One of the many ways a facility can become more environmentally friendly is changing how they receive its compressed air. Using the wrong compressor can mean less efficient production and more energy waste. On the other hand, improperly running the right air compressor can also waste energy. Here are a few ways to make your facility a little more green with Sullair.
Air Compressor Longevity
Since 1965, Sullair has been known for durable air compressors. Driven by a legendary air end design, Sullair builds its compressors to last. A Sullair unit can reliably run more than seventy-thousand hours before needing to be replaced. To put this into perspective: a typical 40-hour workweek means an average of 2,080 hours in a year. With the right maintenance, lubrication, and compressed air system in place, a compressor from Sullair can last even over one hundred thousand hours.
Sullair’s Sustainable Equipment Offerings
The two best Sullair air compressor series for being environmentally friendly are the S-Energy and the DSP series. Both compressors have Variable Speed Drives (also referred to as VDS). This allows the compressor to control the motor’s speed at many different levels instead of one precise point, which can increase the energy efficiency of the air compressor in the right circumstances. This means you only pay to compress the air you need, which helps increase energy efficiency and saves you money. Those interested in VDS compressors but do not have enough need for it can also consider having a spiral valve on their compressor.
The DSP Series
The DSP series is oil-free, meaning that the oil does not encounter the air being compressed. In fact, the DSP series has ISO 8573-1 Class Zero air, which means that this air surpasses Class 1 qualifications- all without needing as much additional filtration equipment as oil flooded compressors. This eliminates the chance of oil damaging sensitive machinery through the air and makes the condensate byproduct safer for disposal. When air purity is critical, the DSP series is a great choice.
All DSP compressors come with an oil-demister, which further retains the oil used to make it even more efficient. Another feature the DSP series offers is the patented high pre-cooler design. This prevents premature after-cooler failure and increases the durability of the compressor further. Another feature of the DSP series compressor is the optimized rotor design. Typically, oil-free compressors use PTFE. However, with proprietary MOS2 coating, Sullair maximizes the lifespan of the air-end and protects your investment. Finally, a standard DSP series compressor has a totally enclosed, fan-cooled (TEFC) motor and an optional NEMA 4 Wye-Delta starting cabinet. The TEFC motor means that outside contaminants do not enter the machine, which prevents long-term damage, and the NEMA 4 starting cabinet further protects against dust & harsh weather.
The S-Energy Series
While the S-Energy compressor series is oil-flooded, meaning that oil mixes with compressed air and the condensate, there are ways to minimize harm to the environment and increase efficiency. Sullair S-energy compressors are engineered for reliability, durability, and performance. These units can help you optimize efficiency and are in for the long haul. They can last up to 100,000 working hours if you treat them right.
S-Energy units come standard with a TEFC motor & NEMA 4 Wye-Delta starting cabinet, just like the DSP. Additionally, Sullair used their fifty-five years of experience designing lasting air-ends to maximize the lifespan of the S-Energy compressors. An S-Energy unit can easily last for seventy, eighty, or even one hundred thousand working hours with the correct maintenance. The last standard S-Energy sustainability feature is the WS control system. Its enhanced functionality means that an operator can receive energy usage reports on their computer, tablet, or smartphone and better control the outputs of their compressor.
Sustainable Air Compressor Attachments
Sullair offers many auxiliary products to help keep your operation environmentally friendly. Northwest Pump recommends the following products to help optimize energy efficiency and improve the longevity of your compressor and its components and other equipment and products. First, help separate harmful oil from condensate by using an oil/water separator. This keeps the condensate safe for drains, pipes, and accidental spills and allows for safer oil disposal.
The following sustainable attachment is the SULLIMAX Condensate Drain. It works using an automatic drain to remove condensate at a specific temperature without releasing compressed air. This reduces compressor maintenance and reduces energy use, and maximizes savings. According to Sullair’s trials, a facility could see a return on investment for the SULLIMAX in 150 days.
Finally, every compressor needs fluid or oil to keep it running, and Sullube is one of the top compressor fluids on the market. It protects the Diamond warranty on the S-Energy series and is also biodegradable. This means that handling or disposing of condensate with Sullube is faster, safer, & cheaper. Another feature of Sullube is that it is non-varnishing and cleans existing varnish off surfaces.
What Northwest Pump does to keep your equipment sustainable
Northwest Pump has a few tricks up our sleeve to lower your carbon footprint as much as possible. Our technicians and representatives offer site & utility assessments for new projects. These audits can determine how much a facility will spend on utilities & how to minimize pain points in the production flow. From there, we can offer customizable solutions to serve the needs of our customers best. Additionally, our service team provides customizable rotating equipment service plans. These plans mean our service technicians arrive at your facility and maintain your air compressors and pumps. Our service team also offers recycling services for air compressor filters & oil.
Next Steps
Looking for your sustainable equipment solution? Start the conversation by emailing us at sales@nwpump.com or calling 1-800-452-PUMP. Interested in our service capabilities? Reach out here for service requests or call 1-866-577-2755.
Summer is just around the corner, and with the change in season, now is the perfect time to check your entire facility and prevent emergencies before they happen. Here are ten ways to check the health of your pumps and air compressors and a pair of seasonal facility maintenance checklist printouts below to keep on hand.
Compressor Checklist
□ Change your oil
Whether a compressor is oil-flooded or oil-free, the start of a new season is the perfect time to refresh the oil on a compressor. Keep in mind, that some brands need specific lubricants. For example, Sullair compressors need genuine Sullube to keep within warranty. Additionally, why not conduct an oil sampling? This also protects the diamond warranty, and lets you know about the health of your compressor.
□ Check your oil cooler & aftercooler
One of the many uses of oil in the compressor is to reduce the heat within the machine. This process protects the machinery from unnecessary damage, and why checking the oil cooler & aftercooler should be on your list.
□ Check your package air inlet filters
The easiest way to check if the package air inlet filter needs a replacement is by hovering your hand over the top of the compressor. If you feel a breeze, then your inlet filter is working just fine. If there is a weak breeze or none at all, it’s time for the filter to be cleaned or replaced. This check is especially helpful for compressors that are in environments with more dust or other particles in the air that can clog up filters.
□ Check the make-up air
In a similar vein, checking the room a compressor is in is also important. The three points to consider are: making sure that the air surrounding the air compressor (make-up air) is free of particles and other contaminants, making sure that make-up air is adequate, and making sure that the temperature in the room can withstand compressed air that is 15°F higher than the ambient temperature.
If you don’t have a manometer to check the adequacy of your make-up air, one easy test is to test the compressor room door. Is it difficult to open when you open the door, or does it try to slam shut when you let go? If so, you should consider consulting one of our specialists to help you redesign your make-up air to the room.
□ For Variable Speed Drives Only: Check your cooling fan & filter
One of the benefits of variable speed drives is that if the machinery is not used continuously, the compressor will be far more efficient in stopping and starting. However, this means that the cooling fan may wear down easier in the shut-off process. Now is the perfect time to make sure your cooling fan & the filter to it can beat the summer heat.
Pump Checklist
□ Check Oil/lubrication on pumps
When conducting any kind of seasonal equipment maintenance, checking oil is a vital first step. For a pump to run properly, the rotating or moving parts must be able to move freely, and the stationary parts must stay where they need to be. So, making sure that those moving parts are properly lubricated is the first thing to check on your pump.
□ Lubricate Bearings
Similarly, making sure that the joints & bearings on your pump are lubricated is also very important. However, it is even more important to make sure that your bearings are not over lubricated, as this also damages your pump. Consult your pump’s manual or user guide to know how much lubrication is needed for your bearings.
For facilities that do not want to spend the time to check the user manual for every pump and then lubricate every bearing, A.W. Chesterton offers the Lubri-cup as the perfect solution. This device automatically dispenses the preprogrammed amount of lubrication to the pump. One Lubri-cup can reduce a facilities manager’s workload by two days, which means your team can spend more time on other tasks than just lubricating pumps.
□ Check Mechanical Seals and Packing (if applicable)
The more leaks a pump has, the less efficient it will be. One of the easiest places for leaks to occur is in the seals. So, if your pump has mechanical seals to prevent leaks, check those fairly often. If there is a puddle underneath a seal, you need a new seal. The same also goes for pump packing as well.
□ Check the Coupling Element
Image from Pumps & Systems
If your pump has a coupling element, it will be located between the motor & pump (see image to the right). If your motor & pump are not properly aligned, you will wear out not just the coupling element but the motor & pump as well. So, if you look at your pump and there is shredded material below your coupling element, call your pump service provider immediately.
□ Feel your pump
Our pump technicians also recommend checking your pumps at startup by placing one hand on the motor and one hand on the pump where it is safe to do so. When your pump turns on, you should feel smooth vibration. If you feel a lot of vibration or your pump is louder than usual, that means it could be experiencing cavitation or air pockets. These air pockets damage the interior of the pump, which can then lead to replacing a pump earlier than expected.
Next Steps
Download an air compressor-specific seasonal facility maintenance checklist by clicking here. Download the pump checklist by clicking here. If you need help completing this checklist, why not consider Northwest Pump’s Rotating Equipment Service Agreements. Email our service team at service@nwpump.com or call us at 1-866-577-2755 to have a customized service plan of your own.
Are you looking for simplicity, control, and flexibility in your POS system? Don’t look any further because the Gilbarco Passport Point-of-Sale System is just that. Investing in Passport today means investing in the POS technology of tomorrow.
With Passports touchscreen and intuitive design, Gilbarco will have your business’s employees trained within 20 minutes or less. Passport’s unmatched simplicity allows you to focus on your strategy, not your technology. Extensions within the Passport ecosystem allow you to serve and reach your customers across your entire site and entire network site.
Manage Smart. Stay Secure.
By being first to market with an outdoor EMV solution, Gilbarco has honed the EMV transition process with special features like functionality that ensures no bank card is left behind by consumers.
Passport’s easy integration with third-party systems and powerful reporting and tracking tools give you everything you need to run and manage a cutting-edge fuel retailing system. The Method of Payment Report calculates credit and debit transactions for fuel, merchandise, and car wash sales to reduce card processing fees.
Additionally, Passport provides sophisticated alerts and safeguards that help your employees perform at their best and secure your investment. It all adds up to tighter security, fewer surprises, and better results for you, your employees, and your customers.
More Partners. More Possibilities.
Gilbarco’s POS Passporthas more than 120-certified partners, allowing you significant flexibility to most effectively meet your evolving needs.
Here are the partners that cover all your needs: Back Office Systems, Broadband/WAN Networking Solutions, Car Wash Controller, Electronic Loyalty Programs, Integrated Loyalty Programs, Mobile Payment Processing Networks, Proprietary Fleet / Auxiliary Network Security Camera, and Tank Gauges.
Third Party Developer Support
This portal is specifically designed to support third-party companies interested in interfacing. Gilbarco Passport point-of-sale systems and/or developing applications for use on the new Encore Experience forecourt applications solution.
Next steps
If you are interested in Gilbarco’s POS System, we currently have stock in our branches and can ship your product out today!
When equipment fails, no feeling can be better than knowing that there is a warranty to protect from unnecessary costs of repairs or replacements. Many of our vendors offer warranties; however, Sullair offers a superior compressor warranty in the industry to prove their products’ quality. Here is what you need to know about Sullair’sDiamond Warranty.
What does this compressor warranty cover?
The majority of Sullair’s compressors include the Diamond Warranty*. It covers most Sullair compressor units with a discharge pressure of 150 PSIG or less. The warranty covers all major components for new air compressors, including 10 years on the air end plus 5 years on the motor and other components such as the air/fluid receiver, oil cooler, and aftercooler. The extent of warranty coverage shows how confident Sullair is in the longevity of its products.
* Sullair’s ShopTek Series compressors are no longer eligible for the diamond warranty as of May of 2023, the emerald warranty comes as standard for this series.
How do I maintain this warranty?
Every warranty has terms and conditions to ensure that equipment is kept to standards before repairs, and Sullair’s Diamond & Emerald compressor warranties are no different. To be eligible for either, facilities will need to follow five guidelines, which are:
An authorized Sullair Distributor must do startup & serving and complete the warranty documentation.
All compressors built after January 1, 2014, must participate in Sullair’s oil sampling program. Participating facilities must take samples every 2000 hours (or twice per year, whichever occurs first). Missed intervals or two bad tests void the warranty.
Purchaser(s) must use genuine Sullube® lubricant.
Purchaser(s) must maintain the machine(s) at Sullair’s recommended intervals & requirements.
The compressor covered must use genuine Sullair parts.
Next Steps
Ready to protect your investment? Tell us about your equipmenthere, email us at sales@nwpump.com, or call 1-800-452-PUMP for next steps. Need help with oil sampling and maintenance? Email service@nwpump.com or call 1-866-577-2755 for more information.
Machines, much like people, require routine check-ups to stay healthy and run as expected. Remembering when to schedule regular maintenance appointments can be difficult with a busy schedule and forgetting will almost certainly lead to an emergency. Some maintenance companies offer service plans. However, the contracts offered generally mean that a business can only use one company for repairs. Furthermore, the schedule does not always align with the machinery’s needs. At Northwest Pump, we offer rotating equipment service agreements, focused on your equipment and your schedule.
Why an agreement?
While contracts & agreements are very similar, a few differences will determine which option is better. A contract is legally binding, and cannot be easily undone without paying fees, advanced notice, or other similar conditions. An agreement, while still binding, is more informal. Northwest Pump’s agreement only requires a 30-day notice of cancellation and is non-exclusive. Our agreement is also considered flexible, meaning that we tend to your machines on a quarterly, semi-quarterly, or annual basis depending on your needs.
How Our Rotating Equipmentment Service Works
Instead of a facility needing to schedule service appointments, our team will keep track of it- that means one less thing to worry about. Our team will call you to schedule an appointment in advance, and we will coordinate from there. The agreements operate on an annual, semi-annual, or quarterly basis, depending on your needs. Northwest Pump has two rotating equipment service agreement options, one for compressors and one for pumps.
Pump Services
Our pump station service agreement includes removing all fluids & debris from the pump (as needed), pressure washing the pump station, a full test cycle on all pumps, checking amps & pumps, verifying pumps are operating to manufacturer’s standards, cleaning floats, inspecting for broken parts or other obvious safety issues, inspecting alarm & performing test calls, & recommendations for future service needed.
Compressor Services
Northwest Pump offers service intervals every 2,000 hours or three months, whichever is first, or at other mutually agreed upon and set intervals. We also provide an annual service interval every 4,000 to 8,000 hours depending on lubricants in your compressor, or once a year, whichever is first. These service appointments include a complete visual inspection, an oil level check, inspection of air filter & change (if appropriate), oil filter replacements (if applicable), check separators’ differential pressures, checking oil return lines & valves, checking operating temperatures & cooling systems, control inspection, air discharge inspection & adjustment (if appropriate), an inspection of belt tension, electrical system check with amp draws & voltage, air dryer & filtration inspection, and a checklist of all components inspected and or serviced.
Next Steps
To hear more about our rotating equipment service agreements, email us at service@nwpump.com, or call us at 1-866-577-2755. Want to send your equipment in for repairs? Find out what our shop can do here, and request service here.
Knowing what kind of Slurry pump to use can make an enormous difference for any facility in the Aggregate Industry. The wrong type of pump will lead to inefficiency, premature pump breakdowns, and inevitably spending more to replace it. One factor that will affect which kind of pump, is whether the inside is metal or has a rubber lining. This choice can change how much money you spend on said pump and its replacement parts. Here are a few things to take into consideration when deciding what kind of slurry pump to use.
Metal Pumps
The aggregate industry prizes metal pumps because of their tough nature. While all slurry pumps receive wear & tear, certain metals will withstand damage better than others, such as plastic or urethane. However, this property also means the initial cost will be higher than the rubber-lined pumps. Servicing periods, though more expensive, will also be more sporadic to offset the costs. Another consideration for using steel piping is the contents of the slurry. If a slurry contains rocks that are 3/8″ or larger, then a rubber-lined pump might wear out too quickly. Knowing what makes up your slurry solution and how the pump’s materials react are crucial for making your pumping choice.
Rubber-Lined Pumps
Rubber-lined slurry pumps will cost less than their metal counterparts. Because the insides of this pump are rubber instead of metal, this pump will require replacing the interior parts much sooner than a metal pump. However, because of the smaller intervals, the cost of these replacement parts is significantly smaller than replacing an entire pump down the road. Recent technology has allowed the rubber-lined pumps to last longer than previous versions, meaning the gap in lifespans between metal and rubber-lined pumps are shorter than ever. Additionally, one key piece of information to determine if a rubber-lined pump will work for your system, is knowing exactly what is pumping through it. A wrong combination of rubber with the sand within the slurry can cause a pump to wear out prematurely.
Our Brands for your Slurry Solutions
Northwest Pump has several options to optimize any aggregate facility. Metso not only has the pumps for the mining industry, but complete slurry hose systems, which include: rubber hoses, rubber-lined piping, bends, couplings, and gaskets. Metso offers their slurry pumps with either high chrome or rubber-lining that is designed explicitly for the industry. This brand also offers the latest filtration system technology, including sustainable practices that have reduced excessive water usage at facilities. Metso specifically, designs their Orion series pumps for heavy-duty mining applications with special bearings to protect the pump & to continue use even as it wears down.
Atlas Copco
For a more mobile solution, Atlas Copco offers portable pumps that are easily transferable. These diesel pumps can pump up to 8,600 gallons per minute. Portable pumps are self-priming, so they do not need lubrication like standard pumps.
Next Steps
You can contact us for your next slurry pumping solution here, email us at sales@nwpump.com, or call 1-800-452-PUMP.
Need your mining equipment serviced? Contact our service team here, email service@nwpump.com, or call 1-866-577-2755!
The DSP series is oil-free, meaning that the oil does not encounter the air being compressed. In fact, the DSP series has ISO 8573-1 Class Zero air, which means that this air surpasses Class 1 qualifications- all without needing as much additional filtration equipment as oil flooded compressors. This eliminates the chance of oil damaging sensitive machinery through the air and makes the condensate byproduct safer for disposal. When air purity is critical, the DSP series is a great choice.
While the S-Energy compressor series is oil-flooded, meaning that oil mixes with compressed air and the condensate, there are ways to minimize harm to the environment and increase efficiency. Sullair S-energy compressors are engineered for reliability, durability, and performance. These units can help you optimize efficiency and are in for the long haul. They can last up to 100,000 working hours if you treat them right.
First, help separate harmful oil from condensate by using an oil/water separator. This keeps the condensate safe for drains, pipes, and accidental spills and allows for safer oil disposal.
, the start of a new season is the perfect time to refresh the oil on a compressor. Keep in mind, that some brands need specific lubricants. For example, Sullair compressors need genuine Sullube to keep within warranty. Additionally, why not conduct an oil sampling? This also protects the 
air inlet filter needs a replacement is by hovering your hand over the top of the compressor. If you feel a breeze, then your inlet filter is working just fine. If there is a weak breeze or none at all, it’s time for the filter to be cleaned or replaced. This check is especially helpful for compressors that are in environments with more dust or other particles in the air that can clog up filters.
In a similar vein, checking the room a compressor is in is also important. The three points to consider are: making sure that the air surrounding the air compressor (make-up air) is free of particles and other contaminants, making sure that make-up air is adequate, and making sure that the temperature in the room can withstand compressed air that is 15°F higher than the ambient temperature.
For facilities that do not want to spend the time to check the user manual for every pump and then lubricate every bearing, 
the Diamond Warranty*. It covers most Sullair compressor units with a discharge pressure of 150 PSIG or less. The warranty covers all major components for new air compressors, including 10 years on the air end plus 5 years on the motor and other components such as the air/fluid receiver, oil cooler, and aftercooler. The extent of warranty coverage shows how confident Sullair is in the longevity of its products.
Northwest Pump offers service intervals every 2,000 hours or three months, whichever is first, or at other mutually agreed upon and set intervals. We also provide an annual service interval every 4,000 to 8,000 hours depending on lubricants in your compressor, or once a year, whichever is first. These service appointments include a complete visual inspection, an oil level check, inspection of air filter & change (if appropriate), oil filter replacements (if applicable), check separators’ differential pressures, checking oil return lines & valves, checking operating temperatures & cooling systems, control inspection, air discharge inspection & adjustment (if appropriate), an inspection of belt tension, electrical system check with amp draws & voltage, air dryer & filtration inspection, and a checklist of all components inspected and or serviced.
You can contact us for your next slurry pumping solution 