Simplifying compressed air systems in constrained environments

FLOOR SPACE has become an increasingly valuable commodity across workshops, garages and small industrial facilities. As operations expand and equipment footprints grow, utilities such as compressed air systems are often squeezed into unsuitable spaces, creating access, maintenance and safety challenges.

Space constraints reshape compressed air design

Traditional compressed air installations, with separate compressors, dryers, filters and pipework, can be difficult to accommodate in compact environments. This has prompted a shift toward more consolidated system designs that reduce footprint while maintaining performance and compliance.

Against this backdrop, Champion Compressors has introduced the ELITE series, a plug and play compressed air station designed to reduce installation time and on-site complexity.

The new air station is aimed at smaller operations where compressed air reliability is essential but available floorspace and installation resource are limited. By consolidating compression, air treatment and storage within a compact footprint, the approach reflects a growing focus on space-efficient utility design for constrained environments.

Reducing installation and commissioning time

Conventional compressed air systems typically require separate downstream equipment to be specified, installed and commissioned on site. In contrast, the ELITE series integrates these components into a single unit, reducing overall footprint by up to 30%.

As a complete system, the unit is also fully tested for air leaks.  This means that users do not have to carry out further pipework or filter testing and the compressed air station is ready for use as soon as it is plugged in. 

Available with either a 7.5 kW (ELITE 7) or 11 kW (ELITE 11) IE3 motor, the 10-bar rotary screw compressor is mounted on a 270-litre horizontal tank and includes a refrigerated dryer, filtration pack, automatic condensate drain and oil/water separator.

As a result, installation costs are reduced significantly and all components are assembled into a single, easy-access unit with removable panels, helping to make service and maintenance quick and simple.  The new C-Pro-2 integrated electronic controller helps users manage important compressor parameters easily, including pressure, flow rates and running.

Controlling moisture and contaminants

Included in the full plug and play package is the CHR Series refrigerated dryer, with a user-friendly electronic controller and its own separate power supply.  The oil/water separator features multi-stage separation and ensures easy disposal of condensate to comply with waste regulations.  

The CHF filter package includes a cyclonic separator for water and liquid oil removal. It is available with either a Grade M filter for particulates to 0.1 microns and oil aerosol to 0.03 mg/sqm or a Grade S filter 0.1 microns and oil aerosol to 0.03 mg/sqm.

“Ease of installation and maintenance have been prioritised at every stage of the design to help our customers generate the compressed air they need, simply and efficiently,” said Mariagrazia Panaccio, commercial director for Champion.

For more information: 

championairtech.com