The Ultima™: An Exciting Development in Oil-Free Compressor Technology

Leaders in revolutionary compressor technology, CompAir, have announced their latest landmark range. Ultima. This water-cooled, oil-free compressor provides ultimate performance with exceptional efficiency. Part of the PureAir range, Ultima is available in models from 75 kW to 160 kW and is designed to be the perfect compressed air solution.

 

Unique Drive Optimisation

Not content with the performance offered by traditional motors and drive systems, CompAir has developed the powerful and compact U-Drive unit, a variable speed permanent magnet synchronous motor that is capable of speeds up to 22,000 rpm. Ulrich Thomes, Senior Technical Engineer and leader of the engineering team responsible for Ultima’s unique design said of the unit, “U-Drive is a true, next-generation motor and the result of three years’ development. We believe that this is one of the most advanced compressor drive technologies available to customers today and ideal for a pioneering product such as Ultima.”

 

Taking advantage of the ultra-compact design of the U-Drive, Ultima utilises two motors simultaneously, each powered by its own inverter. Forgoing the traditional single motor and gearbox design, Ultima runs each dry screw air end directly for enhanced performance and lower levels of friction. An intelligent “digital gearbox” links the two U-Drive units, adjusting their speeds continuously. The ability to run both air ends at different rates, depending on demand, means Ultima can perfectly match the delivery ratio for optimum efficiency.

Redefining Efficiency

Around 94% of compressor energy is converted to heat energy that can be easily wasted. Ultima aims to prevent this. Offering up to 12% better heat recovery than a standard two-stage oil-free compressor, Ultima features a closed loop water-cooling system that takes heat from all major components. This water can then be piped out of the machine to be used elsewhere. Not only making Ultima a revolutionary compressor but a high-efficiency water heater as well!

For maximum performance, the air entering a compressor should be as cool and dense as possible and so Ultima is designed to vent no warm air into the compressor room. Instead, warm air is processed and cooled within the unit, where it is re-circulated around the compressor via the base frame. This design ensures minimal waste, eliminates the need for external ducting and prevents dust and particles from entering the compressor.

Small and Quiet

Thanks to Ultima’s unique design it uses 20% fewer parts than a standard oil-free compressor, allowing it to be 37% smaller than other units. With Ultima, you can fit more machines in your existing compressor space while also cutting down on the number of parts that need maintaining.

Not only is Ultima powerful and efficient, but Ultima is quiet too. Its bespoke construction means that a 160kW compressor runs at a mere 69 dB(A) noise level. As a result, Ultima can be installed at the point of use rather than being hidden away in a compressor room.

PureCARE

Ultima comes with peace of mind with the PureCARE service and maintenance programme. Specifically developed for CompAir’s oil-free ranges, the programmes go beyond traditional service schemes to ensure uninterrupted quality and optimum performance. Each PureCARE Service plan is tailored to your specific application and site circumstances, ensuring system reliability and productivity at the best prices.