In the “KAESER Expert Interviews” section, we engage in conversations with our compressed air specialists from Product Management and Service. Together, we delve into current developments and innovations, providing a glimpse behind the scenes of Customer Service and Sales.
Intelligent compressor controller with smart features
MOBILAIR compressors from KAESER are equipped with intelligent controllers. The latest innovation: SIGMA CONTROL MOBIL 2.
We spoke to Ralf Hereth from the Product Management team in Coburg, Germany, to find out all about the benefits of the new compressor controller.
As a portable compressor specialist, he is heavily involved in the development and success of the MOBILAIR product series.
Mr Hereth, let’s begin with an overview of the product. What stands out about KAESER’s MOBILAIR systems?
MOBILAIR compressors from KAESER are exceptionally durable portable machines that can deliver between 1 and 48 m³ of compressed air per minute. With our comprehensive range of products, we can cater for all market regions around the world, with their varying climatic conditions and legislation. MOBILAIR drive systems range from efficient petrol engines to low-emission diesel engines and completely emissions-free electric motors.
All MOBILAIR machines are manufactured in state-of-the-art production facilities at KAESER’s headquarters in Coburg, Germany. The beating heart of compressed air generation in MOBILAIR systems is the highly efficient rotary screw airend featuring the SIGMA PROFILE. The same applies to all MOBILAIR compressors: More compressed air for less energy.
You’ve been working at KAESER for over 40 years. Which innovation in particular stands out for you when it comes to MOBILAIR?
Previously, all portable compressors were mechanically controlled. Because of emissions legislation and electronically controlled diesel engines, we now use electronic compressor controllers. I can still clearly remember when we introduced the first system with the SIGMA CONTROL MOBIL controller back in 2007. Or when we launched the first portable compressor with SCR catalytic converter in 2012. That was for Euro Emissions Stage IIIB; now we are on Emissions Stage V for Europe and TIER 4 for North America.
Let’s stay with the topic of controllers. Which innovations have been the most groundbreaking in recent times?
To be precise, there have been two decisive new developments. One is our pV Control and the other is our new SIGMA CONTROL MOBIL 2 controller with touch display and simplified operating concept.
Let’s start with pV Control. How does it assist the user?
pV Control can be summed up in one sentence: The maximum pressure (p) set on the controller directly influences the maximum flow rate (V).
It’s different with a mechanically controlled compressor: here, at the time of purchase you have to decide – depending on the application in question – the maximum working pressure that you’ll need. With the same motor power, a 7-bar system can deliver more compressed air than a 10-bar system can. A higher maximum pressure needs more motor power, which is why the rotary screw airend then has to be designed for a lower flow rate.
With the innovative pV Control, we make perfect use of the motor torque across a defined speed range in order to be able to operate one and the same system flexibly between 6 and 14 bar.
And what are the advantages of that? For one thing, you get more compressed air volume at a low pressure setting. For another, the system can be operated with higher working pressures.
In this way, one compressor can be used for a variety of applications. Also, the pressure loss in long hose lines can easily be compensated for. To make these advantages available for a wide range of applications, we are offering more and more machines with pV Control, irrespective of the market region.
1) Hammer application 2) Blasting application 3) Cable blowing 4) Drilling application
Now we come to the SIGMA CONTROL MOBIL 2 compressor controller. What’s behind the simple operating concept you mentioned earlier?
Put simply, there’s an urgent practical wish behind it. For the sake of user-friendliness, people wanted the good old rotary switch back, which on portable compressors could previously be used for switching them on and off. Now we have just such a rotary switch beneath the touch display.
In the left switch position the system is off; when turned to the right it delivers compressed air. It couldn’t be simpler. The necessary intermediate stages, such as warm-up, run-on or pressure relief, happen automatically in the background, as does the subsequent shutdown of the controller.
The SIGMA CONTROL MOBIL 2 compressor controller can be conveniently operated even when wearing cumbersome work gloves.
The fuel fill level or current set pressure can be read off directly from the touch display. It can be seen easily from a distance – via a green bar – that all is in perfect order. If, for example, the fuel level runs low, the compressor issues a warning by means of a clearly visible yellow bar. If this warning is ignored, the bar turns red.
Operation of the menu functions is similarly intuitive. Swiping left, just like on a smartphone, takes you to the pressure adjustment menu. Here the pressure can be regulated using plus and minus keys. Swiping right brings up other operating data or a countdown to the next service. Further settings can be made from there as well.
One last question on operability: Isn’t the touch display too fragile for the tough conditions on a construction site?
In short: No! The touch display on the SIGMA CONTROL MOBIL 2 is specially developed for use on construction equipment. When giving demonstrations, I frequently wear work gloves to show that settings can still be made easily. It even works fine in rain or snow. Our new operating concept has received only positive feedback so far. It is now used on five different models including the MOBILAIR M500-2. Without giving too much away, a newly developed machine will also be coming soon.