Integrated Air Solutions has secured a landmark order to supply the first three ELGi 1200 – 500 35 bar high-pressure diesel air compressors outside the Indian market to two customers in South Africa, who hold several large drilling contracts in Southern Africa.
“When one of our long-standing customers, already operating two 24 bar ELGi compressors, needed a high-pressure unit, they turned to us for a machine that could meet their specifications,” says Wayne Jacobs, MD of Integrated Air Solutions. “The timing was ideal, as ELGi had in fact recently launched its pioneering 1200 – 500 high-pressure 35 bar diesel air compressor, expanding its highly respected 28 bar range.
‘We duly arranged for a build of the 1200-500 machine in ELGi’s factory in India. The word spread quickly that ELGi has now officially entered the high pressure compressed air arena and we soon found ourselves requesting two more machine builds for a new customer.” Both customers hold significant drilling contracts across Southern Africa.
Milestone
“The introduction of these pioneering high-pressure machines into Africa marks a significant milestone for both Integrated Air Solutions and ELGi and revolutionises deep drilling and Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling which are known for their stringently high demands and technical challenges,” asserts Wayne.
At the core of the ELGi 1200 cfm 500 psi compressor lies a groundbreaking innovation.The ELGi machine features dual pressure ranges, allowing operators to work in 24 bar and 35 bar, transitioning seamlessly between the two pressure settings with the simple adjustment of a lever. This unique compressor essentially offers the best of both worlds, ensuring optimal performance at different drilling depths.
Significant cost savings
In addition to its unparalleled flexibility, the machine reduces cost per metre drilled by offering significant cost savings in maintenance and lifespan as well as in operational and fuel efficiency. Wayne explains that using a 35 bar machine for applications that do not require high pressure is a costly exercise that can lead to damage, breakdowns and higher diesel consumption.
“Typically, when depths exceeding 300 metres are reached, which requires high air pressure, operators must add either a second compressor or a diesel booster, both of which increase fuel consumption. In contrast, the versatile ELGi unit enables operators to use 24 bar with diesel consumption matching the required pressure. Only when necessary do they switch to 35 bar, significantly minimising operational costs.”
Stalwart
Reliability is key for customers, especially in the drilling sector as projects are typically located in remote areas, where access to services is limited. “These air compressors are built for rugged, reliable performance, and are powered by the same reliable Cummins diesel engine that has been the stalwart in all our tried, tested and proven ELGi machines,” notes Wayne. “Moreover, the service intervals of the ELGi 1200 – 500 is 250 hours (but may be less depending on the severity of the working conditions). In addition to supplying service kits, we dispatch qualified technicians to attend to major services.”
In conclusion, Wayne urges customers to apply sound maintenance practices including using only genuine parts, allowing only qualified personnel to service the machines and strictly adhering to the stipulated service intervals. “Adopting this strategy will optimise machine performance, reliability and efficiency as well as boost lifecycle, all key factors that contribute to low total cost of operation and ownership.”
