MOUVEX RESPONDS TO THE NEED FOR A
LIGHTER, MORE COMPACT MACHINE WITH
ITS NEW MX12 MODEL
The search to identify the ideal spot in
which to situate a screw compressor on
the chassis of a dry bulk transport vehicle
is akin to picking the perfect piece of real
estate: it’s all about location, location,
location, writes Christophe Jovani. That task
has become more challenging in recent
years with the arrival of new regulations,
such as Euro 6, that established stricter
emissions standards. At the same time,
transport-truck manufacturers were
developing new ways to reduce the overall
weight of their vehicles as a way to increase
the amount of payload that could be
transported, all while optimizing the
vehicle’s fuel efficiency and operational
costs.
This put direct pressure on the
designers and manufacturers of screw
compressors to develop new models that
are not only lighter, but also have a smaller
footprint that allows them to fit more
easily within the reduced real estate on the
truck frame. This is incredibly important
because screw compressors are a critical
link in the dry bulk supply chain. Without
them, the trucks that deliver these
commodities to the network of product-handling conveyors that are situated at
ports, stockyards, product terminals, mines
and a whole host of other unique
processing points will not be able to be
unloaded as efficiently or reliably as
necessary.
Recognizing this challenge, Mouvex®,
Auxerre, France, a product brand of PSG®,
Oakbrook Terrace, IL, USA, a Dover
company, has recently introduced the
MX12 Screw Compressor to the dry bulk
transport market. At a weight of just 110kg
(242 lb), the MX12 is one of the lightest
and most compact screw compressor
currently available, which makes it ideal for
mounting inside today’s smaller truck
frames.
Operationally, the MX12 is able to build
and maintain 2 bar (29 psi) of air pressure,
which helps give it the ability to deliver
flow rates up to 1,130 m3/hr (4,975gpm).
From a real-world perspective, this means
a 28-tonne load that used to require 60
minutes to deliver can now be completed
in 30 to 50 minutes, a time saving of 10 to
30 minutes per load. The design of the
MX12 compressor also allows it to
maintain the required 2 bars of pressure
throughout the duration of the delivery
process. This is an important feature when
the load consists of heavier granular
products — such as gravel, animal food,
plastic pellets or lime — that require a
significant amount of air in order to stay in
suspension, though it will perform equally
reliably with finer materials like flour, sand,
cement and calcium.
The compressor’s lower inlet speed
equates to reduced fuel consumption and
fuel bills. The problem of the compressor
overheating during its operation is defeated
through the incorporation of an oil
radiator that keeps the compressor’s
internal temperature at a level that
prevents stalling caused by overheating.
Finally, the compressor’s simple design
allows for easy repairs with less downtime, while the anti-vibration design
reduces stress on moving
components with lower noise levels
during operation.
The MX12 is just the latest
model in Mouvex’s family of screw
compressors, all of which feature a
modular design and cooled or non-cooled operation. This enables
them to fit easily on the chassis of all
major transport-truck
manufacturers, with the ability to
convey a wide range of bulk
products from fine powders to
heavy granulates. These screw
compressor models include:
- MH6: designed to be the best
solution for the high-speed, high-volume unloading of cement and
other construction materials.
Features an integrated PTO
module that helps make it
compatible for use on the frames
of most major European truck
manufacturers with no need for
gimbals, holders or torque
limiters.
- B600: an optimum solution for
mounting within the most
confined truck frames with
dimensions of only 549 by 348 by
280mm (22 by 14 by 11 inches)
and a weight of 94kg (207 lbs).
- Mistral: a multi-purpose solution
for dry-bulk delivery applications
that require versatility and
flexibility. Constructed of cast
iron and hardened steel for good
material compatibility with the
ability to operate effectively at
atmospheric temperatures as
low as –30ºC (–22ºF).
- TYPHON II: powerful enough to achieve
flow rates of up to 1,130m3
/hr
(4,975gpm) with oil-free screws that
help increase reliability while reducing
maintenance downtime and costs.
- B200 Flow Control: for those transport
companies that may deliver more than
just dry-bulk products, the B200 has
been designed for the delivery of liquid
cargo. It features a rugged design that is
enhanced with special protectants on
the screws and body that allows it to be
compatible with a broader range of
chemicals, while all exterior
components, including flanges, hose and
relief valve, are constructed of stainless
steel for added protection against
corrosion and abrasion. The optimized
flow path allows for greater efficiencies
that are manifested in lower delivery
times and cost.
CONCLUSION
As the demand for lighter, more compact
screw compressors has grown, Mouvex has
stepped to the fore with its MX12 Screw
Compressor model, which fits seamlessly
into the company’s screw compressor
product portfolio. These machines have all
been designed to optimize the handling of
dry-bulk products of any type while
meeting the evolving needs of truck.