INTEGRATED Air Solutions has supplied the first three ELGi 1200 – 500 35 bar high-pressure diesel air compressors outside the Indian market to two customers who hold several large drilling contracts in southern Africa.
As the exclusive regional sales and service partner for ELGi Equipment, Integrated Air Solutions has, over the past six years, established a solid reputation as a leading supplier of quality air solutions to mining, construction, engineering, cement, pharmaceutical, automotive, food & beverage, agri-processing, water well, and oil & gas exploration sectors in the region.
“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, managing director of Integrated Air Solutions.
The timing was ideal, as ELGi had recently launched its pioneering 1200 – 500 high-pressure 35 bar diesel air compressor, expanding its renowned and highly respected 28 bar range. We duly arranged for a build of the 1200-500 machine in ELGi’s factory in India. The word that ELGi has now officially entered the high-pressure compressed air arena spread quickly and we soon found ourselves requesting two more machine builds for a new customer.
“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,” says Jacobs.
“At the core of the ELGi 1200 cfm 500 psi compressor lies a groundbreaking innovation,” notes Integrated Air Solutions diesel compressor sales manager, Franz Lottering. “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, ensuring optimal performance at different drilling depths.”
In addition to its flexibility, the ELGi machine reduces the cost per meter drilled by offering significant cost savings in maintenance and lifespan as well as in operational and fuel efficiency. Lottering 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 require 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.”
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,” says Lottering. “Moreover, the service intervals of the ELGi 1200 – 500 are 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.”
Integrated Air Solutions considers the delivery of quality aftermarket support as important as the supply of quality products. Aligning to this ethos, the company is widening its aftermarket support footprint across the African continent by fostering strategic partnerships with distributors and other stakeholders in key regions.
“Expanding our footprint reflects our commitment to delivering excellent products supported by exceptional service,” says Lottering. He also urges customers to apply sound maintenance practices that include 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.”
