FTG Technical Tuesday – The Advantages of Parallel Generating Systems

FTG Technical Tuesday – The Advantages of Parallel Generating Systems

Increased Reliability and Redundancy: Improving reliability and redundancy for both critical and non-critical loads. The system ensures that there is always constant power to critical loads, and if one of the generators fails, the load is then supplied by the other one or more parallel units.

Fuel savings due to load sharing and decreased light loading: Some loads require a large generator to start the load, but a smaller generator to run the load once in operation. In this case, both generators would start the load and once the load is operating and its power requirement decreases, one of the generators will shut down and the other unit will handle the smaller load by itself, this will decrease the amount of fuel required than if operating a single large generator. This will also insure that the paralleled unit will be running at optimum efficiency and not wet stacking due to light loading.

Have a technical question regarding one of our brands? Call (855) 303-7900 or email nick@ftgequipment.com

FTG Technical Tuesday – On a generator, what is the difference between Prime kW and Standby kW?

Prime Power Rating – is the rating in kW (kilowatts) that the generator can continuously run for without issue. Standby Power Rating – is the rating in kW (kilowatts) that the generator can handle in a short term overload capacity, normally at 10% above Prime Power.

FTG is the exclusive distributor in the US for TecnoGen Generators which are considered Prime Power Generators. Have a technical question? Call (855) 303-7900 or email nick@ftgequipment.com

FTG Technical Tuesday – What is Wet Stacking?

FTG Technical Tuesday – What is Wet Stacking?

With the new Tier 4 emissions requirements, especially in a rental application, it is very important to properly load bank a generator when it is returned. Customer requirements sometimes fall short of proper use of a generator. Sizing a generator too large for the job at hand, sizing a generator by fuel tank size instead of load, etc. All these issues can and will contribute to poor performance of the generator overtime. The most common issue is wet stacking. Wet stacking is when a diesel engine operates without sufficient load, it will operate at below its optimum temperature. This will allow unburned fuel to accumulate, foul the fuel injectors, engine valves and exhaust system, including turbochargers, and reduce the operating performance. Symptoms of wet stacking are oily residue found around the turbo charger, leaking from the exhaust manifold gaskets and in and around the exhaust stack. Have a technical question? (855) 303-7900 or nick@ftgequipment.com

FTG Technical Tuesday – Air Compressor Springtime Maintenance

FTG Technical Tuesday – Air Compressor Springtime Maintenance
It is extremely important to maintain the cleanliness of both the engine and compressor air filters. The air filters should be checked weekly at a minimum. On dirty, dusty (sandblasting) environments, both engine and compressor air filters should be checked daily. If the air filter clogged warning light comes on, the unit should be shut down and both engine and compressor air filters should be checked immediately! Vacuum caused by a running compressor with a completely clogged air filter may cause dirt or debris to find a way around the filter resulting in a very expensive repair bill and excessive downtime.
Have a technical question? Email us at nick@ftgequipment.com or call (855) 303-7900.

Construction Lighting Solutions

 

Article from ProContractor Rentals March/April issue   http://procontractorrentals.com/pages/Print-Edition-MA-18-RS-LED-light-towers.php

Construction Lighting Solutions
LED is the future

By Steve Scattolini

Most of us who grew up in the contractor and equipment rental business are very familiar with our old friend – the 4,000-watt metal-halide light tower.

This piece of equipment has served the industry well for many years. Unfortunately, the product has not seen any innovation – and in the past 10 years, it is one of the few pieces of construction equipment where the price has fallen. As a result of the downward price pressure, suppliers have been forced to take cost and quality out of the product.

The good news is there are emerging technologies that are the future of temporary job site lighting. LED light towers are looking to be a bright contender to become a leader in the lighting sector.

Up until a few years ago, LED light towers were not given much serious consideration because of the large price difference between a metal-halide vs. LED unit. Suppliers have found a way to bring down the cost of the LED towers while at the same time providing quality, innovation, as well as a solution to many of the traditional problems that are associated with the metal-halide units.

LED advantages
Metal-halide towers that are used regularly can be expensive to maintain. Simple things like changing a bad bulb can create a service call that could result in a cost of several hundred dollars per call, considering parts, labor, service truck and overhead costs.

In fact, even a metal-halide unit that was checked out at the rental center may have a bad bulb by the time the unit is delivered to the renter. A meta-halide tower can go through as many as 12 bulbs per year plus ballasts. Add that to other general maintenance needs such as mast cables, wires and mast structure repairs and it’s clear that low-cost metal-halide light towers are no bargain.

Metal-halide bulbs also have a problem with light bulb efficiency. A good portion of the overall bulb efficiency erodes in the first several months of a bulb’s life.

Metal-halide bulbs also have re-strike issues. They need several minutes of waiting before they can be lit again once they are shut down.

Metal-halide towers also consume more fuel because they require oversized alternators when compared with LED technology.

A great example of a highly efficient, well-built LED light tower is the EL1250 manufactured in Italy by Trime, Spa., a lighting specialty company. It features a heavy-duty galvanized steel canopy that has a powder-coated finish inside and out. The unit’s design allows rental centers to transport up to 20 units on a truck.

The tower has a vertical mast that can be raised or lowered with a manual or hydraulic system. The unit is built with 1,200 watts of high-power, high-efficiency LED lighting technology that far exceeds the light output of the traditional 4,000-watt metal-halide tower.

The EL250 is powered by a very economical two-cylinder Kubota diesel engine. An onboard Deep Sea Controller, with an eight-event, seven-day timer, can make the units capable of achieving run times of up to 300 hours on a single tank of fuel, depending on how many hours the lights are set to run. The EL1250 light tower can also run up to four auxiliary light-only towers off of one diesel-driven unit.

Unlike metal-halide bulbs, LEDs don’t have re-strike issues. There is no waiting for a bulb to warm up – just turn on the breaker and they light instantly.

Because the LED light heads require very little power, it’s creating the opportunity for suppliers to develop hybrid towers that are part battery, part engine; battery-only towers and other innovative configurations. Additionally, the choice of light configuration and reduced glare has widespread appeal across the construction and entertainment sectors.

Steve Scattolini is managing director at FTG Equipment Solutions, which distributes Trime light towers in the United States. www.ftgequipment.com

Copyright 2018 Direct Business Media. All rights reserved.

 

FTG Technical Tuesday – Compressor Air Pressure

FTG Technical Tuesday – Compressor Air Pressure
As air pressure is increased, cfm’s decrease. At 100 psi, our D185T4F is at maximum CFM (185). As you turn up the pressure, the cfm’s will decrease. At 110 psi, cfm will decrease to approximately 169. At 120 psi, cfm will decrease to approximately 153. Also, you must take into consideration friction loss on your air hose. Using 50’ of ¾” air hose @100psi, your air pressure drop is approximately 22 psi. At 100’ the drop is approximately 44 psi. You must keep these numbers in mind when using extended hose lengths. Depending on the lengths you may have to switch to a larger compressor to maintain proper pressure at the tool.
Have a technical question? Email us at nick@ftgequipment.com or call (855) 303-7900.

FTG Technical Tuesday – Air End Maintenance

FTG Technical Tuesday – Air End Maintenance

High quality rotary screw compressors such as those offered for sale by Rotair are designed, engineered and built to provide many years of reliable service. However, a screw-type air compressor is a complex machine consisting of many moving (and non-moving) parts and components. Regular preventive maintenance is essential for ensuring efficient operation, a long air compressor lifespan and reduced downtime due to the need for unscheduled repairs.

The Air-End, is the heart of any rotary screw compressor: This is where the actual compression takes place. Air-Ends can be damaged by excessive heat, contamination in the air and even dirty rotary screw compressor fluid. Your preventive maintenance procedure should include regular Air-End inspections — excessive noise and vibration can also be a telltale sign of an Air-End issue.

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to prevent premature wear is to replace your rotary compressor’s filters on a regular basis, as this will reduce Air-End wear and component contamination. Replacement of air inlet filters and compressor oil filters is recommended every five hundred (500) hours, and you should change the fluid every one thousand five hundred (1500) hours.

Have a technical question on an air compressor or generator? Give us a call at 855-303-7900 or email nick@ftgequipment.com

 

FTG Technical Tuesday – Load Bank Testing

FTG Technical Tuesday – Load Bank Testing

Load testing your generator system should be part of a standard planned maintenance program for all systems. The main reason to test your system under load is to make sure the generator will perform as designed, when it is needed most. This is the only true way to check the performance of the generator. A load test will allow verification that the generator system will produce and maintain full load without overheating and shutting down. It also allows testing of all components of the system, to ensure all work together as designed and intended and can help identify any potential weaknesses in controlled conditions. This allows proactive maintenance, as weaknesses are identified during controlled conditions.

Benefits of Load bank Testing

  • Verifies, the generators capabilities as opposed to just starting it up.
  • Helps to avoid “wet stacking” and cleans out carbon deposits.
  • Verifies the engine cooling system will perform properly under load

Contact (855) 303-7900 or nick@ftgequipment.com for your technical questions.

 

FTG Technical Tuesday – What is Wet Stacking?

With the new Tier 4 emissions requirements, especially in a rental application, it is very important to properly load bank a generator when it is returned. Customer’s requirements sometimes fall short of proper use of a generator. Sizing a generator too large for the job at hand, sizing a generator by fuel tank size instead of load, etc. All these issues can and will contribute to poor performance of the generator overtime. The most common issue is wet stacking. Wet stacking is when a diesel engine operates without sufficient load, it will operate at below its optimum temperature. This will allow unburned fuel to accumulate, foul the fuel injectors, engine valves and exhaust system, including turbochargers, and reduce the operating performance. Symptoms of wet stacking are oily residue found around the turbo charger, leaking from the exhaust manifold gaskets and in and around the exhaust stack. Next week we will discuss Load Banking procedures. Have a technical question? (855) 303-7900 or nick@ftgequipment.com

FTG Technical Tuesday – What is the purpose of a check valve on an air compressor?

FTG Technical Tuesday – What is the purpose of a check valve on an air compressor? An air compressor check valve has only one function: to let air flow from one side to the other, while blocking air flow in the opposite direction. Once the compressed air passes the check valve, there is no way it can go back again. With the help of a check valve, a compressor can keep certain parts pressurized and other parts de-pressurized. Check valves also prevent that compressed air that has left the compressor (to the piping / air tank) back into the compressor. Have a technical question? Contact us at (855) 303-7900 or nick@ftgequipment.com