designed to be split into two independent systems. The customer specified that they wanted automatic rotation of lead/lag between the compressors, and automatic backup if one of the compressors should fail. Using the technology that is built into Quincy’s Q-Controller, the C.H. Reed service department was able to far exceed the customer’s expectations. Taking full advantage of Quincy Q-Control technologies, we were able to automate rotation and back-up, pair the dryers with the compressors, custom program the dryers and compressors with Quincy’s ICONS (automatically sending alerts for any faults), and installed remote sensors so they get their pressure readings from the same place.  Click here to read the full write-up.

This customer needed a custom solution for an application that, in the end, could accurately portion and distribute small, precise shots of liquid.  The Engineered Systems team at C.H. Reed fabricated a custom Graco 1052 Dispensit Valve with positive displacement metering rod.  The Graco 1052 Dispensit Valve is a pneumatically-controlled valve with micrometer adjustable dispense volumes for accurate, repeatable shot dispensing. The liquid flows through the (yellow) needle with a rate that is adjustable in both pressure and volume.

Conclusively, this customer now has full control over the dispensed amounts of liquid, as it may vary during different project ventures.  They simply adjust the micrometer setting to the exact gram needed for their application(s) and can trust that they will receive consistent, accurate results.

Want to see similar results for your business? Get in touch with our team at C.H. Reed today to save time and money!

This print manufacturer was looking to eliminate and reduce maintenance costs associated with their finishing process.  C.H. Reed proposed the installation of hydraulic air motors rather than pneumatic motors.  These hydraulic motors save exceptional costs by operating on 20% of the energy used by a pneumatic motor.

This contract painter was experiencing inefficiencies in their painting process such as dirt in the paint, hard to mix 2-component paint, and paint/solvent waste.  They wanted to advance their cost savings on wasted paint and solvent while increasing production and quality to show their true capabilities to new customers.  To meet these goals, C.H. Reed installed automatic mixing equipment to give them a consistent mix quality, reduce color change time, and provide better waste contaminant.

This local manufacturer had very large items that they needed to paint in a structurally sound and environmentally friendly environment.  C.H. Reed designed and installed this custom spray booth which had an allotted slot in the roof for material handling crane access so the customer could safely and effectively maneuver the items with ease.

This manufacturer was experiencing material handling issues which were causing them delayed process times.  They wanted to improve the production process and integrate a complete system that lets them load the product, clean it, apply powder paint, cure it, and easily have it come off the line to pack and ship.  C.H. Reed’s creative concepts and proposed solution resolved the material handling issue which significantly reduced production times.

This manufacturer needed to increase their production times to keep up with demand.  In doing so, they also needed to find a way to increase paint transfer efficiencies to save in material costs.  The equipment previously being used to finish their product consisted of pressure pots with HVLP (high volume, low pressure) spray guns.  Though HVLP guns typically do a good job, they were not maximizing their transfer efficiency capabilities in their process.  C.H. Reed introduced them to Graco’s state-of-the-art Pro XP85 Electrostatic Spray Guns along with 2 air assisted airless spray packages.  Graco’s ROI calculator estimates this customer will experience a 50% savings in paint usage and will take approximately 6 months to be paid back on the purchase of the equipment.

This customer needed to increase their production throughput in their painting process while reducing material and labor costs. They also wanted to convert from costly gallon containers to a 55 gallon drum application while maintaining a cleaner and safer work area. To eliminate the labor intensive & messy process of hand mixing (hot potting), C.H. Reed introduced them to Graco’s ProMix 2KS two component paint system with accurate ratio assurance for a superior finish quality. We also replaced over 95% of their one gallon paint containers with 55 gallon drums, drum agitators and an air operated elevator. On top of that, their electrostatic guns were upgraded to the much more efficient Graco 85KV spray gun, giving them maximum paint transfer efficiencies. Lastly, C.H. Reed eliminated one gallon solvent purging by installing two 55 gallon drums of solvent then changed out their solvent reclaim system.  By doing so, it fixed the solvent reclaiming bottleneck issue by 75% resulting in more efficient production times and less material waste.

Previously, this manufacturer was hot potting (the process of mixing multi-component paints by hand) which produces wasted material and increased cleanup time; both of which were affecting their bottom line.  C.H. Reed’s solution for the customer was to introduce plural component mixing equipmentas a direct replacement of their “hot potting” technique.  Aside from saving on wasted paint & solvent, they also experienced increased mixing accuracies; leading to improved finish quality, a faster flush with less waste resulting in reduced disposal costs and less cleanup time, and peace of mind knowing that the quality equipment is exceedingly reliable operating in a general manufacturing setting.

This customer manufactures above-ground storage and processing tanks for a variety of different industries. They came to C.H. Reed looking for a cost effective solution to decrease material wasted during their painting process. Previously, they were “hot potting”, the process of mixing multi-component paint by hand. This process takes time, effort, and generates a lot of waste. By installing Graco Electronic Plural Component Proportioning Systems,they now have high-ratio assurance with easy-to-use components. Their new set-up offers extreme accuracies & flexibility (meaning less chance of paint failure in the field), increased efficiency (easy color changes), and less materials wasted in their painting process. On top of that, clean-up is now a breeze.

This customer had 7 vintage air compressors which were becoming obsolete & more expensive to operate due to inefficiencies. They needed to reduce their maintenance & energy costs so C.H. Reed replaced the 7, outdated compressors with 2 energy efficient units. After the job was complete, the 200 HP & 300 HP partially loaded compressors saved the customer approximately $100,000 per year in energy costs alone.

As a food manufacturer, freshness is a top priority so they had a nitrogen generation system installed. That system required 1500 CFM of compressed air at 115 PSI. To help with energy efficiency in their plant, C.H. Reed installed 3, 200 HP variable capacity units as well as a desiccant dryer system and several large air receivers.

This aircraft turbine test facility was in need of a centrifugal compressed air system to drive an aircraft turbine for testing purposes to improve energy efficiencies as well as internal cooling of the jet engine. C.H. reed designed & installed the centrifugal unit to meet the customer’s specifications. We also provided them with a Hydrothrift closed loop cooling system, custom fabricated test piping, and a process gas chiller to help them meet their goals. This centrifugal compressor is located at Penn State University in State College, PA and was purchased through the Department of Energy-National Energy Technology Laboratory (DOE-NETL). To learn more about this project, contact C.H. Reed.

Due to facility expansions, this client was in need of an additional air compressor on top of the 3 variable compressors C.H. Reed already installed. Since they were using 3000 CFM of compressed air, we recommended using a centrifugal, 700 HP unit with a Multiplex dryer to match their base loads. Also, C.H. Reed designed a system where this facility can reclaim heat off of the screw compressors to help save energy costs in the colder months.

This customer’s goals were to have an energy efficient, reliable compressed air system to reduce costs associated with their production process. With that in mind, C.H. Reed proposed and installed two Quincy 150HP VFD’s and two Quincy 75HP Power$ync compressors for maximum energy efficiency. With complete redundancy, they can now rotate units to reduce run hours and maintenance costs per machine. Additionally, a PPL Electric Utility rebate of $17,800 was obtained. A flow controller was also installed to reduce tank pressure from 100psig to 90psig and a differential pressure storage was required to maintain constant system pressure. All equipment was piped together using Transair Aluminum Pipe, featuring Y-pipes, which will reduce turbulence within the 4” manifold / eliminate back pressure. It should be noted the new units replaced three Quincy 75HP modulating units running 24/7 since 1982. This speaks to the quality and extended life cycle of Quincy products.

A local aluminum foundry was experiencing issues with impurities in their castings and needed a quick, complete package solution to improve the quality of their finished product. C.H. Reed was able to determine that the impurities were being caused by the presence of hydrogen in the molten aluminum creating these gas pockets, which when solidified, become weak spots. The quickest and most effective way to get the hydrogen out of the process is with an on-site nitrogen generator. This introduces nitrogen into the molten aluminum and draws the hydrogen into bubbles that are released at the surface. Overall, we were able to help this foundry eliminate the impurities with a plug and play system that increases worker safety, is cost effective, offers a continuous supply of nitrogen, and improves the effectiveness with no gas wasted.

Due to an increase in demand for a new product, a local food processor had to quadruple the size of their facility. Their compressed air requirement went from 50 CFM to over 900 CFM at different times. Because of the varying demand of air flows, C.H. Reed recommended 3 Quincy QSI500i (500CFM) air compressors with Power$ync lift valves for 100% backup. Also installed was a 1200 CFM heated blower purge desiccant air dryer that delivers energy efficient, high quality air. Integrated into this system are thermostatically-controlled louver vents for fully automatic module temperature control in the compressor room. Lastly, 4” Transair aluminum compressed air piping was used to increase installation efficiencies. In the end, this customer now has a high degree of redundancy built into their compressed air system with enough CFM to keep up with fluctuating production demands.

Click here to learn more about Quincy QSI Rotary Screw Air Compressors.

This customer was expanding into a new facility and needed a new compressed air system. Typically, air compressors in the electronic industry must be oil-free. Oil contamination in the compressed air can result in expensive maintenance costs, and in extreme cases, a complete production shutdown. But with proper filtration, you can use an oil-flooded unit to supply the plant. We proposed a 30 HP Quincy QGV Rotary Screw Compressor; engineered to deliver the lowest total cost of ownership. To complete the system, we installed a cycling dryer, an air receiver, particulate filter, coalescing filter, vapor filter, zero-loss drains, and 40 mm aluminum air pipe that feeds the plant. Lastly, this customer was able to obtain a $12,000 energy rebate to offset project costs.