January 14, 2022
Electric or diesel: the power to choose
The metal fabrication industry has existed for centuries and has come a long way since we started smelting bronze in clay furnaces all those years ago. From incorporating collaborative robots into the processor implementing CNC machines, metalworking has evolved at the same time with technology throughout the years. At Atlas Copco, we have also progressed the way we provide solutions for our customers.
The specialty rental project specifications
3000 CFM at 350 Psi 24/7 for six months
This was the case for a steel plant, an American steel-working company with over 125 years of experience, who contacted us for a long-term rental. They were looking for compressed air at around 3000 CFM capacity and over 300 PSI of pressure.
A traditional solution would be to use three PNS 1250, our oil-free diesel-driven compressor, that can go up to 350 PSI without the need for a booster. These compressors, paired with our ACR3000 dryer, fulfilled the customers' specifications without a problem.
Considering all costs for long term rental
The significant challenge to the project was the need for the equipment to run full-time for a minimum of six months. The PNS 1250 has a fuel consumption of 24 gallons an hour, equivalent to 1,728 gallons a day. According to the EIA, the average cost of diesel in the US is $2.30 per gallon. That meant that the steel plant would pay almost $4,000 per day for six months, on top of the rental cost of the compressor. Sometimes it's better to look at other new options before going forward with the traditional methods.
Realizing huge cost savings for long term compressor rental
Thanks to Atlas Copco's new PBE 1600, an electric-driven booster with the same high-pressure output of our PNS 1250, we could deliver the customer the flow and pressure they needed using only 2 PBE 1600 and 2 PTSE 1600 (electric air compressor). With an initial electrical installation, the steel plant ended up saving a fortune in diesel fuel, not to mention no additional maintenance costs caused by the labor of refueling each compressor at the end of every work shift.
Total savings achieved by offering this steel plant an electric driven solution instead of a traditional diesel rental
We have a versatile and extensive rental fleet, as well as expert representatives ready to help you know the full advantages each equipment can offer, so your company can be confident in making the best decision. There is no right or wrong answer to which solution is better. It depends on the requirements of each project.
Ultimately, you have the power to choose.
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