BCAS 2018

www.bcas.org.uk 15 Technical Officer report a new standard is under development NP 22484 – a performance test code for low pressure compressors. The need for a standardised method of testing that allows for the comparison of different low pressure air compressor (blower) package technologies was brought to the attention of the compressed air industry by users of the product. Neither ISO 1217 nor ISO 5389, the two existing standards for positive displacement compressors and dynamic compressors, respectively, provide clear and concise means of comparing different technologies. This International Standard will provide a simplified wire to air performance test methods that measure true package performance of low pressure air compressors (blowers). Currently manufacturers can use different methods to arrive at a performance figure for output versus energy consumption. BCAS continues to provide information and advice on the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 the key piece of legislation in our industry. Because the regulations like most legislation are not prescriptive as to how you comply then certain regulations and their clauses are open to interpretation. Much of the implementation decision is made by the Competent Person, even though the end user is ultimately responsible. Therefore it is important that the end user can select a Competent Person who fulfils the Approved Code of Practice profile. Due to the confusion and enduring myths about who is considered “competent” within the context of the Approved Code of Practice - Safety of Pressure Systems, in early 2017 BCAS published a factsheet containing definitive guidance on the description of the “Competent Person”. At BCAS committee level 2017 has seen the creation of two new groups Mobile Power Working group Low pressure & Vacuum Committee The scope of mobile power is portable compressors and onboard compressors within vehicles. One area of interest is datasheets as it is for stationary compressors, to ensure that the information for the consumer is calculated in the same way and gives transparency of equipment performance. The low pressure and vacuum working group may eventually be split to form two separate working groups if the first meeting results in agreement as to the scope of each. A key publication update this year was Pressure & Leak Testing guide where it was revised to reflect current practices: Hydraulic (hydrostatic) method removed Jointing techniques updated More explanation of test pressures Clarification of leakage test vs integrity test Greater emphasis on supplier selection and the importance of competent personnel Committees TC = Technical Committee / SC = Sub-Committee / WG -= Working Group TC 118 - Compressors and pneumatics tools, machines and equipment TC 118/SC 4 “Compressed air treatment technology” TC 118/SC 4 /WG1 “Compressed air purity specification and compressed air treatment equipment” TC 118/SC 6 – “Air compressors and compressed air systems” TC 118/SC 6/WG1 – “Performance specifications” TC 118/SC 6/WG2 – “Safety” TC 118/SC 3/WG4 “Pneumatic hand-held tools - Tightening of Threaded Fasteners”