New ISO11011 standard
BCAS has welcomed the official introduction of the ISO 11011 to help standardise energy audits offered by compressor manufacturers and equipment suppliers.
New BCAS vice president
BCAS has appointed James Maziak, managing director of Maziak Compressor Services Ltd., as its new Vice President. James will provide support to current BCAS President, Andy Jones, before he takes up the reins in November 2016.
BCAS hosts the 2015 PNEUROP Plenary
BCAS is playing host to the 2015 PNEUROP Plenary, an important annual event for the compressed air, gas and vacuum industry, this year being held from 25 to 27 June in Stratford-upon-Avon.
New BCAS technical officer
BCAS has appointed Dean Abbott as its new technical officer designate. He will take over from Greg Bordiak, who is retiring at the end of 2015 after more than 25 years in the role.
Andy Jones appointed 55th president
The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has appointed Andy Jones, managing director of Mattei Compressors, as its 55th president. Jones takes over the role from Derek Turnbull, general manager of Parker Hannifin, who has held the position for the past two years. He will continue to ensure the society evolves to meet the needs of both its members and compressed air end-users and their requirements for relevant, timely information. In particular, Jones will be promoting the benefits of using a BCAS member to provide professional and competent sales and service advice and support, as well as the wide range of training courses available from the society to help improve safety and standards across the industry. He commented: “Over the next two years, I want the BCAS stamp of approval to be an industry-wide sign of quality and its members to be customers’ first choice for compressed air and vacuum sales and support. In addition, I plan to extend the reach of our specialist compressed air training courses, particularly our range of online resources which can offer a more flexible route to learning.” Chris Dee, executive director for BCAS, added: “Andy has already played an instrumental role in BCAS in his role as vice president for the past two years and as a board member prior to that. We are very pleased to welcome him to his new position. Our thanks also go to Derek Turnbull for his work with the board in developing a new strategic plan to help shape the society for the future and to improve support for members.” Dee continued: “Customers today are demanding more efficient and innovative compressed air solutions to help meet their environmental obligations and to reduce cost of ownership. In this cost-conscious environment, BCAS fulfils an increasingly important role; not only in supporting its members’ interests but also in advising manufacturers, distributors and service agents on best practice and changes to legislation.” Jones continued: “I’m looking forward to working with our members to ensure that BCAS continues to deliver the right expertise and support in meeting these key challenges. BCAS is instrumental in helping to raise standards across the industry. In particular, initiatives such as our 12 months’ free associate membership scheme, an offer that is open to all end-user customers of BCAS members, are having a positive impact.” He added: “The offer provides UK companies with a whole host of BCAS membership benefits including discounts on training and publications, as well as access to compressed air codes of practice and the society’s networking events. Through the marketing committee, we plan to implement similar schemes in the future to help increase the reach of the organisation to even more compressed air users.” Further information about the new BCAS end-user membership scheme can be found at www.bcasairsafe.co.uk
Reducing the environmental impact of compressors
By Chris Dee, executive director, the British Compressed Air Society. One of the major directives impacting on the activities of compressed air equipment manufacturers in the UK is the Ecodesign of Energy Related Products’ Directive 2009/125/EC. According to Gov.UK, the objective of the directive is to “reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other adverse environmental impacts throughout the life-cycle of a product with emphasis placed on the design and development stages of a product with a view to improving its energy efficiency”. It does this by setting minimum requirements for certain energy consuming products of which compressors and associated equipment form a significant component part. Background Compressors have been listed under the Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC working plan 2012-2014 as Lot 31, with a preparatory study assigned to consultants VHK from the Netherlands for the period March 2012 to June 2014. During the discussions at the kick-off meeting in March 2012, it was clear that the category of ‘compressors’ is comprised of an extensive range of products, and it was not possible to cover them all in a single study. Five distinct application ranges were identified therefore, and the initial focus was agreed to be centered on ‘standard air compressors’, because this range is served by oil-injected screws/vanes and oil-lubricated pistons, which are considered the workhorses of the industry. With estimated annual sales in excess of 100,000 units, the best energy-saving potential was expected for this product range. It was therefore assumed that the other application ranges would be investigated in a further study, after the ‘standard air’ study had been completed. Lot 31 study findings The statistical approach revealed a substantial spreading in the isentropic efficiency of standard air compressors of approximately 20 to 30 percentage points depending on the capacity of the compressor. The study proved that, despite this large spread, the estimated energy savings are moderate. [subhead] The way forward At the Ecodesign Horizontal Consultation Forum on 5th May 2014, the European Commission presented two policy options: 1. To postpone the Ecodesign implementing measure for ‘standard air’ compressors and, after further analysis of ‘low pressure’ and ‘oil-free air’ compressors, propose a single implementing measure for all three application ranges; or 2. To propose an implementing measure for ‘standard air’ compressors while in parallel, continue the analysis for ‘low pressure’ and ‘oil-free air’ by introducing information requirements and/or by mentioning these specifically as a matter for future revision. [subhead] Pneurop position With regard to the options proposed by the European Commission, both could be acceptable. However, Pneurop insists that adequate time is allowed to conduct in-depth studies for the ‘low pressure’ and ‘oil-free air’ application ranges, so that the study conclusions will be of the same quality as for ‘standard air.’ Pneurop also wants to highlight that putting a regulation in place for ‘standard air’ without a perspective on significant energy savings will entail substantial costs – not only for manufacturers but also for member states and the Commission. Therefore Pneurop emphasises that ‘business as usual’ is a valid and already ambitious scenario for ‘standard air’ because it will actually yield energy savings. This is because manufacturers will continue to improve their products from worst available technology (WAT) to best available technology (BAT) at compressed air ‘system’ level, thereby improving energy savings as well as their competitiveness on a global scale. If a Regulation is introduced on ‘standard air’ today, and if a stringent scenario is selected, the benefits in terms of energy savings will be far from what could be expected. Instead of focusing on effective measures to improved complete compressed air systems, manufacturers will be compelled to devote their engineering resources primarily to substitute the products banned from the EU. This will enable little or no progress towards achieving the BAT level and will inevitably impair their longer-term global competitiveness. The coming reality The European Commission Consultation Forum held on 23 October 2014 for Lot 31 ‘Standard air compressors’, which was attended by member states, industry(Pneurop) and other interested parties, reviewed the draft Regulation that the European Commission had drawn up as a result of the recommendations and options in the study done by VHK. The result of the discussion was a confirmation that compressor manufacturers will, like electric motor manufacturers before them, be subject to an EU Regulation identifying energy efficiency requirements for 'standard air compressors'. The EU wants the Regulation to be published by the end of 2015 and the first of the two stages to be effective from January 2018, with the second stage coming into force in January 2020. The expected result by January 2020 will be the removal of about 40 per cent of the compressors that do not meet the required efficiency levels within the scope.Question time
As the British Compressed Air Society’s (BCAS) technical officer, Greg Bordiak is used to dealing with a wide range of questions from both members and end-users. Here, he answers some of the most frequently asked questions.
Free BCAS membership for end users
If you are a customer of a current BCAS member, you could benefit from 12 months’ free associate membership – worth £975. The offer is part of our ‘Insist on BCAS – Be Compliant And Safe’ scheme, which aims to make processes that use compressed air compliant, safe, more efficient and ultimately more profitable. The free associate membership provides UK companies with a whole host of benefits including discounts on training and publications, as well as access to compressed air codes of practice and the society’s social events. The free membership will be backdated to 1 July 2014 and will last for 12 months in total. A company’s BCAS membership must have been active on 1st July 2014 for its customers to be entitled to this offer. To take advantage of this offer please contact Chris Dee, BCAS executive director, stating your company name and full contact details, along with the name of the supplier of your compressed air products and/or services – Email: chris@bcas.org.uk, Tel: 020 7935 2464. For further information visit www.bcasairsafe.co.uk.Train to gain
With compressed air utilised in such a wide variety of applications a thorough understanding is essential; not only to those who supply or service compressors, but also for the operatives who use compressed air on a daily basis. Training is therefore key for ongoing staff development, whether to improve skills, enhance existing knowledge or as part of legislative compliance. Here, Greg Bordiak, technical officer at the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) discusses the latest courses to be offered by the association; specifically in relation to the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR):
Free associate membership offer for end users
There is still time for customers of current BCAS members to take advantage of the society’s 12 months’ free associate membership offer – worth £975.1 The offer provides UK companies with a whole host of BCAS membership benefits including discounts on training and publications, as well as access to compressed air codes of practice and the society’s social events. Launched under the brand ‘AIRSAFE’, which is part of the society’s ‘Insist on BCAS – Be Compliant And Safe’ scheme, the offer aims to make processes that use compressed air compliant, safe, more efficient and ultimately more cost effective. Commenting on the offer, Chris Dee, BCAS executive director said: “For those who use compressed air, there are many benefits to be gained by becoming a member the British Compressed Air Society. “BCAS membership gives access to a comprehensive range of products and support services including training, which have been developed specifically to meet the needs of the compressed air and vacuum industry. Put simply, it can help companies perform better and raise their profile. It also enables companies to get involved with the industry’s engineering and technology community, from networking to contributing to government consultations and submissions. “We have created a portfolio of membership benefits, which are designed to provide the knowledge, tools and advice to help companies be more productive, competitive and ultimately more profitable.” Through its marketing committee, BCAS plans to implement similar schemes in the future to help increase the reach of the organisation to even more compressed air users. For further information on the free associate membership offer, visit www.bcasairsafe.co.uk or contact Chris Dee stating your company name and full contact details, along with the name of the supplier of your compressed air products and/or services – Email: chris@bcas.org.uk, Tel: 020 7935 2464. 1 The free associate membership will be backdated to 1 July 2014 and will last for 12 months in total. A company’s BCAS membership must have been active on 1 July 2014 for its customers to be entitled to this offer.Refresh your knowledge
With compressed air utilised in such a wide variety of applications, a thorough understanding is essential, not only to those who supply or service compressors, but also for the operatives who use compressed air on a daily basis. The latest range of training courses to be offered by the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) relates to the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR). The PSSR (S.I. 2000 No.128) affect both suppliers and end-users of compressed air systems. Two provisions include the need for the user to have a written scheme of examination and as a result of this, the ability to carry out an examination of the compressed air system. To cover both provisions BCAS offers a range of courses; a one-day workshop, a five-day residential course and now, a new refresher course to maintain certification with BCAS. For the written scheme, the one-day workshop covers the elements necessary for consideration in the production of the scheme. The workshop provides background of the PSSR and related standards and codes of practice, detailing the knowledge and understanding required as a provider of a written scheme. The examination element is catered for by a five-day residential course. It provides both knowledge-based and practical ‘hands-on’ modules, which include; understanding of compressed air systems and of the PSSR and related standards, appreciation of non-destructive examination techniques and demonstrating practical skills in the testing of relevant safety related devices. This course has been run very successfully since 1995. As a result of comments received, BCAS has now aligned itself with other industries that offer competence-based courses and has introduced a refresher course for all of those who currently hold certificates. The one-day refresher course provides updates on the current PSSR and related standards and codes of practice, contributing to the knowledge and understanding required in the role of examiner. BCAS introduced time-limited certificates for three years in May 2008. All those holding such certificates, including those issued prior to May 2008, are being contacted to inform them of the need to attend the refresher course in order to maintain the certification with BCAS. For further information about the range of training courses offered by BCAS, visit the website at www.bcas.org.uk.Staying AirSafe
BCAS understands that, with so many regulations governing health and safety and compressed air systems, it is extremely difficult to stay abreast of the latest legislation. The society provides extensive information and advice to its members on the latest legislation, standards and other health and safety matters. Customers can, therefore, have peace of mind that the installation, upgrade or maintenance of their compressed air system is carried out safely when conducted by a BCAS member. Moreover, with the AirSafe register, BCAS can provide detailed information to help customers choose a recommended supplier for their compressed air system needs. In today’s online world, websites such as Amazon and eBay provide consumers with in-depth reviews, from their peers, on seller performance. This information can then be used by consumers to make an informed decision on whether or not to do business with a particular company or seller. Working with its partner Referenceline, BCAS developed an online customer satisfaction programme that became the AirSafe register. The programme asks all customers the same set of questions, meaning results can be benchmarked. This gives customers the confidence that they are dealing with capable and competent companies and, more importantly, with companies that have been recommended by other customers. The only scheme of its kind in the UK compressed air industry, the AirSafe register is available to view online at www.referenceline.com/bcas. By typing their postcode into the search box on the website, customers can check the ratings and reviews of all active BCAS members in their area. In addition to helping consumers make an informed decision on which compressed air supplier to use, feedback also allows BCAS to view the performance of its members and will help to further improve the types and levels of service that the society offers.
BCAS launches free associate membership offer for end users
From 1 July 2014, the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) is offering customers of current BCAS members 12 months’ free associate membership – worth £975. The offer will provide UK companies with a whole host of BCAS membership benefits including discounts on training and publications, as well as access to compressed air codes of practice and the society’s social events. Launched under the brand ‘AirSafe’, which is part of the society’s ‘Insist on BCAS – Be Compliant And Safe’ scheme, the offer aims to make processes that use compressed air compliant, safe, more efficient and ultimately more cost effective. The free membership will be backdated to 1 July 2014 and will last for 12 months in total.1 Chris Dee, BCAS executive director, commented: “For those who use compressed air, there are many benefits to be gained by becoming a member the British Compressed Air Society. BCAS membership gives access to a comprehensive range of products and support services including training, which have been developed specifically to meet the needs of the compressed air and vacuum industry. Put simply, it can help companies perform better and raise their profile. It also enables companies to get involved with the industry’s engineering and technology community, from networking to contributing to government consultations and submissions. “We have created a portfolio of membership benefits, which are designed to provide the knowledge, tools and advice to help companies be more productive, competitive and ultimately more profitable.” 1 A company’s BCAS membership must be active on 1 July 2014 for its customers to be entitled to this offer.Free associate membership offer for end-users
From 1 July 2014, the British Compressed Air Society is offering customers of all current BCAS members 12 months’ free associate membership worth £975. This initiative, launched at Air-Tech 2014, will provide UK companies with a whole host of BCAS membership benefits including discounts on training and publications, as well as access to compressed air codes of practice and the society’s social events. The free membership will be effective from or backdated to 1 July 2014 and will last until 30 June 2015. A company’s BCAS membership must be active on 1 July 2014 for its customers to be entitled to this offer. For further information, contact Chris Dee, BCAS executive director – Email: chris@bcas.org.uk, Tel: 020 7935 2464.All-change for EU law
BCAS reports: All-change for EU law – we go along happily complying with the ever-present stream of EU law. Employers with their protection of the worker approach and manufacturers with their need for free movement of safe equipment. The EU likes to keep its administrative aspects in good order and so it was that an initiative called the 'New Legislative Framework' (NLF) came into being. The raft of manufacturer legislation that has come into effect over the years was not all produced by the same EU bureaucrats with the effect that not all provisions were the same. Step in 'NLF' which identified all of the administrative aspects that shall be common across legislation. If your products need to comply with Simple Pressure Vessels, EMC, LVD, ATEX and most recently PED then the common provisions such as conformity requirements and CE marking, provision of information and responsibilities are now identified. All now identify the responsibilities of all economic operators involved a product from the manufacturer to the final reseller. As a manufacturer one further burden that comes out of this and is not always obvious the Declaration of Conformity will have to be updated to accommodate the new identity. Yes the EU has changed the identities of each piece of legislation.-
Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week
05 - 06 June, 2024
NEC, Birmingham -
HILLHEAD 2024
25 June, 2024, 9:00 - 27 June, 2024, 16:00
Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, Derbyshire UK
