A large utility in the Northeast responsible for providing natural gas to NYC, had a major problem on their hands.
Their existing compressor, capable of 9100icfm @ 125psig, was down and in need of a major overhaul. If it was any other time of the year, they could get by without it, but during the late fall/winter the temperature in the Northeast routinely drops below freezing and the demand for natural gas spikes. To deal with these spikes, they use large amounts of compressed air as part of their peak shaving process utilizing Synthetic Natural Gas.
Peak shaving systems let natural gas utilities minimize the impact of unpredictable fuel consumption needs in addition to unexpected supply constraints by augmenting natural gas fuel with synthetic natural gas (SNG), during times of high demand. SNG, also known as propane-air or liquefi ed petroleum gas air (LP-air) is created by combining vaporized LPG with compressed air. Synthetic natural gas has virtually identical characteristics to natural gas and can be used to seamlessly supplement natural gas as needed. When called for, peak shaving facilities blend SNG and then inject it directly into the natural gas distribution system to augment natural gas volumes received from LDC (local distribution companies) suppliers. Peak shaving facilities are activated as needed to mitigate times of peak demand and avoid overrun penalty fees.
So that the end user could maintain their ability to supply millions of customers natural gas during peak demand, they needed a temporary compressor option to get them through the repair or until the warmer weather negated the need for peak shaving. CRS’s channel partner reached out to us and we developed an option that required minimal footprint required (28’ x 8’ x 9’) and provided the effi ciency and controllability expected from a centrifugal compressor. Next, we had a call with the client and channel partner to resolve any remaining technical questions and moved forward with testing the unit after receipt of PO. The 2000HP unit was connected to our test stand in Houston, which is rated up to 5000HP, and put through its paces before leaving. The customer received the unit, installed the necessary utilities and prepped the unit for the arrival of our startup technician. Once our technician arrived onsite and after safety orientation, he coordinated with the onsite engineers to ensure the unit would operate within the parameters expected and trained the operators on the basic operation of the compressor.
Acquisition of market leading specialty rental provider of oil free air solutions furthers OTC’s expansion into utilities services solutions market.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — December 14, 2021 — Ohio Transmission Corporation (OTC), an industrial equipment service provider and distributor headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, today announced the acquisition of Critical Rental Solutions, a leading provider of oil-free air and temperature control rental equipment throughout the United States. Critical Rental Solutions will operate under OTC’s Air Supply Group.
Headquartered in Houston, TX over the last 37 years, Critical Rental Solutions has grown to two sales and field service locations in Texas and has approximately 42 employees.
Adam Gibbs, OTC President of Air Supply Group, said “Having CRS join our robust family of compressor brands and products, will allow OTC to offer best-in-class compressed air solutions to a wide range of end markets throughout North America.”
“CRS will compliment our service and product offerings with their industry knowledge and unique and expansive fleet of oil-free rental compressors, dryers and temperature control units,” Adam went on to say. “Whether customers are looking for aftermarket support, new equipment, short term rental solutions or our DirectAIR utility air solution; OTC will now be a one stop shop with the help of CRS.”
“We are all extremely excited to join the OTC family,” said Mark Shedd, CRS President. “When one starts the process of transitioning a company that they and their team have invested countless hours and efforts to build, it is a very personal experience.”
Mark continued, “It is important that the new partner share a common vision for its people and customers. Given this criteria, we could not have handpicked a better organization than OTC. Our market leading capabilities and customer service will only improve and I see nothing but positives for all involved.”
With this acquisition, Ohio Transmission Corporation now has 57 locations throughout the United States, along with over 36 service shops.
The addition of Critical Rental Solutions associates expands Ohio Transmission Corporation’s workforce to nearly 1500 employees.
Established in 1963, Ohio Transmission Corporation (OTC), https://otcindustrial.com, is one of the largest industrial distributors and service providers in the United States. OTC provides expert solutions for industrial motion control, factory automation, fluid power, pumping systems, spray finishing, power transmission, and compressed air systems. OTC operates a broad geographical footprint and delivers value to customers through its primary operating brands and divisions including OTP Industrial Solutions, Air Technologies, Advanced Industrial Products, Buckeye Pumps, C&C Industrial Sales, Compressed Air Systems, Contrast Equipment, Crimson Electric, Filter and Coating Technology, Furey Filter and Pump, IDG Compressor, Industrial Process Equipment Group, JCI Industries, Keller Electrical, Laron, Midway Industrial Supply, Ohlheiser, PK Controls, Pumps, Parts & Service (PP&S), PumpTek, PSI Engineering, Tape Industrial Sales, and Tri-Power MPT.
The OTC business is focused into four key segments: Pump Motor Technologies, Air Supply Group, Filtration, Dispensing & Finishing, and Industrial Product Group.
About Critical Rental Solutions
Originally founded in 1984 as Industrial Compressor Services (ICS), the Critical Rental Solutions team has been providing temporary oil free compressed air, services and expertise to the manufacturing and industrial markets throughout North America. Along the way they have acquired multiple companies with additional fleet and expertise. Most recently, they have expanded their rental equipment offerings with the acquisition of Surplus Group to provide best-in-class temperature control solutions.
A few months ago, a channel partner reached out on behalf of their customer, a large steel plant in the upper mid-west. To download PDF, click here. The customer needed a temporary solution to take nominal pressure, pure nitrogen (provided from nearby air separation plant) and boost to 350psi while they awaited the arrival of new equipment for an upgrade to their air system. For this application, the high-pressure nitrogen is used to safely convey the pulverized coal to fuel their furnace, which is vital part of any steel mill.
Like most business these days, they were struggling to get new equipment and parts with delays in shipping and production that equipment manufacturers were experiencing around the world. This created uncertainty and the potential for downtime that would cost the plant hundreds of thousands of dollars per day. They were also contending with their existing booster that had exceeded its life cycle, was not very reliable and their back up was shaky as well. So, they needed a temporary solution in place ASAP while they formulated their construction plan and waited for their equipment to ship from oversees, which had been delayed. Once their new high-pressure boosters did arrive, they would need time to have them installed and commissioned. And lastly, leave the temporary units in place as backup while the new equipment was put through its paces.
Fortunately, Critical Rental Solutions had a unique solution in mind, utilizing our air-cooled reciprocating booster packages that could handle the pure nitrogen and pressure provided by local air separation plant. These units are capable of taking a max of 150 psig air or nitrogen and boosting to 650 psig, but in this case we took the 100 psig nitrogen and boosted to 350 psig to be used in the pulverized coal conveyance. These units are 480v and typically connected with low voltage temporary cables allowing for easy connection. To satisfy their requirements, we utilized 3 boosters, 1 in standby and 2 running along with our high-pressure hose for a quick installation process. This equipment package provided them a quick and reliable solution to boost 1900 cfm of nitrogen to 350psig and keep their furnace online during the upgrades. Check out our products to see if we can help…Click here
Most cities and large plants have some sort of wastewater treatment plant and with that, they are required to maintain a specific Dissolved Oxygen content level in the effluent, as specified by the local government. To download PDF, Click here. In order to maintain the proper levels, they need to pump oxygen via low pressure blowers into the process. This is a major factor in keeping the good bugs/bacteria alive in their ponds, which break down the non-desirable compounds. However, if they can’t maintain the proper levels, they risk being heavily fined or shutdown, not to mention the costs to “re-bug” which are expensive. The low-pressure blowers that are required for this process are unique in the rental world and Critical Rental Solutions has the largest, most diverse fleet in the US to help get facilities back online during an outage or failure.
A recent example of Critical Rental solving this type of issue was a project working with a local utility to evaluate a solution. Traditionally these types of needs had been filled by multiple diesel-driven compressor units, which functionally is an acceptable fix, but economically was a tough pill to swallow for this small town. The need for 11,000 SCFM at 9 PSIG would require 8 diesel oil free compressors with a rental price tag of roughly $144,000 for 24 hours per day for a 1-month operating window along with an additional cost of $483,000 for fuel usage. This would wreck the annual city budget, but something had to be done to avoid discharging effluent that was out of compliance with regulatory specifications, and they had no diversion capacity to buy time for repairs.
Critical Rental consulted with their team and designed a system consisting of a single multi-stage centrifugal blower driven by a mere 400 HP 480V electric motor, which exceeded the demand for flow and pressure, and even after a 3rd party piping contractor built a temporary header the total project was a 10th of the price of other options coming in around $60k for a one-month rental.
Critical Rental Solutions is a highly specialized team with a variety of equipment and assets that can help with any of your compressed air or blower needs. Quite simply if we don’t have it, we know who does and we will help you find it. To learn more about Critical Rental Solutions, visit our website: https://criticalrental.wpengine.com
SiteAir: The New “4th” Utility- Consumption-Based Air
The demand for compressed air in modern manufacturing is similar to any other utility to keep manufacturing processes running. While traditional methods require extensive compressor configurations, Critical Rental Solutions offers a step into the future of compressed air as a utility with SiteAir.
SiteAir provides compressed air in a self-contained, permanent install capacity. SiteAir is a new utility – an alternative to temporary rental compressors, allowing you to startup operations or replace underperforming compressors without the capital expense or cost of ownership.
The Drawbacks of Outdated Compressor Systems
Conventional onsite compressor systems fall victim to extreme wear and utilization from extended use. Repeated and heavy loads on a system not only become maintenance issues, but costly liabilities further down the line once manufacturing becomes affected. Many manufacturing operations run processes with aged compressors which are even more susceptible to failure due to aging components. The liability and maintenance of a long-term system add unnecessary stress to an already complex manufacturing process.
In many cases companies will outsource compressors to back up rentals in the case of failing main units. The need for rentals to continue production cuts from profit and adds on to the losses needed to repair and maintain existing units. A Tier 1 automotive manufacturer once reported over $130,000 in rental and repair costs for their onsite compressor unit.
Modern times demand high reliability manufacturing in terms of quality and speed of production. In the earlier phases of mass manufacturing, demand for electricity and water lead to simplified delivery of these utilities. Critical Rental looks to revolutionize the way manufacturers view compressed air- the “4th utility”. To streamline processes and reduce overall cost, companies should outsource compressed air as they would any other utility. SiteAir is the answer for manufacturers to propel themselves into the future of compressed air utility.
SiteAir – The Plug and Play Solution
Critical Rental has created a plug-and-play solution to streamline compressed air for manufacturers. SiteAir offers an easy-to-install compression system that completely eliminates existing liability and maintenance worries associated with typical onsite compression systems. SiteAir provides several distinct advantages: it’s self-contained, centrifugal based, and reduces operating risk.
Self-Contained
The new SiteAir systems are completely self-contained, customizable, and integrate with existing permanently installed compressed air capacity. You can build control schemes that allow as much or as little remote operational flexibility as required. Modules can be individually managed and monitored or can be operated as a system with peer-to-peer controls.
SiteAir units come self-contained and are easily accessible to integrate into any existing system. Units are available as water or air cooled, 2000 – 6000 CFM, with pressures from 30 – 615 PSIG and voltages from 480-4160. Since you can’t call your local municipality to order compressed air service, SiteAir provides the “4th Utility” to keep operations running.
Centrifugal Units
Compared to rotary compressors, centrifugal compressors offer low weight. They have few rubbing parts, are energy efficient, and can deliver high flow rates. As a result, a single centrifugal often delivers the same flow rate as a multitude of rotary compressors.
These built-in advantages naturally translate into high reliability with low maintenance costs. They also provide oil free air, an essential consideration for medical and food-grade applications. The flexibility and reliability of centrifugal units make them a clear-cut favorite of savvy asset owners.
Risk Reduction
As a facility owner, you see consistent challenges from daily operations. These operations include meeting strict production goals, ensuring profitability, and dealing with equipment and maintenance challenges. SiteAir passes all operating risks involved in the ever-important “4th utility” to Critical Rental. And Critical Rental’s highly trained technicians and massive fleet ensure equipment availability will not be a concern.
The Bottom Line
Is running a profitable plant, facility, or business is challenging? Of course. There’s always an opportunity to pursue, an employee to train, and a throughput to be optimized. With SiteAir, a monthly and predictable fee gives you peace of mind. Capital expenses work to grow your business, not to service depreciating equipment. SiteAir provides a plug-and-play system with consumption-based pricing and uptime guarantees to take the worry out of your compressed air infrastructure. SiteAir helps you scale, stabilize, and optimize your business to focus on what’s important.
To simplify the transition, our team of experienced technicians can provide set up and remote monitoring and management of operational parameters to aid in a seamless integration of the SiteAir solution.
Talk to us today to see how we can help you simplify your operations – visit www.criticalrentalsolutions.com/site-air or call 888-RENT-AIR for more information.
A centrifugal compressor is a mechanical device that compresses gas via an impeller and diffuser. In a centrifugal compressor, the gas at low pressure enters axially in the impeller and discharges at a higher pressure radially. In this article, you will learn about the components, benefits, applications, and performance optimization of a centrifugal compressor.
As the gas enters the compressor, it experiences centrifugal forces due to its high-speed rotation of the impeller. This increases the pressure and speed of the gas flow through the impeller. The airflow loses its velocity after entering the diffuser section. As the gas velocity decreases, pressure increases. The impeller contributes to about 65% and the diffuser contributes to about 35% of the total pressure developed in the compressor.
The centrifugal compressor uses rotating impeller blades to transfer energy to the gas. Because the flow of gas is radial, the transfer of energy occurs due to a change of centrifugal forces that take place on the gas. Centrifugal compressors are quite efficient, reliable, and economical to maintain. These compressors deliver a high flow capacity of gas per unit.
Multiple stages of compression action allow for higher pressures to be obtained. Single-stage compressors are designed for simple applications and large multi-stage compressors are designed for complex high-temperature pressure and flow applications.
Components
Major components that make up a compressor’s design and subsequently performance are the impeller, housing, diffuser, collector, and casing.
Impeller
The impeller disc and associated blades, dictate the compression rate. The impeller disc is attached to the shaft of the compressor. About 15 to 20 curved blades are attach to this impeller disc. These blades act as a diffusion channel for the gas flowing for compression.
The impeller blades in the compressor increase the velocity of the gas through vanes attached to the rotating disk. Blades can be shaped in many configurations depending on the design requirements. Most of the multi-stage compressors use backward tilted blades for maximizing efficiency.
Housing
The centrifugal compressor components are encased in metallic housing. The housing provides a tight path to the gas around the impeller. This design ensures that the gas released at the impeller outlet has high kinetic energy. At this point, the kinetic energy converts into pressure before the gas exits the housing.
The housing must be sealed to ensure that gas does not leak at the shaft ends. From the many types of seals available, most centrifugal compressors use dry gas seals. However, for air or nitrogen compression, carbon ring seals are preferable. Dry gas seals achieve sealing by a stationary and rotating disk with a very small gap between them. When not moving, the springs press the movable seal onto the stationary disk. During compressor rotation, the groove pattern on the disks pushes it making the seal tight.
Diffuser
The impeller compresses the gas into the diffuser channel at very high speeds. The diffuser makes up the radial channel. It slows down the gas and converts dynamic pressure to static pressure. After the diffuser section, the gas goes into the collector.
Collector
The collector is the last component of the centrifugal compressor. After the last impeller, the collector directs the gas towards the outlet section. This outlet is also known as a volute. A collector can also have valves for controlling the compressor. A volute is a curved-like funnel structure that connects with the discharge port.
The simplest centrifugal compressor is a single-stage machine with an overhanging rotor but larger compressors have multiple stages and much more complex designs. In a multi-stage compressor, a single-stage consists of the inlet system and a return channel for subsequent stages, the impeller, the diffuser which may have vanes or it may be vaneless.
Casing
The outer shell of the compressor is commonly referred to as the casing. The casing of the compressor may be either horizontal or vertical. The rating of the casing and the compressor flanges should be sufficient to sustain the maximum discharge pressure.
The number of impellers in one casing is usually limited by rotodynamic considerations which limit the maximum amount of pressure generated in one casing. More pressure can be generated by the use of multiple stages. Another limitation for head is the limitation of discharge temperature which is typically around 350°F. For greater head pressure, cooling the gas between stages may become necessary.
Various Design Options
Depending on the flow requirements, several other additional configurations may be available. These include multibody tandems, compound compressors, back to back compressors, and integral gear types.
Multibody tandems, which drives up to three compressor casings with a gearbox either between the driver and the compressor train or between two of the compressors.
Compound compressors containing multiple compartments, with each compartment having its own suction and discharge nozzle. The impellers are on the same shaft and face the same direction.
Back-to-back compressors containing two compartments. The impellers are on the same shaft, but the impellers in the first compartment face in the opposite direction from the impellers in the second compartment.
Integral gear type compressors have overhung impellers at each end of multiple pinions, driven from a central bull gear.
Benefits of Centrifugal Compressors
Compared to rotary and reciprocating compressors, centrifugal compressors offer low weight. Their design is simple, making them easy to manufacture and design. Centrifugal compressors have few rubbing parts, are energy efficient, and can deliver high flow rates.
These advantages translate into high reliability with low maintenance costs. Unlike recriprocating compressors, vibration is typically not a concern and special foundations considerations are not required. They also provide oil free air, an essential consideration for medicial and food grade applications.
Despite the plethora of benefits, centrifugal compressors are usually not a good fit when the users requires very high compression rates. Additionally, when not run at the proper speed, surging, stalling, and choking may result.
Centrifugal Compressor Applications
Common applications are food and beverage industry where centrifugal compressors provide compressed air for food processing equipment. Oil refineries, natural-gas processing plants, refrigeration, air-conditioning, HVAC systems use them widely. Centrifugal compressors may be found in gas turbines, turbochargers, and superchargers in various types of engines. Generally speaking, where high flow rates and low to moderate pressure is required, centrifugal compressors are the best choice.
Optimizing Performance of Centrifugal Compressors
Centrifigual compressor performance presents as a curve that relates flow to pressure for a given machine. The relationship between flow and pressure is influenced by cooling water temperature, site altitude, inlet air temperature, and humidity.
As site altitude, cooling water temperature, inlet air temperature, and humidity increases, the compressor generates lower pressure at a given flowrate. As these variables decrease, the compressor generates higher pressure at a given flowrate.
As site altitude and cooling water temperature increases, the compressor generates lower flow at a given pressure. As site altitude and cooling water temperature decreases, the compressor gvenerates more flow at a given pressure.
The pressure-flow curve is influenced by site variables as discussed above, but also by general mechanical performance. Quality compressed air providers supply appropriate inlet filters, lubrication, and personnel to ensure long lasting and reliable air.
This article has been brought to you courtesy of Critical Rental Solutions, a high quality provider of compressed air solutions. For more information on selecting the proper compressor for your needs, contact sales@criticalrentalsolutions.com.
For consideration, please email us your cover letter and resume to careers@criticalrental.com
Perform routine, preventative maintenance, and repairs on oil-injected and oil-free air compressors.
Preventative maintenance should be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations (with regards to schedule and scope).
The main responsibility of this role is to troubleshoot and perform diagnostics on malfunctioning compressors, determine possible causes for malfunctions, and perform repairs as suggested by diagnostics and assessment.
Prior to and following preventative maintenance and repairs, they are responsible to test and document the proper operating parameters of the compressor.
Required to promote and practice proper safety procedures and the correct use of personal protective equipment at all times.
Should display the ability to absorb a higher level of learning, through continuous on the job and classroom training which includes Variable Speed Drives, refrigeration.
Provide high standards of exceptional service to clients and internal support.
responding to customer needs and working to satisfy customer expectations within a timely manner.
Guarantee returned business by developing rapport with customers through effective communication, interpersonal skills, and professionalism.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 – $31.00 per hour
For consideration, please email us your cover letter and resume to careers@criticalrental.com
Surplus Group
www.surplusgroup.com
Location: Dallas TX
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated, skilled and dependable Technician – Industrial HVAC for the Surplus Group division in Dallas! Position holders are ‘in-house” and part of our Chiller Team focusing on the maintenance programs to ensure reliable and safe asset operation. Activities include:
Coordinating the overhaul (inspection, evaluation, repair and live-load testing) of air and water cooled chillers ranging in capacity from 40-1500 nominal tons.
Conducting safety inspections.
Providing first level technical advice to customers
May resolve/troubleshoot implementation problems.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment
Qualifications:
High school diploma/GED or equivalent years of work experience
2-5 years work experience
PC literacy in a Microsoft and /or ERP environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Salary commensurate with experience
Excellent Management Opportunity
It is always an advantage to be a part of a growing company, it makes a lot of things possible, including a growing income and advancement. But there are other advantages that may be important to you:
Monday – Friday 7:30 – 4:30, rare in the HVAC business
No on-call
An inside job. No travel required.
A clean and organized work environment.
A good, professional team to work with.
Benefits available for you and your family.
About Us
Surplus Group is the leader in the evolving business segment of new and used surplus HVAC and industrial process cooling equipment. Our facility is based in Dallas Texas, we sell throughout North America and worldwide. We are the Big Box of the segment with North America’s largest inventories of used air-cooled chillers, water-cooled chillers, cooling towers, and related pumps. And we are growing. We have doubled our facility from 40,000 sq. ft. to 80,000 sq. ft. to accommodate another expansion of our sales inventory. From our start 9 years ago, we are recognized as the go-to destination for ‘very’ good used chillers, so buyers tend to come to us first.
What differentiates us in the marketplace is our development of a premium level of used chiller, the Proven Performance Surplus Chiller. It is the product of our facility’s unique evaluation, correction, and live-test proving system. The Proven Performance chiller brand has earned us an excellent reputation for an exceptional level of quality and trustworthiness. One confirmation is our growing number of repeat customers.
Your Responsibilities
Oversee the inspection, evaluation, repair and live-load testing of chillers before sale and delivery. All in-house
Support our technicians
Oversee and manage our extensive replacement parts inventory
Work as a team, support other’s efforts.
Qualifications
Thorough knowledge and experience in chiller troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance
Bilingual is a big plus, but not a requirement.
Job Type: Full-time
For consideration, please email us your cover letter and resume to careers@criticalrental.com
For consideration, please email us your cover letter and resume to careers@criticalrental.com
Who we are:
Surplus Group is fast growing leader in the sale of large industrial HVAC equipment globally. We enjoy a safe, clean, fast-paced work environment. We are looking for an enthusiastic member to join our team and grow within our company.
Job Summary:
Surplus Group is in need of a Parts Specialist to work within our Warehouse Team.
This new position in responsible for correctly identifying HVAC components, labeling and organizing of parts inventory
Maintaining accurate logs in the company’s database and shipping – receiving logs are equally important.
Responsibilities
Responsible for parts coming in and going out of the warehouse
Identifying new inventory (i.e. pumps, fans, motors, contactors, circuit breakers, control boxes)
Entering new inventory into our database with complete and accurate information
Working both independently as well as part of a larger team
Maintain the Parts Department
Skills and Qualifications Required
Mechanical aptitude is a must and experience working in the HVAC field (or equivalent) is expected
Well organized and high attention to detail
Ability to see a project straight through from beginning to end
Computer literate (Microsoft Office, CRM, basic databases/data entry)
Experience with website management is an asset but not required
Forklift experience an asset
This full-time position is Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhausted list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required by personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the company.
EEO Statement:
Surplus Group is an equal opportunity employer.
For consideration, please email us your cover letter and resume to careers@criticalrental.com
