Nyrstar air processing

Early works underway on Nyrstar’s product recycling facility to further reduce lead in air concentrations in Port Pirie.

Early works on a key project to reduce lead in air concentrations measured in the local community are underway at Nyrstar’s Port Pirie multi-metals processing facility.

Once completed, the $23m Product Recycling Facility will be sealed and under negative air pressure, allowing intermediate materials used in the production process to be stored and mixed in an enclosed facility.

In addition, the facility will be constructed nearby to existing processing plants which will significantly reduce the handling and transport of materials in the open air. The South Australian Government is contributing $7m to the $23m project.

Included in the early works of the project is the construction of a new air compressor and a new laundry to make space for the new facility. This project is on top of more than $150m spent over the past three years by Nyrstar at the multi-metals processing facility in Port Pirie on measures to improve lead in air concentrations detected in the community. Nyrstar Port Pirie General Manager, Mat Lynn, says that this project was an important part of the continued improvements being made on site.

“With the support of the State Government, the Product Recycling Facility will deliver an increase in environmental and operational performance,” Lynn said. “Important early works have recently started including construction on our new air compressors and the new laundry to make way for the new facility.”

“Nyrstar Australia will continue to focus on how we can continue to improve our operations to reduce lead in air concentrations and complement the Targeted Lead Abatement Program (TLAP) and actions of the State Government, Port Pirie Regional Council and people of Port Pirie to reduce lead levels within the local community.” Nyrstar is an international producer of critical minerals and metals essential for a low carbon future with mining, smelting and other operations located in Europe, the United States and Australia. Nyrstar’s operating business is wholly owned by Trafigura, one of the world’s leading independent commodity trading and supply chain logistics companies. nyrstar.com/operations/metals-processing/nyrstar-port-pirie

Nyrstar Australia is a national multi-metals processing and manufacturing business, operating in Port Pirie and Hobart for over 100 years to produce lead, silver, zinc, and many other materials that are essential for the manufacture of products.

Are VSD Compressors the most energy efficient and cost-effective solution?

The idea of VSD (Variable Speed Drive) compressors ‘paying for themselves through energy savings’ is attractive to most – but are VSD compressors the best option for your business?

VSD compressors have been designed to produce air as needed. The speed automatically adjusts so production of air matches real time demand – perfect for those whose need for air fluctuates throughout the shift. This is where the ‘potential’ energy savings come in. Unlike a Fixed Speed Compressor which runs at a constant speed until turned off, the VSD will decrease in power when not in use. Which should save you on power costs, in theory. However, there are so many variables, you may not see any s avings at all.

When VSD compressors fail, they can be expensive and time consuming to repair. Models are often superseded within a few years, along with their parts. Therefore, you are stuck with a broken compressor that isn't all that old but would be worth more as scrap metal. If you are sold a VSD with the promise of dollar savings through energy savings, ask the supplier to stand by their claims. Record your actual power usage over a standard month from your existing compressed air system and if the new VSD does not reduce the power usage by what they told you, ask them to pay the difference – we bet they won’t!

So, in the right application and environment, VSD compressors will consume energy and can save you in energy costs. However, they are NOT a one-size-fits-all solution and the decision to purchase shouldn’t been taken lightly. Research and analysis are required. Are you having trouble deciding whether a VSD or fixed speed compressor is better for your business? Contact Air Powered for a full Compressed Air Audit to determine which compressed air system is best for you. Let us help you reduce downtime - We’ll keep your business running on air. airpoweredservices.com.au

Hydraulink Malaga

New Hydraulink Malaga franchise brings top-level service skills to booming WA industrial centre

A new Hydraulink hydraulic hose, fitting and service franchise in Malaga is led by a mechanical engineer with qualifications and experience to save time and ensure optimum standards of safety and compliance for major industries there.

Hydraulink Malaga, led by franchise operator Jignesh Patel in northern Perth, is centred on a major industrial area serving industries such as mining, earthmoving, construction, materials handling, manufacturing, waste management, plant hire, agriculture, road and rail, transport, and marine.

“This region in the City of Swan, designated a strategic industrial area for Western Australia, will be ideally served by a franchise operator with the local and international experience of Jignesh Patel,” says Hydraulink National Franchise Manager Wayne Abbott.

Jignesh Patel is a heavy duty diesel mechanic with a diploma in mechanical engineering and more than 20 years’ experience in India, the Middle East, Africa and Perth, where he moved to in 2008 to work for a global leader in heavy machinery with operations throughout Australia.

“Jignesh’s experience in power plant and heavy machinery has been at the top world standards level of service, compliance and safety,” says Wayne Abbott. “His extensive experience with a wide variety of machinery and sites will be invaluable to companies seeking costefficient and thorough service from a franchise already totally familiar with their diverse needs.”

Jignesh Patel says an advantage of Hydraulink – which has 400 service points throughout Australia and New Zealand – is that the group offers not only offers hoses and fittings, “but also we provide solutions to the client by providing industry expertise directly relevant to their needs to they save downtime and don’t lose productivity.”

“Local knowledge backed by national expertise is a big advantage to companies that wish to obtain uniformly high standards across multiple sites, for example.” “I was attracted to Hydraulink because of the strong network, the quality of their products, as well as their support to franchises. Members of the Hydraulink family of franchises are typically long-term committed, with deep roots in the business communities where they operate and live.”

“A franchise with this quality organisation also gives me the backing to expand my own future, while giving me flexibility to spend more time with family. I can grow my own business while achieving a home-work balance. Franchises such as this have backup support, so you are not working along,” says Jignesh.

The new Malaga facility is backed by the training, shared expertise and top service standards of the Hydraulink group, which trades under the market signature “Best Under Pressure”.

Wayne Abbott says family-operated businesses such as the new Malaga franchise, are a major benefit to operators and clients because franchise operators have the strongest personal stake in the business to ensure ongoing satisfaction and enduring partnerships. hydraulink.com

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