Makes light work of pipework needs
November 1st 2008 When PRG Europe moved premises it had the
chance to re-evaluate its compressed air pipework
and put a new system in place from scratch
Consolidating its smaller sites into a
single, 7,500 square metre factory
unit has provided the UK's largest
theatrical lighting company with the
advantage of reviewing and updating its
fundamental requirement for compressed air.
PRG Europe now occupies a one
square kilometre site on the former MG
Rover Longbridge car plant near
Birmingham and has used the opportunity
to move from 'a variety of methods' to a
single Transair rapid-fit compressed air
pipework system from Legris.
The US-owned, worldwide group
concentrates on the hire of sophisticated
theatrical lighting for film, television,
theatre and live events such as rock
concerts.
Compressed air is vital to the operation,
with items returned from hire requiring the
use of air tools, blowers and a state-of-theart
spray booth.
Until the move, however, pipework
systems developed over 20 years at the
previous sites in Birmingham and
Greenford had ranged from the use of
galvanised steel to rubber hose, explained
Facilities Manager John Harrison, with the
"inevitable problems" of oil and water in
the system and pressure loss caused by
leakage through piercing of pipes and
tubes. "Expansion of the business and the
move to new premises gave us the
opportunity to look at new technology and
get it right first time."
PRG's use of compressed air is
extensive. Lighting trusses are re-sprayed
every time they are used, air blowers are
used to clean circuit boards, with air tools
for riveting and drills for repairing motors,
moving lights and flight cases. "We even
use our own compressed air supply to
blow up the tyres on our delivery lorries."
Having worked with Legris' Transair
distributor Oscott Air for more than 20
years, PRG was quick to recognise the
benefits of a modern, rapid-fit system that
could grow and change with its
requirements. "The last thing we needed
was another system of random add-ons,"
said John. "Transair was versatile and
would allow us the opportunity to tailor
and expand the system precisely."
Energy efficient
System design required the provision of
compressed air to practically every part of
a factory unit measuring some 125 x 60
metres. A variable speed compressor was
installed for maximum energy efficiency
and, with its low pressure drops from
compressor to point of use, the energy
efficient nature of Transair was an equally
important element.
A ring main in 63mm corrosion resistant
aluminium Transair has been installed
throughout the Longbridge site, with drops
in both 40mm and 25mm pipework taken
to workbenches and to the spray booth.
Around one kilometre of Transair pipework
has been installed, with a take-off ready for
a planned Research and Development
department.
"We can be working 12 hours a day,
seven days a week and compressed air is
fundamental to practically every
operation," said John Harrison. "With an
isolation valve at head height on every
branch, Transair gives us the opportunity
to extend or amend the system without
having to shut it down. We didn't have that
luxury with the previous systems and that
could lead to significant downtime.
"With one kilometre of pipework in three
diameters and around 30 drops across the
site, Transair has given us full flow and has
been completely leak-free." More articles from Parker Legris Limited: | 
