Screw compressors are integral in powering industries far and wide, from bustling small workshops to vast manufacturing plants.
However, to ensure their optimal performance, screw compressor elements require periodic maintenance, inspection, and remanufacturing. CRAM’s project manager Mark Chedgey, who specialises in this type of maintenance, ensures the longevity and efficiency of these types of machinery.
With a background in engineering and over 25 years of experience in the field, Chedgey brings a wealth of expertise to the table, having dedicated his whole working life to working with compressors.
“In the extraction and haulage industry, heavy machinery and equipment play a vital role in various processes which are also subject to wear and tear,” Chedgey said.
“In mining/extraction for example, screw compressors are used extensively, being utilised in drills for exploration and production drilling, and in generating nitrogen and oxygen.”
However, remanufacturing screw compressor elements prior to failure due to heavy use, offers several advantages, primarily driven by cost and availability.
Chedgey highlighted the challenges of sourcing new airend elements.
“If require a new airend, there are no manufacturers in Australia with all units being manufactured offshore which can result in extremely long lead times,” he said.
Therefore, by opting for remanufacturing, companies can improve uptime and avoid the associated delays and significantly higher costs when compared to a replacement unit.
Chedgey further emphasied the flexibility benefits of remanufacturing, by highlighting the screw compressor element can be rebuilt over and over again, provided that it is removed from service prior to catastrophic failure.
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