Gas compression is commonly used in various industries with a need for refrigeration, including the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this context, this technology can play an essential role in improving productivity and energy efficiency. It is therefore not surprising that ensuring efficient operation of gas compressors is high on the agenda for manufacturers worldwide, such as Mayekawa. This company opted for WEG technology to equip its latest compressors with reliable motors with high energy efficiency.
Mayekawa is a manufacturer of refrigeration and compression technologies with a workforce of 3.500 employees worldwide. The company offers a wide range of gas compressors that meet the requirements of many applications requiring refrigeration. One of Mayekawa's main goals is to offer its customers highly efficient, energy-saving solutions for line engineering processes, including material acceptance, as well as product thawing, heating, refrigeration, packaging and storage. At its plants in Belgium, Mayekawa has specialized in compressors for the food, pharmaceutical and petrochemical sectors. This equipment plays an important role in thermal management processes, which are essential to guarantee the quality and safety of products, such as freeze-dried medicines, or even the aroma, flavor and quality of food.
Guaranteed reliability and efficiency
Since compressors play a significant role in essential thermal management processes, their efficiency and reliability are a priority for Mayekawa. For example, its SCV series of standard screw compressors forms a set of fully reliable and easy-to-maintain oil-injected compressors that stand out for their high performance throughout their useful life. The use of the SCV series in thousands of refrigeration installations around the world is proof of its quality.
Other than the SCV series, Mayekawa HH series screw compressors are capable of continuous operation at 50 barG discharge pressure. Thanks to a special rotor profile, the GH series enables highly efficient operation. GH series compressors are designed for various gases, including hydrocarbons, helium, hydrogen, CO2, NH3, among others. Therefore, these compressors are ideal for CO2-based low-temperature freeze systems with defrost cycles.
Mayekawa's range also includes compressors from the J series, distinguished by their high coefficient of performance at a higher evaporation temperature thanks to the special shape of the rotor, and the HK and HS series, with higher pressures required for applications of heat pump.
Each compressor needs an electric motor to supply it with power. That is why Mayekawa requested reliable electric motors for the effective and efficient operation of his compressors. To meet these requirements, the company turned to WEG, which specified its W22 Super Premium Open Drip Proof (ODP) motors and W40 industrial motors.
“WEG motors are famous for their high quality and reliability; This is why they fit perfectly with our compressors, which are used in sectors that place the highest priority on avoiding downtime and maintaining high levels of productivity”, says Michel Ernemann, Director of Purchasing at Mayekawa Europe, adding: “WEG does not only manufacture equipment very reliable and secure, but also offers excellent customer service; Thanks to its global network, it is able to quickly support all of our operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.”
Commitment to the environment
In addition to ensuring reliability, sustainability and the environment are important to Mayekawa.
“Reducing our environmental footprint is among our top priorities. Thus, the most important criterion when choosing electric motors for our compressors was energy efficiency”, says Michel Ernemann and continues: “WEG motors have earned a reputation for their superior efficiency standards and will help us meet all the requirements requirements of the IE3 standard.”
Mayekawa needs WEG equipment to meet the latest energy efficiency standards. The regulation on the reduction of the carbon footprint, in force since June 2011, stipulates the minimum efficiency corresponding to the IE2 standard. However, the new legislation, which entered into force on January 1, 2015, establishes a minimum efficiency according to the IE3 standard for motors with a minimum power between 7,5 kW and 375 kW, and an efficiency according to IE2 for motors equipped with a variable speed drive (VSD).
Taking into account that motors consume more than 40% of global energy and more than 70% of the energy in the industry, WEG's extremely efficient motors that drive Mayekawa compressors benefit the end user and bring considerable energy savings. .
The W22 Super Premium motors form the only complete standard range available on the market that far exceeds the requirements of the IE4 standard, which is yet to be implemented. The motors offer outstanding performance across the entire power range, from 3 kW to 355 kW, and have up to 40% lower losses compared to previous designs. The three-phase induction motor is based on the mechanical design of WEG's popular W22 motor and meets the requirements of the most demanding users in the industry, offering higher levels of productivity, longer life and reduced maintenance. . Thanks to these characteristics it is ideal for demanding industrial applications, such as fans, blowers, pumps and compressors.
Similar to the W22 engines, the ODP engine range offers a high degree of reliability and safety. The ODP range has been specially designed to provide maximum ventilation and heat dissipation. Thus, it operates at lower temperatures, allowing for longer life cycles and easier maintenance.
W40 motors are the smallest members of WEG's family of industry standard motors and are only suitable for applications not exposed to dust and humidity. WEG launched new frame sizes from IEC280L to IEC450 with power ratings from 185 kW to 1.500 kW for low and medium voltages. They have a degree of protection IP23 or IP24. These modular motors are also characterized by particularly low noise and vibration levels.
For more information about WEG, visit www.weg.net/uk. For more information on Mayekawa, visit www.mayekawa.eu.
