Air, nitrogen, power, flow pumps and lighting solutions provider Rand-Air, part of the global leading provider of compressed air, power, steam and nitrogen rental equipment and services Atlas Copco Specialty Rental division, has earmarked steam boilers as a vital rental solution for the local market.

“Steam, as a significant energy source, is essential in industrial processes and systems. Steam boilers are therefore commonly considered to be an essential component of process plants,” explains Rand-Air KwaZulu-Natal area manager Rudi De Vry.

Should a breakdown occur, the production losses could potentially be substantial.

“Therefore, as part of Rand-Air’s central ethos of ‘making agility count’, Rand-Air aims to support customers’ industrial operations through the use of this innovative solution.”

Consequently, Rand-Air offers a well-planned and strategic steam boiler rental solution which provides swift, yet reliable 24/7 availability for the production process.

“This guarantees that downtime is reduced while safety remains our top priority – keeping the ‘heart’ of the process plant beating,” emphasises De Vry.

He further advises that Rand-Air’s steam boiler rental solution, planned to suit a range of customers and industry sectors, came about through the company’s comprehensive market research, and the concerted teamwork of himself and seasoned sales representatives for KwaZulu-Natal Natlee Bennie and Liesel Johnson.

The team’s research was aided by the expertise of their Atlas Copco colleagues internationally; as well as various engineers and boiler specialists. This new market offering was also motivated by Rand-Air’s strong and long-standing customer relationships, which the company sought to further enhance through the provision of this solution.

“In finding the market demand and, by earmarking specific boilers which are appropriate for current and potential customers as short- or long-term hires, Rand-Air can now offer a streamlined turnkey steam boiler solution,” emphasises Bennie.

She adds that the steam boilers, which are manufactured by Atlas Copco, complement Rand-Air’s existing product portfolio of TUV-certified oil-free diesel or electric air solutions; nitrogen solutions; and power, flow pumps and lighting solutions, ensuring diversified, yet comprehensive solutions for customers.

Adaptable and Innovative

The steam boiler offering currently comprises 3 t/h steam boilers with a service pressure of 14 bar and a design pressure of 16 bar. However, the company will expand this offering in future to service projects or market demand for larger sizes, Bennie notes.

The 3 t/h steam boiler is fully integrated into a 20-foot container (which can be shipped in break bulk) and includes the burner, the programmable logic control unit to monitor the boiler processes, as well as the blow-down tank.

“Features of the boilers include full portability and modularity, with each solution customisable and adaptable to customers’ specific requirements, while following the same core design,” adds Bennie.

The rental offering also includes burners with a dual-fuel capability, natural gas-firing and light fuel oil-firing.

Further, all the hydraulic connections are located at the back of the container to simplify coupling on site.

This design therefore ensures a simple, yet swift and effective solution, in the form of a ‘plug-and-play’ set-up for optimal uptime – another important benefit for customers, De Vry explains.

“There are minimal complexities in terms of installation and commissioning, as we only need to connect the boilers into the customer’s current steam supply, electricity, feed water supply and fuel source. This is beneficial – and vital – particularly when customers are faced with an emergency,” he points out.

With every installation, Rand-Air is cognisant of customers’ operations and how the boilers will fit into their s

“We strive to comprehensively understand each customer’s current process and set-up requirements, taking into consideration the piping systems, fuel source, and the type of burners used - among other elements - to determine and provide the best customised solution,” Bennie explains.

As part of the company’s customer service, Rand-Air will also provide 24/7 technical assistance from a team of skilled technicians and expert advice; as well as national and global support during the hire.

“We have further embarked on a dedicated customer education campaign, spreading awareness of this steam boiler solution, to provide customers with an effective alternative rental solution when faced with unplanned downtime or scheduled maintenance,” De Vry points out.

Johnson agrees, further enthusing that: “These steam boilers, as an operational contingency, will become a game changer, making agility count through offering much-needed and enhanced flexibility to customers.”

De Vry highlights the peace of mind that customers will have, knowing that they can draw on this rental solution, while focusing on their key strengths in fulfilling core business priorities to continue driving their businesses forward.

“With Rand-Air’s boiler solutions, it will definitely be ‘full steam ahead’!” he concludes.