WorldWide Drilling Resource

The Evolution of Air Compressors in the Drilling Industry by Michael Sagerman, Factory Product Manager - Portable Compressors Construction Equipment North America LLC Diesel-driven portable air compressors have long been an integral part of the drilling industry, whether in the domains of the gas and oil sector, mining, or potable water drilling. Given the task of drilling has become increasingly complex given the many special parameters and restrictions, so too has the complexity and importance of selecting the right air compressor. Equipment dealers, such as Ring Power Corporation in Florida, have significant capital invested in high-pressure, between 365-500 psig (pounds per square inch gauge), discharge air compressors servicing the air drilling industry. They also have the knowledge and resources to guide and help drill operators to making the right compressor choice. Air compressors have evolved from simple mechanical pneumatic-controlled with analogue gauges, to sophisticated inte- grated electronics in both engine and compressor controls, LED touch screen displays, and innovative new features to improve productivity while reducing overall operational costs. Recent feature developments include FuelXpert™, Oiltronix™, and most recently DrillAir Xpert™, each targeting the optimization of efficiency, maintenance, and productivity. More than 75% of an air compressor’s total cost of ownership is op- erational diesel fuel. FuelXpert™ is a combination of unique hardwares which regulates engine speed and air inlet with a view to optimizing fuel consumption for each working condition. Most importantly, when the air demand is lower than the capacity needs, the system ensures the right capacity for the application. The result is 10% better fuel consumption than conventional systems. Oiltronix™ safeguards the compressor element while extending oil lifetime by measuring numerous ambient and operational parameters to regulate compressor oil injection temperature. Two significant gains: 1. Hot/humid conditions - maintains oil temperature above dew point, removing moisture (1% water in compressor oil reduces compressor lifetime by 40%) 2. Cooler/dry conditions - lowers compressor oil temperature by 50 degrees to double the lifetime of both the compressor element, as well as the compressor oil. Finally, more recently, DrillAir Xpert™ variable regulating system, providing operators greater control of on-demand pres- sure and flow settings. For example, Ring Power’s fleet is largely multipressure units providing 1550 cfm @ 365 psig and 1350 cfm @ 508 psig. The drill operator can select either flow/pressure setting and choose either pressure regulation (PR) or flow regulation (FR). PR maintains constant set pressure and decreases flow the deeper you drill - typically used in traditional drilling applications and where water table back pressure is encountered. Conversely, FR maintains constant set flow rate and the pressure increases the deeper you drill - primarily used with borehole collaring, borehole flushing, and in-hole caving con- trol. Control interfaces have evolved, providing broader data access and information via scroll-through screens, on operational condition, performance, and deviations of both the compressor and engine sides. Any parameter outside the prescribed limits, prompts on-screen and audible warning, guiding the operator to the point needing investigation. The days of trial-and-error troubleshooting are virtually gone, with more than 500 line items of data at your fingertips. Also, prescribed mainte- nance cycles are programmed within prompting when a timed service is nec- essary, making service planning more efficient. New features, especially those more technology-based, must come with ben- efit, otherwise they bear zero value and drill operators expect a return on invest- ment. Ring Power is ready to supply best-in-class 1550 cfm high-pressure compressors for sustainable productivi- ty in the drilling industry. 24 MARCH 2018 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®