PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd)

Come and say hello to Simm Engineering at Connect Sheffield on Wednesday 18th October

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 11/10/2017

On Wednesday 18 October 2017, Sheffield will be buzzing with business activity as a brand new event on the calendar gets under way. Held at Ponds Forge in the town centre, Connect Sheffield is Sheffield City Regions Business Conference and Exhibition the first of its kind.

Free to attend, the event runs from 8.45am to 4pm. Organised by the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, the conference will offer plenty of opportunities to network and to get up to speed on what other local businesses are doing and how you can work with them.

At Simm we always make the most of any opportunity to catch up with our customers and to meet potential new ones, which is why we will be taking a stand at the exhibition for the day.

Our sales team will be on hand to chat through our products and services come and ask us for up-to-date information on:

· How to reduce your energy bills and free Energy Audits

· The benefits of the latest Atlas Copco variable speed drive (VSD and VSD+) air compressors and vacuum pumps

· Nitrogen generators, pneumatics, dryers and ancillary equipment

· Contract hire options

· Service packages and our genuine 24/7 breakdown coverage

The event will also showcase a number of prestigious speakers, comprising senior business leaders and entrepreneurs. These include:

· Gordon Macrea from Gripple, manufacturer of wire joining and tensioning systems

· Juilette Healey from the Bank of England

· Jill Davies from Westfield Health

· Professor Chris Husbands from Sheffield Hallam University

· Dr Adam Marshall from the British Chamber of Commerce

· Paul Griffiths from HS2

For more information, contact the event organisers on 0114 201 8888; events@scci.org.uk; http://connectsheffield.scci.org.uk

We hope to see you there!

Is your company making sure your air is breathable?

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 16/08/2017

Breathing air supplied by an air compressor is used in many industries to allow workers to breathe clean air while operating in environments where:

there is insufficient oxygen to breathe
there are dangerous gases or vapours, such as carbon monoxide, chlorine or solvent vapour
there are solid airborne particles such as dust, asbestos, bacteria or fungal spores
there are liquid particles such as spray paint, pesticides or oil mist

Employer responsibilities
Employers are legally responsible for the safety of their workers under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2677) and anyone using breathing air equipment should be properly trained and supervised.

This includes ensuring that the equipment used is the right type for the job and that facepieces are correctly fitted, taking into account face shape and whether the worker has facial hair or wears glasses.

How often should breathing air be tested?
It is vital that the breathing air quality is maintained through regular checks and testing of the equipment and the compressed air supply.

Government health and safety guidelines say that breathing air should be tested at least every three months. Employers must ensure that contaminants are not able to affect the quality of air supplied by mobile air compressor systems.

Reusable Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) should be tested every month, or every three months if used less frequently. RPE tests should be recorded and these records kept for five years.

What tests should be carried out?
Breathing air must meet the minimum requirements of BS EN 12021.

This states:

Compressed air for breathing apparatus shall not contain any contaminants at a concentration which can cause toxic or harmful effects. In any event all contaminants shall be kept to as low a level as possible and shall be far below the national exposure limit. Combination effects of more than one contaminant shall be taken into account.

Air supply from compressors can develop contaminants over time, such as oil, water and dust particles. When used for industrial purposes, this can affect the efficiency of a machine and risk breakdowns. For breathing air quality, it is even more essential that the air supply remains clean, as there is a clear risk to the health of the user if they are breathing in contaminated air.

Air compressors should be regularly checked and maintained, particularly if they are regularly moved around in different environments.

Government guidelines say that the breathing air itself can be tested by:

simple colour change tubes
on-line gas testers
sample collection for laboratory analysis elsewhere

What about filters?
The two main types of filters are particle filters and gas/vapour filters. These should be checked and replaced in line with the manufacturers recommendations.

Anything else to look out for?
The air inlet leading into a compressor should be sited to avoid the risk of contaminated air being drawn into the system.

Conclusion
Employers have a legal duty of care to their workers to ensure that they are not harmed by contaminated air. It is therefore essential that air compressors are checked and serviced on a regular basis and that regular breathing air tests are carried out.

For advice and information on breathing air tests, call us today on 01422 321 772 or contact service@pps.co.com. You can also download a brochure here

New nitrogen generation range to deliver faster throughput for laser cutting companies

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 16/03/2026

Atlas Copco has introduced the LC N2 nitrogen generation system to the UK market. A compact, high‑pressure solution engineered specifically for modern fibre laser cutting operations.

Developed exclusively for laser cutting, the LC N2 13‑50 delivers a continuous, on‑site supply of high‑purity nitrogen at the pressure and flow rates needed to achieve fast cutting speeds and clean, oxide‑free edges. It is designed for manufacturers aiming to enhance cut quality, achieve faster throughput, and gain greater control over operational costs as nitrogen demand continues to grow.

Why nitrogen matters in laser cutting
Nitrogen plays an essential role in producing precise, oxidation‑free cuts, particularly with stainless steel and aluminium. As fibre laser technology has evolved, bringing higher speeds, increased laser power and larger nozzle sizes, nitrogen consumption has risen sharply. This has made gas supply a major factor in both cost management and performance for fabrication businesses.

A complete, high‑pressure, all‑in‑one solution
The LC N2 addresses these challenges through an integrated, high‑pressure design that, from a single compact footprint, brings together:

Nitrogen generation
Boosting
Filtration
Regulation
High‑pressure cylinder storage
Hoses and connections

Storage packs can be positioned upright or laid flat for maximum flexibility. Operating at pressures up to 300 bar, the system is designed to meet average nitrogen demand, with high‑pressure storage handling peak fluctuations. This ensures reliable performance while reducing overall system size, energy use and cost.

Plug‑and‑play installation and smart monitoring
Supplied as a plug‑and‑play package, the LC N2 can connect to an existing compressed air supply or operate alongside a dedicated compressor and air tank. Its advanced controller offers remote monitoring of nitrogen production, consumption and system status, helping operators maintain full visibility of their gas usage.

Control, consistency and cost efficiency
Laser cutting businesses rely on consistent edge quality, high throughput and predictable running costs. By producing nitrogen on site, users remove dependence on external deliveries, improve operational resilience and create a scalable foundation for future growth. For many organisations, this shift is becoming a strategic investment rather than purely a cost‑saving measure.

Modular design for easy maintenance and expansion
The LC N2 features a modular structure for straightforward service access and future scalability. Removable side and top panels simplify maintenance, and additional storage modules can be integrated as production demands increase.

Part of a complete laser cutting portfolio
The LC N2 forms part of Atlas Copco’s comprehensive range of solutions for laser cutting, which also includes:

LC Guard filtration system ensures nitrogen or oxygen purity and protects the laser head from contamination.
LC Mix gas mixer is a mobile, plug‑and‑play mixer for applications requiring a nitrogen‑oxygen blend, enabling faster and higher‑quality cutting with automatic or manual mix settings.

The new range is available through PPS, get in touch to discussthe options for your site.

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd achieves Constructionline Gold certification

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 23/04/2026

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd (PPS) has achieved Constructionline Gold certification, one of the UK construction industry’s most widely recognised standards for pre qualification, compliance and risk management.

Constructionline Gold certification confirms that PPS has been independently assessed and verified against enhanced industry criteria, including financial stability, health and safety management, quality and environmental systems, and responsible governance practices. It also aligns with the Common Assessment Standard (CAS) and PAS 91, both of which are commonly required across public and private sector procurement.

This achievement reflects PPS's ongoing commitment to operating at the highest professional standards and providing their customers with the confidence that they are working with a trusted and compliant partner.

What Constructionline Gold means for PPS's compressed air customers

Being Constructionline Gold certified offers clear benefits for those PPS work with, including:

Independent verification of PPS's credentials by a recognised third party scheme
Reduced procurement risk, with key compliance checks already completed
Faster onboarding, removing the need for repeated pre qualification questionnaires
Assurance that PPS's policies and processes meet current industry and legislative expectations

For many public sector organisations, housing providers, and Tier 1 contractors, Constructionline Gold is either a requirement or a strong preference when appointing suppliers. Achieving this status ensures we are well placed to support a wide range of projects and partnerships.

PPS is committed to high standards in compressed air

Constructionline Gold certification goes beyond basic compliance. It demonstrates PPS takes a structured, proactive approach to:

Health and safety management
Ethical and responsible working practices
Financial governance
Quality and environmental performance

Maintaining this status requires regular review and renewal, ensuring PPS's information remains accurate and up to date.

If you would like to learn more about how PPS work or discuss upcoming opportunities, please get in touch with their team.

We're recruiting: Office Receptionist/Administration Role – Halifax – moving to Brighouse September 2017

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 24/08/2017

Office Receptionist/Administration Role Halifax moving to Brighouse September 2017

Recruiting now for an Office Receptionist/Administration Role on a permanent basis in Halifax then going to Brighouse in September

Key tasks as an Office Receptionist/Administration Role would include:

Key Duties:

First point of call for telephone answering
Screening phone calls
Distributing calls to the teams, taking messages
Reception duties welcoming and signing visitors in
Making refreshments as needed
Opening, sorting and distribution of Companys post
Data inputting as needed
Assisting the teams with administration duties as needed

Skills required:

Excellent telephone manner
Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
Excellent customer service
Good organisation skills
Proficient IT skills
Good data inputting skills
Team working skills
Ability to work effectively individually or part of a busy team and work under pressure
Good command of the English language (Written and spoken)
Good mathematical skills
Ability to meet deadlines and targets

Working hours:

8.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday

Salary and benefits information will be available upon interview

In this job you will not only demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills but also the ability to utilise your IT skills to ensure the administration duties are carried out accurately and efficiently. If you feel you have the right skills for this position please apply today

Job Type: Full-time

Please submit CVs to jobs@pps.co.com

Closing date for applications 1^ST September 2017

Apprentice of the Year is not afraid to get on his bike!

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 08/01/2021

It’s traditional for the older generation to complain about “the youth of today”, but Pennine Pneumatic Services (PPS) service engineer Leland Heslop has set a shining example as a role model for young people in engineering.

Halifax born and bred, Leland is an award-winning apprentice, who has raised money for charity by getting on his bike – more of that later – and inspired the next generation of young engineers.

Early inspiration

Following the lead of family members already working in the field of engineering, Leland first did work experience with PPS whilst still at school.

“I like the variety and the fact that it’s a hands-on job,” he says. “People know PPS is a good company and they trust us to do a good job.”

Apprentice of the Year winner

After completing his four-year apprenticeship leading to a Level 3BTech in Mechanical Engineering, Leland won the prestigious 2019 Apprentice of the Year award at the Calderdale Excellence in Business Awards.

Described by his training provider as “a very reliable, punctual, trustworthy and hardworking learner”, Leland earned this accolade both for his personal achievements and for the positive impact he made at PPS.

“Saving our customers money”

As a compressed air service engineer, Leland has excelled in his role, delivering ongoing preventative maintenance and emergency support to PPS customers in a variety of manufacturing industries.

PPS Service Manager Paul Thomas notes: “It’s been a pleasure to see Leland both mature and motivate himself to become an excellent service engineer. He has proven he has the high customer service standards PPS achieve, and the ability to adapt and deliver in any given situation. He has a very bright future at PPS.”

Riding high

Going above and beyond comes naturally to Leland and he has helped to raise vital funds for a variety of good causes by taking part in the annual PPS charity bike ride - a 41-mile route between the company’s sites in Brighouse and Sheffield.

Leland has also helped out with the company’s activities for Bradford Manufacturing Week and National Apprenticeship Week, inspiring a new generation of students who come every year to tour the PPS offices.

Managing Director of PPS, Ian Harrison, says: “Leland has always been reliable, punctual, polite and keen to learn – setting a strong example for others of his age. For me apprenticeships are crucial for ensuring succession within our business. Leland’s experience is a success story for this route into the workplace.”

Pennine Pneumatic Services (PPS) receives Atlas Copco Compressors’ Distributor of the Year Award 2021

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 13/07/2022

Brighouse-based Pennine Pneumatic Services has achieved outstanding results over the year in both new equipment sales and services.

A premier distributor of Atlas Copco Compressors for 31 years, PPS’ remit is to offer energy-saving advice and solutions to manufacturers and other industries with applications that rely on compressed air and related systems within their processes. Its specialist offering includes compressors, vacuum pumps, nitrogen generators, chillers, HVAC equipment, pneumatics, pipework, ducting, and assembly tools.

At the same time, the company’s factory-trained service engineers keep everything running smoothly with service contracts and regular preventative maintenance to improve productivity, reduce energy usage and extend the lifecycle of users’ equipment.

To expand regional operations from its HQ in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, PPS has matched Atlas Copco’s own progressive strategy with focus on organic growth, supplemented by acquisitions over the last few years. Its branch operations now extend to Leigh in Greater Manchester, Sheffield, Derbyshire, and Hull − all of these sites located close to M62 and M1 transport links to serve customers throughout West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Greater Manchester and the Hull and Humber region.

Now numbering around 90 employees on all five sites, the continued support and investment of PPS’s parent company in premises and people has helped the company to grow and ensure a strong future. The Sheffield site alone has seen a 9000 sq. ft expansion and, not forgetting its roots, the company believes in supporting its local community and is running an apprenticeship programme to develop future talent.

The company attributes much of its success not only to working in close collaboration with Atlas Copco but also to the positive UK manufacturing environment where many firms are reshoring and increasing production. Alongside this, customers are investing in sustainable production, and energy efficiency is a key driver. PPS offers energy auditing services that quantify energy savings and helps customers to make an informed choice.

Commenting on his company’s accolade, Ian Harrison, Managing Director of PPS, said: “It’s been a tough two years and to finish as strong as we are now is a testament to the team around us. It’s the people who make our business and to win this award is quite an achievement, as there are a lot of strong distributor partners in the Atlas Copco family.”

The 2021 award is the fifth time that PPS has led the way in distributor performance, having received the prize in 1994, 2013, 2015, and 2019.

Manufacturers unite to share best practice on employing ex-offenders, employee retention and finding hidden talents.

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 28/06/2018

Pennine Pneumatic Services, one of the leading providers of compressed air solutions in the UK, welcomed Made in Yorkshire members to their site this week to discuss various topics within the skills and employment arena. The session focussed on sharing best practice on employing ex-offenders, retaining staff in a competitive market and finding hidden talents in teams.

When discussing ex-offenders, two of the members present were able to divulge their experiences of actively going out to employ ex-offenders and field questions from the other manufacturers about the practicalities of this method of recruitment. Whilst two other members were able to bring to the table numerous charities and organisations that could help any of the manufacturers in the room start recruiting from this underused and undervalued talent pool.

A large proportion of the discussions on this topic encouraged those in the room to de-stigmatise their opinions on ex- offenders by sharing stories of people they knew who had committed an offence and how sometimes one silly mistake can result in someone falling into the ex-offender category.

During the topic of employee retention the group shared their best practice when it came to offering more than just a bigger pay packet, which spanned across flexible working (locations and time), buying and selling holiday, employee culture, break out rooms, regular incentives, training and progression. In addition the group analysed the changing job market as millennials begin to enter the job market and how their needs differ from previous generations.

To end the session the conversation turned to finding hidden skills within a team and creating flexible job roles. One example offered by the group was of a warehouse picker who happened to do photography as a hobby outside of work. The company then asked him to support in product images which slowly developed into him becoming the group marketing manager and manage a team. Investment by the company in something that wasnt traditionally on his CV has resulted into a big benefit for both himself and the company.

The importance of flexible appraisals then became apparent as companies could perhaps benefit not by analysing someones job, but by analysing what a person can bring to the company whether it be within their current job role or not.

The skills working group brought many dynamic discussions to the table and everyone was able to walk away with new ideas they could perhaps implement in their own companies.

The next Skills Working Group will be held in October on the 17th at Balmoral Tanks. If you would like any more information on the next event or to receive the minutes for this session, please contact events@madeinyorkshire.com

Chiller Maintenance Summer Checklist

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 24/05/2021

After months full of wind, rain, leaves and snow, your chiller could probably do with some TLC. A good inspection and clean before the summer will keep you prepared and make sure your production continues to run smoothly.

Here are our top tips for making sure your chiller is ready for summer:

1. Clear away dirt and debris

Windblown dirt, leaves and other debris can surround the chiller and even get inside the enclosures. Surrounding dirt or debris should be cleared away to ensure good airflow and access to the Unit. For a deeper clean to deal with rodents or nests, we advise getting a professional to who has undertaken a risk assessment and is aware of all the potential hazards. Get in touch with our team to organise this here.

2. Cleaning Coils – dirty coils reduce efficiency

Similar to the previous point, the condenser coils and fins on your chiller should be cleaned properly to ensure effective heat exchange. Dirt build up, makes it harder to transfer heat through the refrigeration process, which forces your chiller to work harder, reducing its cooling capacity and increasing energy consumption & operating costs.

Coils should be inspected and cleaned with suitable approved chemicals and mains water and using a soft hand brush. Using a pressure washer, incorrect cleaning agents and non suitable brushes could damage from wrong methods of cleaning.

3. Condenser intake filter

Where an intake filter panel is fitted, it should be removed, examined and cleaned. If dirt builds up then it will have the same impact as a dirty condenser coil. This is very important for point of use chillers, where the unit is usually located internally, in an oily or dusty environment. .

4. Clean & inspect panels and steelwork

Wipe down each panel and the chiller frame along with the supporting structure, inspect for corrosion or breach of panel seals. If found then repair/treat where appropriate to prevent additional damage. Any dirt or mould left on and untreated can quickly become permanent and may become corrosive. Check to make sure there isn’t any water pooling on panels, hinges or around the base of the unit.

5. Check for leaks

Water leaks should be self-evident, the piping, pumps and associated components need inspection, if issues identified repaired straight away. Refrigeration & oil leaks are much harder to detect and will need an examination and leak test by a technician. Don’t try to repair the leaks yourself, contact us for an examination and to organise an FGas certified repair scheme. If fitted, testing any fixed leak detection systems and testing the alarms should be performed.

6. System & Chilled Water

Your Chiller is considered to be the heart of the system, however the system that connects to it is just as vital to ensure optimum performance and health. Strainers should be checked for proper flow and pressure, valves and actuators along with flow switches & trace heating should be inspected and tested to make sure simple alarms and potential call outs are avoided. A test of the water viscosity should be performed with a refractometer for frost protection. In addition we can offer Chilled Water analysis, as part of a water treatment scheme to include glycol and inhibitor products.

7. Planned maintenance & servicing

Finally and most importantly, schedule in a Chiller service. Having a regular maintenance schedule is the single best thing you can do to keep your system in good condition. Inspection of switchgear, testing of compressors and electronic components, including the checklist listed above, will help ensure your Chiller system is working well ready for summer, but other preventative procedure must be completed by a Chiller professional. Preventative checks and maintenance will ensure your system is always working in its optimal condition.

For more information on any of these points, or anything else to do with chillers, get in touch with our team.

HVAC Maintenance Winter Checklist

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 17/11/2020

As we’re approaching Winter, we all want to feel warm and well heated in our homes and workplace. That’s why now is a good time to check our HVAC systems and make sure they’re working at their ideal level.

Read our ‘HVAC Maintenance Winter Checklist’ for our top tips on saving money and energy this winter.

Clean air filters

Dirty air filters reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system.

When you check your air filter, look for build-up and dirt on the filter, as this stops air flowing freely through the system. Even if there isn’t much build up on the filters, it’s a good idea to clean them, or even better replace them, in preparation for winter.

Filters should be checked regularly, we recommend every month, and replaced at least every 3 months.

Clean vents

When you check the air filters, it’s also a good time to check the vents. Dirty vents can cause problems such as spreading dust or mould in your home, and anything that’s blocking the vents can reduce the efficiency of the system.

Make sure that the vents are cleaned and free from obstructions, such as furniture or equipment to prevent this.

Clean coils

Both the condenser and heating coils should be clean. Build up on the coils forces them to work harder and the airflow, cooling capacity and pressure are reduced. This results in a loss of performance and efficiency, so energy consumption and running costs are increased.

Some systems may need professional cleaning. At PPS we can service Gas Fired Equipment and Heat Pump units.

Check dampers

Dampers control the flow of air inside your system.

It is a good idea make sure dampers are working before winter, as they can be used to cut off air conditioning (heating or cooling) to unused rooms. This helps to save energy and money on your HVAC system.

Reprogram thermostats

As it’s getting colder, it’s an ideal time to reprogram your thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can lower the temperature during times when no one is home. This saves both money and energy.

We offer some thermostats and can also work on BMS (Building Management Systems).

For more information and advice, contact us.

A note on ventilation and COVID-19

As stated by the HSE “good ventilation can help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus” – the key is ensuring there is an adequate supply of fresh air.

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) have reviewed their COVID-19 Ventilation Guide as we enter the ‘heating season’…

“During the heating season it will be necessary to balance the benefits of increased ventilation rates against the need to maintain the thermal comfort of the occupants. This guidance takes a risk averse approach to reducing indoor pollution without significant capital cost and is subject to change as transmission routes become more clearly defined.”

You can read the full guide here or get in touch if you would like us to advise you further.

For more information and advice, contact us.

Get to know the PPS Energy Team

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 31/07/2023

(Pictured left to right: Jason Boyle, Mark Harris, Jayant Magdum)

The PPS Energy team are your go-to experts if you want to save money and reduce the carbon footprint of your compressed air system. Whatever your industry, they can help you measure and control your energy usage, recommend changes and guide you through the options. Even small changes can lead to substantial savings.

Heading up the team is Jason Boyle, supported by Energy Audit Engineers Mark Harris and Jayant Magdum. Here you can get to know the team a bit better and find out how their varied backgrounds make them the perfect fit to help your manufacturing site work efficiently.

Jason Boyle – Energy, Control & Monitoring Manager

Jason’s background in electrical engineering, coupled with his almost 10 years’ experience at PPS, has made him the king of control in our compressed air team. Why is Jason passionate about control? Well…

“If a factory has multiple machines, without a central controller, you have to “cascade” them. This means that you have to keep the overall pressure artificially higher, as the last machine in the system has to have pressure at a usable level for the process. With a central controller, it will run the system on the smallest amount of pressure required, keeping the overall pressure at the smallest level possible and reducing energy costs” says Jason.

Jason adds: “There are a few different versions of controllers. With the more basic ones, you can set the order and the system will rotate the machines in sequence, regardless of size. The more advanced intelligent controllers will measure usage and configure the sequence accordingly. For bigger customers with a large number of compressors, these are a cost-effective investment.

“Control isn’t always about investment in new kit, sometimes it’s about behavioural change onsite or making the most of data available to you through software like Smartlink. The majority of my time is spent helping customers understand what is available on site, to give the best control of the complete system and maximise efficiencies.”

Mark Harris – Energy Audit Engineer

Mark joined the PPS team in 2021 straight from university where he graduated with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. It didn’t take Mark long to settle in to the team and build a reputation for being able to find the ‘sweet spot’ for the optimum pressure for customer systems.

Mark explains “I knew even before starting at university that I wanted to work in the energy sector in some way, so I focused mainly on thermodynamics and energy-oriented modules. This knowledge has been very useful at PPS, because I understood the fundamentals of compressed air, energy usage and flow, despite never having been exposed to the industry before.

“Two years in and I relish the challenge of helping customers reduce their carbon footprint. This is important to me in my personal life and my own decision-making focuses on having minimal impact on the planet. I think it is really important as a business that we work for the 3P’s of people, planet and profit, I’m proud that my role has an influence on this”.

Jayant Magdum – Energy Audit Engineer

The newest member of the PPS energy team, Jayant joined at the beginning of 2023. His previous role in compressed air had been for a respected firm in India where he was a Senior Sales Engineer. He has spent the last four years working with customers to specify the correct equipment for their application, while being mindful to deliver the most energy efficient option.

“My role at PPS builds on my experience in India, but now the energy aspect of the compressed air system is my main role. I’m getting stuck into the data analysis and reporting side of the audits. The customer needs to be able to understand the energy used by their system, to then be able to manage and improve their energy usage.

“For me it is being able to provide a consultative approach and building relationships with the customer that is the most satisfying part of the job. Knowing you have understood their needs and delivered what they required to improve their business, makes all the data analysis worthwhile.”

Chiller Maintenance Winter Checklist

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 19/10/2020

In Winter chiller efficiency can take a hit. That needn’t be the case if you put in place a preventative maintenance schedule.

Read our ‘chiller maintenance winter checklist’ to prevent damage to your chillers and unnecessary increases in costs this winter.

Prevent freezing.

To prevent freezing in your chiller, it is essential to make sure the amount of glycol in your system is at the correct level. The glycol levels should be checked and maintained on a regular basis during winter. The correct amount you need in your system should be specified in the documentation issued with the unit.

Should you need it, glycol can be purchased from our trade counter, open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.

It is also important to check for any damage and corrosion on the trace heating tape and any connections. This can help ensure there’s no risk of failure and the pipes freezing. When doing any electrical checks, this must be carried out by a qualified engineer using the correct equipment.

Clean coils

Coils can be put under strain during the winter months due to the likely build-up of dirt, mould, pollutants, and more. This build-up accumulates gradually, but over time forces your chiller to work harder, reducing airflow, cooling capacity and pressure. This results in a loss of performance and efficiency, and therefore increased energy consumption and running costs.

This can all be avoided by regular cleaning and maintenance of the coils. To help the coils remain clean, remove any waste, rubbish and general debris from the surrounding area of the chiller.

Other parts to clean and examine

Condenser intake filter: air intake filter panels should be removed, examined and cleaned. If dirt builds up, it will have the same impact as a dirty condenser coil.
Protective condenser fin/coil coating: after the fins and coil have been cleaned up, examine the fin coating. The condenser fins and coil may have been treated with an anti-corrosion protective spray, so check to ensure this isn’t damaged. When cleaning the coils don’t use a hard or wire brush, a soft hand brush or purpose made narrow coil brush should be used to prevent damage to the coating.
Panels and steelwork: wash down all panels and steel work and repair/treat when necessary. Ensure there isn’t any water accumulation around and under any supporting structure. Any dirt or mould left untreated or cleaned off will become permanent and may become corrosive.

Check for leaks.

Leaks lead to a lot of wasted energy and money, something every business is trying to avoid.

Water leaks are generally obvious, and when noticed should be repaired immediately.

Refrigeration leaks are harder to detect and generally require a leak test by a qualified engineer. Get in touch if you need an engineer to carry out a leak test.

Examine insulation.

It’s important to ensure the thermal insulation is in good condition and properly fixed to the vessel/pipework – no one can afford to be losing heat in the winter months. It should be checked to make sure there are no condensation leaks, repair and replace the insulation wherever necessary.

Set for maximum efficiency

The setpoints and controls on chillers can be changed. When the setpoint changes with outdoor temperature, the efficiency of the chiller will be better. This is a simple step that can save you energy and money.

Check crankcase and evaporator heaters

Crankcase and evaporator heaters are fitted to most chillers. As temperatures are starting to change, these are very important, as they bring all of the fluids to operating temperature before starting. If they were damaged or not working properly, the chiller would have to work a lot harder during start-up which could potentially cause excess wear on the parts.

Crankcase and evaporator heaters should be checked, tested and replaced where appropriate.

For information or advice, contact us.

Meet the Supplier: Atlas Copco – From diesel to dinosaurs

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 07/10/2017

At PPS we are proud to partner with many of the top suppliers of air compressors, vacuum pumps, nitrogen generators, pneumatics and ancillary equipment.

The focus of this article is one of our key suppliers, Atlas Copco, a world leader in its field.

Read on for more information on Atlas Copcos history and to find out why a dinosaur was named after the company!

Early history

Foundation  Atlas Copco has its roots in a company called AB Atlas, founded in 1873.

First Managing Director  Edvard Fränckel, a Swedish industrialist, politician and senior official at Swedens state railway.

First products  construction and operational products for rail.

Renamed as  Nya Atlas in 1890, now with three key production branches: locomotives, industrial central heating, and tool machinery.

Pneumatic department created  1901.

First own piston compressor developed  1904.

Renamed again as  Atlas Diesel, after Nya Atlas merges with Diesels Motorer; now supplying diesel engines, pneumatics and air compressors.

Named Atlas Copco in  1956. Having grown through expansion and acquisition following the Second World War, the company ceased manufacturing diesel and took on its current name.

Where is the company based?

Headquarters  Stockholm, Sweden

UK base  Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

Distribution  customer centres in around 90 countries, sales hubs in around 180 countries.

What are the key products and services that Atlas Copco supplies to PPS?

Air compressors  including the latest VSD and VSD+ energy-saving systems. The early prototypes were further developed at Atlas Copcos factory in Belgium and a VSD-controlled compressor was launched in 1994.

Vacuum pumps  including the GHS VSD+ series of oil-sealed rotary screw machines, which offer excellent performance and efficiency, quiet operation and low environmental impact, and the latest DZS dry claw technology.

Plus:

· Oil and gas treatment equipment

· Air management systems

· Gas and process compressors

· Exhaust management systems

· Valves

· Industrial power tools

· Mining equipment

What are the major benefits these products bring to our customers?

The latest Atlas Copco products have many key features and benefits, including;

· Energy savings lower energy usage can lead to up to 50% savings on energy bills

· Environmentally friendly efficient machines using less energy are better for the environment

· Reliability less downtime and lower repair bills

· Small footprint machinery saves space in the workplace

· Quieter running better for operatives health

And what about that dinosaur?

A new species of dinosaur discovered in Australia was named Atlascopcosauras loadsi, after the company gave assistance and equipment to help with the excavation (the loadsi part of the name was after Bill Loads, Atlas Copcos manager in Victoria). The dinosaur was a plant-eating creature with an estimated length of two to four metres and weight of around 125 kilos.

A great partnership

PPS won Atlas Copco distributorship in September 1991, shortly after its foundation, and is proud to have been awarded the Atlas Copco Distributor of the Year award on three occasions (1994, 2013 and 2015).

We will continue to champion existing and new products made by Atlas Copco for all the benefits they bring to our customers.

For more information on Atlas Copco products, contact the PPS sales team on 01422 321 772 or email: sales@pps.co.com.

MIY Expo Exhibitor Spotlight: PPS – Keeping Yorkshire Manufacturers Running Efficiently

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 28/08/2025

At Pennine Pneumatic Services (PPS), we keep manufacturers productive by delivering reliable and efficient compressed air solutions – from the plant room to the factory floor. With decades of expertise and a customer-first approach, we’re proud to support businesses across the region with systems and services they can depend on.

This October, we’ll be showcasing our capabilities at the Made in Yorkshire Expo, taking place on Thursday 16th October 2025 at the Accu Stadium, Huddersfield.

As part of Made in Yorkshire’s Exhibitor Spotlight series, a member of the MIY team recently caught up with us to ask a few quick questions about what drives us, what we’ve achieved recently, and what exciting things we’ve got coming up next.

1. In one sentence – what does PPS do best?

We maintain productivity for manufacturers across the region by delivering reliable and efficient compressed air solutions – from the plant room to the factory floor.

2. What’s the driving mission or purpose behind PPS right now?

Customer focus has always been – and will always be – at the heart of everything we do.

Whether it’s the range of products we supply, the servicing delivered by our experienced engineers, the installations we carry out, or the energy savings we achieve – it all comes back to what the customer actually needs for their site and their application.

3. What’s been the biggest milestone in the past 12 months?

The last year has been full of achievements we’re proud of. We’ve:

Continued to see strong business growth
Delivered significant energy savings for customers
Celebrated apprentices finishing top of their class
Completed space-saving projects where no other compressor firm could
Successfully passed our first ISO audit
And in November, became part of Atlas Copco Compressors

One of the things we’re always most excited about is the energy savings we deliver. In 2024, we carried out 217 compressed air data logs – identifying opportunities for manufacturers to cut over 10 million kWh of energy use and reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 2,071 tonnes.

4. Any exciting developments on the horizon?

We’ve always believed in investing in our people – and this year, we’re taking that commitment even further.

We’re increasing investment in training, upskilling our engineers across new technical areas, and welcoming another apprentice in September. By developing our people, we can deliver even more for our customers – which ties right back to our mission of customer focus.

5. Something surprising or little-known about us…

Out of our 76 team members, six have been with us for more than 30 years – and one engineer is close to reaching 40 years of service. What he doesn’t know about compressed air isn’t worth knowing!

Come and meet us at the Made in Yorkshire Expo 2025

We’ll be on stand MIY109 at this year’s Made in Yorkshire Expo, taking place on Thursday 16th October 2025 at the Accu Stadium, Huddersfield.

If you’re attending, pop by and say hello – we’d love to share more about how we can help you save energy, reduce costs, and keep your business productive.

Not registered yet? You can register for your visitor pass here.

See you there!

R&G Acquisitions bolster the Pennine Pneumatic Services offering

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 08/11/2018

Investment from R&G Acquisitions heralds a new era of major growth for the successful compressed air and pneumatics business

One of the UK’s leading providers of compressed air solutions, Pennine Pneumatic Services (PPS) Ltd, is set for a new era of growth following investment from R&G Acquisitions.

An Atlas Copco Compressors Premier distributor and multi-award-winning enterprise, PPS will benefit from major inward investment, designed to take the company to the next level.

Founded in 1991, the company acquired Sheffield-based Simm Engineering Group in 2015, creating a group with a combined heritage of more than 100 years. Driven by a strong team of highly qualified and experienced staff, PPS has an exemplary reputation for customer service.

New directorship

Having built the company around its people and steered it to become the successful business it is today, PPS founder Gary Whitaker will now step down as Managing Director. He will, however, remain on hand to ensure knowledge transfer, as he works towards retirement.

Gary said: “I am extremely proud of the success my team and I have enjoyed at PPS. When I founded the company in 1991 it was based on a straightforward, honest approach where people were highly valued. This is something I have ensured is still true at PPS today and I know, with the R&G Acquisitions investment, will continue well into the future. Having led the business for the past 27 years, I’m looking forward to taking more of a back seat as the company embarks on a new era, in the capable hands of our experienced team.”

Ian Harrison, currently a Director of the company, will step up to the role of Managing Director. A highly respected professional with many years of experience and technical expertise, Ian has been with PPS since 2001.

Ian said: “It’s been a privilege to work with Gary over many years and to help shape the company into what it is today. Anyone who has met me will be able to appreciate just how driven I am to ensure PPS continues to grow and adapt – something made possible by the solid financial investment from R&G Acquisitions.”

Matt O’Connor, General Manager of PPS since 2017, moves into the role of Operations Director. With a background in sales, service, operations and management positions, Matt has extensive business expertise to support the company and its staff moving forward.

The next step

The investment from R&G Acquisitions will allow the business to offer outstanding service and major savings on energy bills to an even wider range of compressed air users across the UK.

As a business investment company, R&G Acquisitions will support the path that PPS is on, by investing in its future growth and development. Along with Gary Whitaker’s shareholding, R&G Acquisitions will gain 65 passionate, driven and knowledgeable employees.

As far as customers, staff and suppliers are concerned, it is business as usual, which means energy savings, professional advice and a superior service across the board.

“Atlas Copco Compressors is confident that the investment will allow PPS to serve its customers even better. We thank Gary for a great partnership for almost 30 years and wish much success to Ian, Matt and the team in growing the PPS business further.”
Alexander Pavlov, General manager for Atlas Copco Compressors UK & Ireland

Marshalls is Another Happy PPS Customer

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 16/08/2017

Company: Marshalls Natural Stone Processing: Cromwell Saws, Southowram, Halifax and Appleton Saws, Shepley, Huddersfield.

Marshalls Natural Stone Processing is part of the Minerals division of Marshalls. The stone processing factories at Cromwell and Appleton supply natural stone paving, cladding and architectural masonry to commercial customers in the landscape and construction sectors, and also to the domestic market.

A leader in its field, Marshalls has its head office in Elland, Halifax, and first started quarrying stone more than 100 years ago at the Cromwell Saws site, purchasing the Appleton Saws site in the 1980s.

Project overview: The servicing and maintenance of the Cromwell Saws and Appleton Saws compressor systems.

What was needed: For many years, PPS has been servicing the compressors and ancillary equipment at the companys Cromwell Saws and Appleton Saws sites.

Initially, this began as a standard arrangement, where PPS engineers were called out as required. This progressed to monthly service checks, which provided reports that generated actions to ensure the smooth running of the equipment.

Because of the regular servicing and maintenance required on Cromwell and Appletons multi-compressor sites, PPS Service Manager Paul Thomas recommended that the company move to responsibility packages.

What we did: To help demonstrate the benefits of this approach, Paul Thomas put together a quote, which was taken up by Engineering and Maintenance Manager, Andy Reed.

At Cromwell, its a full responsibility package: PPS take total control of the compressors and auxiliary equipment, carrying out a monthly check, and the servicing and monitoring of the systems, so we dont have to worry about them at all, Andy Reed explains.

At Appleton its slightly different as there are multiple compressors of varying ages, so this site is better suited to a maintenance package, where machines are checked on a monthly basis and there are separate charges for service and maintenance. PPS has set up a computer control software system for reporting issues and things are now running really smoothly; both packages suit both sites really well.

Why PPS?: The compressor systems at the two sites had been looked after by PPS for some years, and Andy Reed was very happy with the service provided: The PPM [Planned Preventive Maintenance] that PPS provide is exceptional; it ensures our compressed air systems are maintained correctly so our processing machines that rely on the availability of compressed air can operate to their capacity.

Key benefits: Since the new system was introduced in 2016, PPS has been sending out bespoke monthly reports and check sheets. This has reduced admin for the company, as the streamlined system only requires yearly purchase orders and a lot less paperwork.

PPS look after everything without me having to worry about it, says Andy Reed. If theres a problem, they will call me. If a machine has to be turned off for maintenance or repairs, they will offer me a hire or replacement machine.

Another happy customer:

With the recent investment project at Cromwell under way, it has been a blessing that I havent had to chase, check or badger anyone to ensure reliable continuous operation of our compressors at Cromwell and Appleton PPS are always on the ball.

PPS provide an exceptional service and Id definitely recommend the company for anyone who wants peace of mind when it comes to looking after their compressed air systems.

Andy Reed, Engineering and Maintenance Manager, Marshalls Natural Stone Processing, Cromwell Saws and Appleton Saws

PPS wins Atlas Copco Distributor of the Year 2015

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 12/02/2016

PPS is delighted to announce that it has won the Atlas Copco Distributor of the Year Award for 2015.

The award recognises the companys exceptional sales of Atlas Copco products; these include Atlas Copco Variable Speed Drive (VSD) air compressors and vacuum pumps, which have saved thousands of pounds in energy bills for PPS customers through more efficient running.

PPS has shown overall growth on last years sales of Atlas Copco products of 30% and won the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2015. The company will be presented with a trophy later in the month.

PPS last won the Distributor of the Year Award in 2013 and the 2015 award is a great way to mark the start of the companys 25th anniversary year (PPS was established in 1991 by the current Managing Director Gary Whitaker).

For more information on how your company can save money by swapping to more efficient variable speed drive Atlas Copco air compressors or vacuum pumps, contact the PPS sales team on 01422 321 772 or send an email to: sales@pps.co.com

First Connect Sheffield was first class!

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 25/10/2017

Local businesses including Simm Engineering were out in force for the first ever Connect Sheffield business conference, held on 18 October at Ponds Forge in Sheffield City Centre

Organised by the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, the event was a good opportunity for companies to increase their business profile, showcase their products and generate leads.

Simm was represented on the day by Ian Glasgow, Area Sales Manager, and Richard McClurg, New Business Development, who manned the stall, handed out literature and chatted to the steady stream of delegates.

Representatives of a wide range of industries including engineering, media, insurance and IT dropped by to find out more about Simm and the energy-saving and cost-saving products and services we provide.

With nearly 80 stalls taken up by a variety of local and national businesses and organisations, and a number of seminars and networking opportunities, the event was well supported and will no doubt build on this early success in future years.

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd appoints new Managing Director

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 09/10/2023

Brighouse headquartered compressed air specialist, Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd (PPS), has appointed Matt O’Connor as their new Managing Director.

Effective from the 1^st October 2023, Matt, who has been Operations Director since 2018, takes over from Ian Harrison who has led the company for the past five years. Ian will be staying on as an executive director.

“I’m excited to step into the Managing Director role at PPS, having worked closely with Ian to develop the business over the last six years. We have a fantastic team and culture at PPS, and I know we are in a great position for this next step.

“As we look ahead at the next period of growth our strategic priorities are our commitment to sustainability, quality of our service delivery, increasing our product offering and the continual development our people.” Matt O’Connor, PPS Managing Director

Established in 1991, PPS has become one of the regions leading providers of complete turnkey production solutions. Now employing over 90 people; PPS design, supply, install and maintain compressed air systems across Yorkshire, the North and the UK.

“I’m pleased to handover the responsibility to Matt, I know the business will be in safe hands as we share a lot of the same values,” added Ian Harrison.

“PPS has changed a lot in the 22 years I have been here, we’ve grown massively but aways had people at the heart of it.”

PPS have been part of the R&G Fluid Power Group (R&G) since 2018, as Managing Director of PPS Matt will also be responsible for leading the Pneumatics Division of R&G. The Pneumatics Division of R&G includes PPS, Norman Walker, Compcon, Integraflex Yorkshire and AB Compressors.

Photo (left to right) – Ian Harrison and Matt O’Connor

PPS recognised as Festo Official Partner

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 02/02/2024

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd (PPS) has joined the Festo Official Partner network. Festo Official Partners are able to combine the convenience of local stock-holding and service with access to Festo’s 33,000 standard catalogue products and global expertise in automation to ensure class-leading supply for customers.

“PPS are proud to have been named as a Festo Official Partner. Our aim is to deliver products that help our customers improve their productivity and achieve sustainability goals – being able to supply the innovative Festo range will help us to do this. PPS customers will benefit from having these reliable, high-quality automation solutions available from our trade counters and through our technical team”, commented Matt O’Connor, PPS Managing Director.

James Mitchell, National Team Manager, Distribution for Festo GB, says “We are really excited to announce the appointment of PPS becoming the newest member of our Official Partner Network. Our Official Partners are a key factor to Festo providing industry with a true omni-channel approach. PPS have been selected because they can provide a combination of expert service and in-depth product knowledge, as well as demonstrating their commitment to Festo standards and values. The locations of their branches, their technical expertise, their focus on customer service & their team’s general professional demeanour make the development of Festo offer with PPS a very exciting opportunity.”

Graham Keenan, PPS Pneumatics Team Manager, added, “It’s fantastic to be working with Festo, I am looking forward to working collaboratively with a globally recognised manufacturer to deliver products, services, and tailored automation solutions to our customers old and new.”

The level of service provided by all Festo Approved Partners aims to be exemplary. Only companies that meet specific Festo-defined standards are granted the title. In particular, each stockist must operate in accordance with the ISO 9002 standard, carry guaranteed stock levels, and offer fully trained technical support personnel and competent trade counter services.

With Festo currently introducing more than 100 new patents annually, the Official Partner network plays an essential role in ensuring that customers have access to the latest automation innovations and application advice more quickly, helping them to deliver truly bespoke solutions to maximise productivity.

PPS expands from Yorkshire to Greater Manchester with the opening of a new branch bringing new jobs to the local area

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 01/03/2021

Pennine Pneumatic Services (PPS) has expanded its reach by investing in a new branch in Leigh, Greater Manchester. PPS bucks the trend as whilst other industrial distributors centralise, it continues its company mantra to "go local" and ensure regional support to its customers and brings employment opportunities into the area. PPS now has a presence in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. The new unit will officially open on Monday 1^st March 2021.

The expansion will add a local presence for PPS customers increasing service levels and giving them easy access to a sales counter for critical spare parts. Five local people are employed in the depot with plans for future development and further employment opportunities. The new premises has created a promotion opportunity for Andy Kershaw who will now take on the additional responsibility of branch manager.

Andy Kershaw said, “I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge of increasing our presence in the Greater Manchester region by working with Atlas Copco to further increase our local customer service satisfaction levels. Being in closer proximity to our customers means we can provide a more efficient local response to our customers’ needs. Downtime is costly and when things go wrong we can give a faster response, by being closer at hand, getting manufacturing businesses up and running at a quicker rate and reducing their potential loss of earnings.”

Ian Harrison, managing director PPS said, "We’re pleased to give Andy this well deserved new opportunity and we’re confident his presence in Manchester along with the rest of his team will provide the level of service we already provide to our local customers in Yorkshire. Greater Manchester is an area where there is a high demand with many manufacturing businesses in the area that need our support. As a community business we are always looking to grow local and support local and we believe that this is an area that will benefit from our presence.

“Like our move to Brighouse back in 2017 we plan to create jobs for the surrounding community and work with local charities and sports teams. We work to support a better future for the neighbourhood whether through employment, apprenticeships or charity involvement. This latest move to Greater Manchester will be the fourth time we have supported a community with our local presence."

PPS isn't just Atlas Copco's largest UK distributor but a stockist of pneumatic parts including being the largest UK stockist of Transair and authorised distributor’s for Camozzi Automation and Norgren. The company can assist with all elements from the plant room to the factory floor and from supply to installation and continued maintenance. As part of the wider R&G Fluid Power Group, PPS can also help manufacturers with hydraulics, sealing products and industrial hose & fittings.

The new unit will officially open on 1^st March offering customers in Greater Manchester a complete turnkey solution from the plant room to the factory floor including air compressors, chillers, pneumatics, pipework, installation, ducting and assembly tools. For further information visit pps.co.com, call 0161 676 0060 or email sales@pps.co.com

Pennine Pneumatic Services becomes part of Atlas Copco Group

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 06/11/2024

Effective from Monday 4th November 2024, Atlas Copco UK Holdings Ltd has acquired 100% ownership of Pennine Pneumatic Services Limited (PPS).

At PPS we have been an Atlas Copco premier distributor for many years and will continue to offer the same products and services we always have, as well as an extended product offering as part of Atlas Copco Compressors UK’s business operations.

PPS will continue to operate as a stand-alone company within Atlas Copco Compressors UK, under the Pennine Pneumatic Services brand name, for the foreseeable future.

In this new era, our core principle of providing a superior compressed air service to local businesses, and the team’s dedication to customers, will remain firm.

Matt O’Connor, PPS Managing Director, commented “PPS has been built on the strength and resilience of its people. Since Gary Whitaker founded the business 33 years ago the team have continued to develop, diversify and embrace change. This growth mindset has been even more evident over the past 10 years while led by Ian Harrison and more recently myself. As part of R&G Fluid Power Group we’ve gone through a period of acquisitions and dramatic growth.

“From small beginnings to five branches across the north and over 90 team members, we couldn’t do what we do without the support of our team, customers and suppliers. Becoming part of Atlas Copco Compressors UK, with its focus on the wellbeing of the team, innovation and the environment, makes this next chapter the most exciting yet, for both our customers and the PPS team.”

Ariel Rubinstein, General Manager, Atlas Copco Compressors UK & Ireland added “Pennine Pneumatic Services showcases strong sales and service presence in the North of England which will open additional opportunities for us going forward. I would like to welcome our new colleagues from PPS to Atlas Copco Group.”

For our customers, please be assured that our commitment to you and the service we provide remains the same, we value your business and continued loyalty. Our teams will still deliver the same high standard that you have come to expect. PPS Engineers will still have the same skills, tools and software, and will still be able to service and repair all our existing customers’ equipment.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your usual PPS contact.

Booking British Compressed Air Society training through PPS unlocks 25% discount

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 09/02/2023

At PPS, we understand the importance of receiving appropriate training, and work to help provide this for our team, and for our customers.

As a member of the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS), we can help you access the BCAS blended and eLearning training courses. These courses are designed for compressed air users and are suitable for varied levels of skill and experience.

It can be difficult to find time for in-person training, so the courses are built to be flexible and fit into busy schedules. The courses can be accessed from anywhere at any time, and can be completed in small sections, or all in one go.

If you book the courses through PPS, you will receive a 25% discount. To unlock this, either contact a member of our team to help you, or if you are wanting to book through the BCAS website, quote ‘Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd’ in the ‘are you a customer of a BCAS member?’ section.

Available courses:

Compressed Air Service Engineer Health and Safety Training: This course brings together all aspects of health and safety in a compressed air system and provide the engineer with a fully rounded qualification.
Certificate in Compressed Air Systems Technology: This qualification provides a comprehensive training and introduction path for compressed air systems.
Compressed Air Systems’ Testing and Examinations: This course teaches basic knowledge and skills around Regulation 9 of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations, S.I. 2000 No. 128.
Certificate in Compressed Air Treatment Technology (CATT): This course helps the participant understand the importance of contaminants in a compressed air system.
Diploma in Compressed Air Management (DipCAM): This qualification will give an in-depth technical grounding in the principles of compressed air systems. It has been built to meet the needs of those who are responsible for installing compressed air systems and want to gain a high level of technical knowledge and expertise.
Understanding Breathing Air (BS EN 12021): This course provides necessary information on breathing air regulations, and the provision of breathable air to be used by a person in the execution of a work-related task.
Understanding ISO 8573 – The Air Quality Standard: This course will give a full understanding of ISO 8573 and guides the participant in-depth through each part of the air quality standard.
Understanding Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR 2000 S.I.128): This course provides knowledge on essential Pressure Systems’ Safety Regulations (S.I 2000 No 128) and related standards and codes of practice.

If you are interested in one of these courses, you can read more here or contact the PPS team directly here.

PPS help SGL Co-Packing get cartoning machine back up and running quickly

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 21/02/2019

Based in Nelson, Lancashire, SGL Co-Packing offers reliable and competitively priced contract packing and manufacturing for some of the top FMCG companies in the UK.

Services include packaging and labelling for existing products and new launches, product pack variations and specialist packaging for new sales channels.

Offering a flexible, efficient and professional approach, the company is committed to providing excellence in customer service, while leading when it comes to industry standards.

Project date: 20 December 2018

Project overview: Replacing a broken pneumatic cylinder on a cartoning machine on a line packing confectionery.

What was needed:
During full production, the pneumatic cylinder rod suddenly snapped, out of the blue. A complete new cylinder was required in order for the machine to function properly and production to restart.

“Generally, cylinders might leak or stick, but this one actually broke and was unsalvageable,” explains SGL Co-Packing’s Engineering Manager, Matt Carroll. “Because this was such an unlikely occurrence, we didn’t have a spare cylinder on site.”

What we did:
Matt Carroll rang Pneumatics Area Sales Manager Glenn Stephenson and asked him if PPS could supply a cylinder to replace the broken one. Glenn was able to offer a Camozzi cylinder from the PPS stores, which would fit perfectly.

“As we run our production 24 hours a day, five days a week, it was imperative to get the part quickly,” says Matt Carroll. “Before I knew it, a PPS van was outside with the new cylinder. I fitted it myself and production was up and running again within a few hours of the breakdown.”

Why PPS?:
Matt Carroll has known PPS Managing Director Ian Harrison for many years and SGL has sourced four Atlas Copco air compressors from the company for its two sites: two GA26 VSD compressors with Smartlink built-in modems, which send an email when a warning requires attention, and two back-up GA18 models.

“I’ve dealt with Pennine for a long time and rely on the company for servicing and the supply of machinery,” says Matt Carroll. “If I ever need anything, they always find a way to help me out as soon as possible.”

Key benefits:
The speed that PPS were able to replace the broken cylinder meant that production was only down for a limited time.

Matt Carroll has also been very happy with the compressors supplied. “The compressors are very quiet machines, and because they are variable speed, they will shut down and ramp back up when you need them, saving energy and money.”

Another happy customer:
“There were no ifs, no buts – your guys resolved the issue within a few hours, without having to wait five days for a part. The breakdown could have meant a loss of production and sales, but Glenn pulled out all the stops, and that has gone down in my books as one of those key moments. Thanks to Pennine for looking after me yet again – long may the relationship continue.”
Matt Carroll, Engineering Manager, SGL Co-Packing

Manufactured Yorkshire 2017 – putting customers first

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 11/05/2017

The Manufactured Yorkshire expo is a great way to communicate with existing and potential customers and this year was no exception.

The one-day event was held at Elland Road, Leeds, on 10 May, with a particularly busy morning session. Our team members were very grateful to have started the day with free breakfast butties, provided by Santander!

The joint PPS/Simm Engineering stand gave pride of place to an Atlas Copco DZS 065V vacuum pump and an Atlas Copco GA11VSD+FF air compressor, alongside a range of pneumatic components with particular focus on Camozzi valves and actuators.

Events like Manufactured Yorkshire provide a great opportunity to engage with customers and find out what is currently driving their business whether energy efficiency, increasing productivity or cost reduction. As a solutions provider, we can then advise on the best way to help them.

By pinning business cards on a display board of business challenges, delegates were able to see a visual representation of the issues. These varied from company to company and were in some cases specific to their business; however, we found that we were offering free energy surveys to several companies as a good starting point for measuring current energy use, leading to ways to save money and drive efficiency.

It will come as no surprise to hear that Manufactured Yorkshire attracted a large number of manufacturers, many of which use compressed air systems, pneumatics and other products that are supplied by PPS. The diverse range of companies included printers, bottle manufacturers, tool manufacturers and cardboard manufacturers. Some worked in specific hi-tech industries, such as a manufacturer of specialist looms, used for weaving carbon fibre for aircraft.

In the afternoon, our vacuum specialist Adrian McSorley took part in the three-minute showcase, using his rapid slot to discuss the benefits of the new Atlas Copco DZS dry claw vacuum machine and our approach to helping customers save energy including a discussion on how an average of 10% of energy usage is on compressed air. It was a great opportunity to present information about PPS, as one of only 20 companies from the Made in Yorkshire and CKMA networks invited.

At the end of the day, the team agreed that it had been a very positive event, and that it was cheering to see that the Yorkshire manufacturing sector remains vibrant.

Whether or not we managed to catch up with you on the day, we always welcome new approaches and our sales team would be happy to chat to you about our range of products and free energy survey offer. Get in touch with us here.

PPS welcomes new apprentice engineer, Harry Howarth

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 15/10/2025

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd (PPS) is delighted to welcome its newest apprentice engineer, Harry Howarth, who joined the team at the beginning of September.

At just 16, Harry has already shown a strong passion for engineering. After completing his GCSEs earlier this year, he spent two weeks on work experience with PPS over the summer, an experience that confirmed his ambition to pursue a career in air compressor engineering.

“I’ve always liked engineering and how things work,” said Harry. “I enjoy getting hands-on with machinery and I’ve always fixed up bikes at home, my brother’s studying engineering at university, and he’s helped me learn a lot.”

Following his work experience, PPS supported Harry in enrolling with Appris, an engineering training provider in Bradford, where he is now studying towards an NVQ in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. The four-year engineering apprenticeship in Bradford includes one day a week at college alongside practical, hands-on experience with the PPS service team.

Harry has already been involved in a wide variety of jobs at PPS, from air compressor servicing and breakdowns to installing new compressed air dryers at customer sites. “I’m really enjoying the hands-on stuff, getting out and about and doing things,” he said.

Looking ahead, Harry is excited to continue developing his skills and experience. “I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the role, learning to drive when I turn 17, and eventually being able to go out to jobs on my own.”

Service Director, Alan Kerr, added “I believe it’s important we continually invest in succession planning at PPS. As we welcome Harry at the start of his career, we also have two engineers approaching successful completion of their apprenticeships. We’re proud to support the growth and development of our engineers at every stage of their career, it’s a key way to keep our industry thriving.”

JOB VACANCY: Pipefitter wanted

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 25/01/2018

Recruiting now for an experienced Pipefitter - on a permanent basis.

PPS offer Sales/Service of a varied range of Compressed Air Equipment, Ancillaries, Vacuum, Pneumatics and Nitrogen products.

Some Key tasks as a Pipefitter  would include:

· Assemble and install piping for compressed air, inert gases, and water systems

· Mounts pipe hangers and brackets on walls and ceilings to hold pipe

· Install compressors, couplings and other fittings

· Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe for repairs

· Perform other duties as needed to assist the pipefitting team

· Loading and delivering materials

· Using a variety of tools hand and power

· Cleaning and preparing a job site

· Setting up and taking down ladders, scaffolding and other structures

· Using & working safely from MEWPS

· Compliance with responsibilities as laid down in the Companys Health, Safety and Environment Policy and as explained in Site Health and Safety rules/procedures

· Contribute to improving the business, protecting and enhancing the reputation of the company, by putting forward new ideas and, when requested to do so, implementing change

· Liaising with Halifax and Sheffield teams as required

· Work with various departments to ensure projects are planned in and kept on schedule

Skills required:

· Mechanical Assembly of pipe, Threading, Hanging etc

· Knowledge of push-fit systems as Airnet, Transair

· Knowledge of ABS assembly of pipe

· Safe Contractor/CSCS card holder current or recently expired

· Excellent customer service

· Understanding of CAD drawings

· Good negotiating skills

· Proficient IT skills

· Team working skills

· Good organisation skills

· Good communication skills

· Ability to work effectively individually or part of a busy team and work under pressure

· Excellent telephone manner

· Good command of the English language (Written and spoken)

· Good mathematical skills

· Ability to meet deadlines and targets

· Full clean driving licence

Working hours: 8.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday

Salary and benefits information will be available upon interview

In this job you will not only demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills but also the ability to utilise your IT skills and your customer service skills to ensure the position of (role title) is completed effectively. If you feel you have the right skills for this position please apply today

Job Type: Full-time

Please submit CVs to jobs@pps.co.com

For full job spec details click here

Pennine Pneumatic Services To Be Presented With Manufacturing Hero Award

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 24/01/2022

Pennine Pneumatic Services (PPS) is excited to announce that we have been named 'Manufacturing Hero' by the distinguished Made in Group.

The Manufacturing Heroes recognition is a campaign set up by Made in Group, to celebrate manufacturers within the membership group who have demonstrated strength in a time of crisis.

Trade associated Made in Group began this to highlight the achievements of UK manufacturers who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, which was started with those who participated in the UK Ventilator Challenge to help save lives. Made in Group have voiced their view that government procurement for the NHS had failed over a preference to source from overseas suppliers and overlooked the quality manufacturing talent domestically.

Ultimately, all ‘Manufacturing Heroes’ will be presented with a specially commissioned badge manufactured in the world-renowned Midlands Jewellery Qtr by Thomas Fattorini Ltd, a company based in Birmingham and who were granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2008. Many of these recognition ceremonies have taken place in 2021, with Made in Group planning to continue the recognition ceremony into 2022 with more companies to be announced in the near future.

Here at PPS we were nominated as a Manufacturing Hero for expanding our reach by investing in a new branch in Leigh, Greater Manchester and hiring staff during the height of the pandemic.

To find out more about the 70+ companies who have already received this recognition, please read this article: https://madeingroup.madeinyorkshire.com/news/70-uk-manufacturers-recognised-as-heroes-with-more-to-be-announced-in-2022

5 things to think about when choosing the right vacuum technology

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 16/05/2022

Whether you use vacuum technology for filling, packaging or moving goods, it’s important to use your vacuum pump correctly to avoid wasting energy and incurring higher bills.

Optimising your vacuum processes will help you to run a more efficient factory, reduce the risk of disruption to your operation, improve the quality of your products and lower your overall energy costs.

What is vacuum technology commonly used for?

The applications and processes that use vacuum technology include:

Filling machines
Pick and place
Transporting goods
Plastic extrusion
Chemical distillation
Packaging goods – vacuum, thermoformed, blister, tubular bag etc

5 points to consider when choosing vacuum technology

When looking at vacuum technology for your plant, there are a number of points to consider that will help you to make the best choice for your applications and processes. Here are our top five.

1. The level of vacuum required

This will depend on the application – which means that you need to check the level of vacuum needed for your applications prior to making a purchase. This will be in a range up to 900 millibars.

Other considerations are the pumping speed and whether the application needs consistent pressure or whether the pump-down process is more relevant to its operation.

There are vacuum systems available that can be controlled depending on demand; these will either maintain a consistent vacuum level or a consistent pumping speed.

2. Interaction between the pump and the application

The principle of vacuum technology is that it removes air from a closed system to create a vacuum. However, different pumps will interact in different ways with an application – and the reverse is also true.

This is particularly important to consider in specialised processes. For example, in food production where contamination must be avoided, an oil-free pump would be the best option.

The options for vacuum technology include: oil-lubricated or dry-running rotary vane vacuum pumps; dry claw vacuum pumps; dry screw vacuum pumps; and side channel blowers. If you are unsure which is best for your application, our expert engineers can help.

3. Central versus local vacuum supply

There can be significant capital and operating cost variations between choosing a local supply for your factory, where individual machines are operated by separate vacuum pumps, and a central supply that feeds the whole plant.

The local option means you don’t have to install and pay for a pipeline system; however, a central supply in a larger factory means you won’t need to commission as many vacuum pumps. A central supply will also give you lower operating costs, due to lower energy use and maintenance requirements. Additionally, the noise and heat of the vacuum system’s operation can be isolated from production areas.

4. Advanced technology and futureproofing your factory

As we move towards Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things, cutting-edge new products such as the Atlas Copco HEX@ vacuum controller can make a marked difference to the way you use vacuum technology.

Offering industry-leading performance and functionality, the HEX@ augmented control centre improves connectivity, allowing you to access your system from anywhere within or outside your production area.

Choosing advanced technology now is the best way to run your current production efficiently and to futureproof your factory.

5. Ownership costs

Saving energy is a high priority at any time, but especially in an era of Climate Change and rising energy costs.

A cheap vacuum pump might seem like a good idea when it comes to capital outlay, but if it costs more to run, has higher maintenance costs and requires more frequent oil changes, it can be a false economy.

Ensuring you have the right vacuum pump for your system and that it is economical to run over its lifetime will save you money on the overall cost of ownership.

In conclusion, there are several considerations when choosing the right vacuum technology for your factory. The best approach is to do your research and consult the experts. With a high-quality product and a reputable supplier, you’ll get better advice – and a better service.

How do I know what size compressor I need?

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 09/06/2021

This article shares a look into air compressor CFM and PSI – to help you understand what size compressor you need.

You’re looking for a new compressor and you know compressed air can be a major contributor to your energy bills, but how do you know what size compressor is right for your application?

For this, it helps to understand PSI and CFM, and how they are used to specify the performance of an air compressor through measurements of pressure and flow.

As with any industrial purchase, it’s best to seek out expert advice from a qualified compressed air engineer, but here’s our handy guide to give you an overview.

What is CFM?

CFM is a shortening of cubic feet per minute. This stands for the volume of air that an air compressor can supply per minute – in other words, its flow or output.

What is PSI?

PSI represents pounds of force per square inch. Like CFM, this is a measurement of air compressor output, but in this case, it measures air pressure rather than air flow.

Why is it important to buy an air compressor with the correct CFM and PSI?

Known as the fourth utility, compressed air can be a major contributor to your monthly energy bills, accounting for as much as 30% of your electrical power consumption. This is why you need to think carefully and get advice when you’re making a new purchase or signing a new hire agreement.

Over-specification can mean spending more on capital equipment than you need to, so beware of the sales person who tries to push you into purchasing a bigger, more powerful machine than your application requires.

At the same time, going for a cheap air compressor can lead to under-specification, with the result that it doesn’t meet your needs and you have to replace it a short time later.

As well as cost benefits, purchasing the right air compressor will reduce downtime, increase productivity, lower your energy bills and reduce lifecycle costs.

How do I know what CFM I need?

The amount of CFM or flow required depends on the ability of the air compressor to perform a task within a particular amount of time.

A compressor is under-specified if it’s not providing enough flow and you have to wait for pressure to build up in the reserve tank. Some applications require a constant flow of air, others require the compressor to provide air only part of the time.

It can also depend on the type of compressor you are using. As a general rule, rotary screw air compressors will put out more flow per kW than piston compressors will.

If you have a simple piece of equipment, the manufacturer should be able to provide data sheets that set out the amount of flow needed to operate it. However, this may not work with a more complex system.

For peace of mind your best option is to ask a compressed air sales engineer to carry out an energy audit (see below).

How do I know what PSI I need?

In short, you’ll need enough pressure to provide sufficient force for your application. If your compressor cannot produce the PSI at a high enough level, it won’t be able to carry out the required task.

The PSI you will need will once again depend on your application and whether you need a constant supply of air. Large air compressors used in manufacturing will naturally operate at a higher PSI than a small compressor for household use.

As with CFM, your best bet is to request a full energy audit of your system so that the air compressor engineer can provide a bespoke solution.

How do I choose the right size of compressor for my application?

The temptation when replacing an old air compressor is to look at the kilowatt (kW) rating and buy “like for like”. A better approach would be to work out the PSI and CFM – the pressure and flow – required for your application, and select your model accordingly.

Choosing a machine with a high CFM doesn’t automatically mean you are buying a better air compressor. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the compressor – but you may be paying for power you don’t need. For example, a compressor with a small CFM will be sufficient to power air tools, but to operate the pneumatics in a manufacturing unit you will need a compressor that can pump out a significantly higher air flow.

Another variable is whether you are running or planning to buy a variable speed compressor, such as those in the Atlas Copco VSD and VSD+ range. These can offer significant energy and cost savings compared with traditional fixed speed compressors.

Book an energy audit

As mentioned earlier, an energy audit will help you to establish what size of compressor you need and the levels of CFM and PSI.

Energy audits are usually carried out as a free service and consist of data logging your existing compressor and equipment. This gives accurate feedback on your compressed air demand, pressure and cycle over a set period, identifying energy costs and where savings can be made. Data like this is crucial to help answer the question of what size compressor you need.

What else should I take into account when buying a new air compressor?

Because the latest air compressors on the market make use of state-of-the-art technology and operate more efficiently, you may find that you need a machine with a lower kW output than your older model.

Also, there are many elements to a compressed air system, such as dryers, filters and pipework, along with pneumatics. Some of these may need upgrading to get the best results from your new air compressor.

Finally, don’t forget to factor in any projected increase in use to future proof your purchase, for example if you are planning to open a new manufacturing line or increase your production schedule to 24/7.

SafeContractor – a five point guide

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 30/08/2017

PPS is proud to have been a SafeContractor member since 2014. But what does this accreditation mean and how does it benefit our customers?

Heres our five point guide to SafeContractor accreditation.

Excellence as standard  Alcumus SafeContractor is a recognised third-party accreditation scheme for contractors that achieve excellence in workplace health and safety.

It is renewed on an annual basis and is for companies of all sizes and sectors.

Rigorous testing  To achieve this accreditation, a company must carry out extremely tough and rigorous tests on its processes and procedures.

Each year, SafeContractor and its accreditors Exor will ask to see documentation providing evidence that employees have received the required training, along with other certification: for example, COSHH assessments, accident statistics, risk assessments, log books for the issue of personal protective equipment (PPE) and method statements.

Peace of mind for customers  our SafeContractor accreditation means that our customers can rest assured that any contractors we send on site will be fully trained and will follow stringent health and safety procedures.

Having built a reputation on high standards when it comes to products and services, its important for us as a company to know that we are also adhering to the best health and safety practices when working at our customers premises.

Benefits for PPS SafeContractor also offers peace of mind for PPS and its employees. It is also reassurance for our insurers when it comes to our company liability policy.

The process is detailed and in depth and has to be repeated annually. However, we feel its important to adhere to a uniform standard of excellence across the company.

Find out more  if you want to know that the contractors you are working with are committed to high standards of health and safety, look out for the SafeContractor logo on their websites.

You can also find lists of accredited companies by registering on the SafeContractor online database.

A word from SafeContractor:

Gemma Archibald, Director of Alcumus SafeContractor said: Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place.

More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that Pennine Pneumatic Services has done. The firms high standard has set an example which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector.

SafeContractor plays a vital role in supporting our clients in meeting their compliance needs, whilst working with their contractors as they progress through the accreditation process.

PPS crowned Distributor of the Year

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 30/05/2019

It was a win-win situation at the fourth Motion Control Industry Awards, held on 22 May at the National Conference Centre, Hampton-in-Arden. Not only did we enjoy a great night out but the team at PPS were also thrilled to take home the award for Distributor of the Year.

It was the first time we had entered the awards and we were pleased that the judges recognised all of the hard work and effort that our staff put into everything from designing, supplying and installing energy-saving compressed air systems to offering top-notch service to our clients.

Ian Harrison, Managing Director, said: “We were thrilled to receive this award, especially against such stiff competition. To be nominated was fantastic, to be a winner a complete shock; it just shows how hard our team work. The night was a real celebration of our industry and we were proud and humbled to be part of it. Congratulations to all nominees and winners alike.”

Attached to our entry were some recent case studies that show the quality of our offer and customer service, with examples such as:

“We’re extremely happy with the new compressor and the service we received from PPS. The installation was a painless transition, the engineers were very professional and worked around our working hours… a very speedy, reactive service.” Andrew Walton, Operations Manager, Alco Valves

“The process was no trouble at all and the engineers were very efficient. The spares and servicing provision is excellent, and any time we’ve had a breakdown they come out straight away.” Paul Townend, Senior Technician, Sam Weller

“The breakdown could have meant a loss of production and sales, but your guys resolved the issue within a few hours. Thanks to Pennine for looking after me yet again.” Matt Carroll, Engineering Manager, SGL Co-Packing

As an Authorised Atlas Copco Distributor, we were also pleased to see the General Manager of Atlas Copco Power Technique UK/Ireland, Kevin Prince, given a Lifetime Contribution award.

The other winners on the night were:

Technical Innovation of the Year: Awarded to SMC Pneumatics: EX600W Integrated Wireless Valve System
Project of the Year: Awarded to JETCAM International: Expert Nesting Software for Amada Laser
Engineer of the Year: Awarded to Juan Carlos González Villar, Kabel.Consult.Ing
Lifetime Contribution: Awarded to Phil Keep, MP Filtri
Contribution to Skills & Training: Awarded to ABB : Drives & Motors Training
Manufacturer of the Year: Awarded to Gardner Denver
Environmental/Energy Efficiency Award: Awarded to Brammer Buck & Hickman: Compressed Air System Audits

The Importance of Life Cycle Cost Analysis

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 11/03/2022

When looking for new factory equipment, is your main concern the price tag? While the cost of capital outlay is a key consideration, you may be missing a more important issue: the long-term life cycle cost (LCC) of running the equipment. The initial investment is only the visible part of the iceberg. This is especially relevant in the current climate of soaring energy bills.

Life cycle cost is an important consideration when purchasing anything from compressed air systems, vacuum pumps and nitrogen generators to HVAC systems and chillers.

What are the three elements of LCC?

The three elements of LCC are: capital outlay, energy costs and maintenance.

For example. the initial purchase price of a compressor – and most other machinery – accounts for very little when it comes to LCC, approximately 10%. Meanwhile, up to 80% of your outlay over the lifetime of the machine is likely to be on energy costs.

The remainder of the LCC is servicing and maintenance. This includes the cost of consumables, such as air and oil filters, refrigerants and valves, plus professional labour. These costs can be better managed with a service contract.

LCC is also known as the ‘Cost Iceberg’, as the initial capital outlay is only a small part of the hidden whole.

Why carry out a Life Cycle Cost Analysis for your equipment purchase?

Many companies are missing out on potential cost savings from their compressed air systems and other factory machinery. In terms of compressed air, as well as ensuring that you have purchased the right size compressor for your application, significant energy savings can be found in areas such as:

Air leak identification and repair
Energy recovery systems
Pressure reduction
Regulation and control systems

A Life Cycle Cost Analysis can help you to evaluate the best machinery for your application – over the long term.

It can also help when purchasing other equipment, for example a new chiller can reduce energy use by up to 30% on a full load and up to 50% on a part load when you move from a fixed speed to variable speed machine.

How to carry out a Life Cycle Cost Analysis

Your LCC Analysis should be carried out with input from one of our experienced sales engineers. While there are always going to be some uncertainties, such as the cost of energy in five or 10 years’ time, our engineers will take a wide range of factors into account, including the cost of the capital outlay, the running costs and the maintenance and servicing costs.

There are several life cycle cost considerations when you are trying to future proof your purchase. This includes the need to:

Manage the rising costs of energy
Increase production
Increase production quality
Ensure production safety
Reduce the risk of downtime and rejections
Reduce your environmental impact
Move to more optimised operations

An analysis of your future needs as well as your current needs will ensure you select the right machinery and save money in the long run – whether you’re purchasing a compressor, vacuum pump, nitrogen generator, HVAC or chiller system.

This may mean a larger initial outlay to secure a higher spec compressor that will better meet your needs and reduce your energy bills over the life cycle of the machine. It’s about investing wisely, rather than buying the cheapest compressor model for your application.

What is Life Cycle Profit?

Life Cycle Profit (LCP) represents the earnings you can achieve through a variety of ways, from reducing rejections to energy recovery. Another consideration is whether you would prefer your equipment to be in its original condition or fully used at the end of the LCC period.

If you would like help calculating the Life Cycle Cost of a new purchase, please fill in our online form, email us at: sales@pps.co.com or call us on 01422 321 772.

Second Camozzi Distributor of the Year win for PPS

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 13/02/2018

Winning an award is always a great feeling and winning it for a second time is twice as nice!

Having formed a partnership with suppliers Camozzi back in 2004, we are thrilled to have won the Camozzi Distributor of the Year award for the Northern Region for the second time, and the second year in a row.

In addition to supplying air compressors, vacuum pumps and associated products, we have been focusing on developing our pneumatics division in recent years. With pneumatics specialist, Glenn Stephenson, on board, we have increased both our customer base and our overall sales.

A major name in the UKs fluid power market, Camozzi Pneumatics Ltd last year celebrated 25 years in business. Its parent company was founded by three brothers in a small village in northern Italy in 1964 (see our recent article: Meet the Supplier: Camozzi) and today the business has sales hubs in around 180 countries.

As well as supplying a large number of Camozzi products from stock from valves and cylinders to filters and fittings we offer made-to-order pneumatic cylinders and pre-assembled systems. PPS also distributes products from Festo, Norgren, Parker and SMC.

Graham Keenan said: "Camozzi Pneumatics Ltd are delighted to acknowledge the sales growth achieved by Pennine Pneumatics by awarding them the Regional Distributor Of The Year Award North for 2017, the strength of the Pennine Camozzi partnership has grown year on year and we look forward to continued growth in the years to come".

Pneumatics Manager Glenn Stephenson said: Camozzi is a leading name in the pneumatics industry and we are delighted to win Distributor of the Year for the Northern Region for the second year in a row.

He continued: Camozzis commitment to innovation has led to the development of a raft of reliable and energy-efficient products that offer real benefits to users of pneumatic technology, which is why we have had so much success in recommending them to our customers. We look forward to continuing the excellent relationship we have established with Camozzi in years to come.

Any companies interested in finding out more about Camozzi products should contact Glenn or a member of the sales team at sales@pps.co.com or call 01422 321 772.

Come and meet us at Manufactured Yorkshire

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 27/04/2017

On the 10th May 2017 we will be exhibiting at the biggest manufacturing exhibition in Yorkshire! Manufactured Yorkshire has this year merged with Made in Yorkshire a partnership set to boost our regions manufacturing and engineering companies.

The free to attend exhibition brings together over 1000 industry decision makers and 200 exhibitors and looks set to be a day of great insight with some key seminars lined up. Browse the full seminar program here.

Our team will be on stands 7&8 from 7.30am. Come and talk to us about innovations in the compressed air, vacuum and nitrogen industry and book your business in for a free compressed air energy audit.

We look for the best energy saving solutions for our customers and offer no-nonsense, jargon free advice. One of our latest projects saw AESSEAL in Rotherham save almost £15,000 on their annual compressed air energy bill and reduced their compressor maintenance costs as they switched from four air compressors to just one. Read the full case study.

Book your free ticket for Manufactured Yorkshire here and we will see you on the 10th May.

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd acquires Norman Walker Machinery Ltd

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 24/02/2021

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd (PPS), one of the UK’s leading providers of compressed air, pneumatic and chiller solutions, acquires Hull firm Norman Walker Machinery Ltd (Norman Walker) in a move that aims to unify and strengthen the service offering for manufacturers across the region.

Established in 1930, Norman Walker is a key supplier and installer of air compressors and pneumatics across East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. Driven by a dedicated team who pride themselves on delivering excellent service to their loyal customer base, their values mirror those of PPS, providing a solid cultural fit for the acquisition.

“Norman Walker becoming part of PPS is a very exciting opportunity for both firms. The focus is very much on strengthening and expanding customer support,” explains Ian Harrison, Managing Director of PPS. “For PPS this means our customers in this region will have a local branch – that proximity gives them easy access to us for a speedy response. For Norman Walker customers, the join with PPS broadens the range of products and services available to them – from the plant room to the factory floor, we can supply, install and maintain everything they need.”

The team structure of Norman Walker will remain the same with Simon Biggs staying on to lead the team, as his father and grandfather have done before him.

Simon Biggs from Norman Walker commented: “I am very much looking forward to leading this new era for Norman Walker, which I know will see benefits for both customers and staff. Personally, I am keen to have the support of PPS behind us. They have an honest, straightforward approach, with service at the heart of their business. I know it is the right move for all involved with Norman Walker at this time.”

This acquisition expands the reach of PPS across the north of England: the company now has four branches, including their Brighouse head office, the new Leigh branch, Simm Engineering Group in Sheffield and Norman Walker in Hull.

PPS became part of the wider R&G Fluid Power Group in 2018 and have since benefitted from the support of this passionate network of businesses. Norman Walker will become the latest addition to the group, expanding the presence on the east coast.

For customers and staff of Norman Walker, it is business as usual, which means an experienced team providing a reliable compressed air service across East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

For more information on R&G Fluid Power Group please visit www.rgfluidpower.com.

For more information on Norman Walker Machinery Ltd please visit www.normanwalkermachinery.co.uk.

Why is air conditioning so important in the workplace?

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 28/06/2021

One of the biggest aims for a business and employer is to keep its employees consistently happy and productive, and to maintain a comfortable working environment.

A big contributing factor to this is having an air conditioning system in the workplace. Scientists and studies have agreed that the temperature and humidity of an office has a direct impact on the productivity and wellbeing of employees. If a room is too hot, employees are more likely to feel sleepy and it will be a lot more difficult for them to concentrate. On the other hand, temperatures that are too low can lead to illnesses and complaints.

To keep your employees happy, awake and focused longer, the temperature of the workplace should be set and maintained at a suitable level.

How can it improve your workplace?

Reactive to environments

Modern air conditioning systems are sophisticated enough to be able to detect changes in temperature in the surrounding environments and respond quickly to those changes. This means you don’t have to mess with changing controls, and the unit can continue to operate at the most efficient and appropriate temperature.

Humidity

Everybody knows how horrible, feeling hot and sticky at work is. It can affect productivity levels and cause a lot of office-moan! Humidity can make an environment feel hotter than it actually is, which can make workers feel sleepy and unfocused. Air conditioning can eliminate ‘stickiness’ by removing excess moisture from the air.

Improved air quality

Typically, busy offices can often be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, and even though it’s relatively easy to sanitise surfaces with cleaning products, treating the air isn’t quite as simple. Especially since the spread of COVID-19, having a clean workplace has never been more important. The air can also contain potential allergens that can cause allergic reactions for some people, and distract your employees from their work. Having an air conditioning system will keep the air in your office clean and filtered, and reduce the number of nasty particles breathed by your staff and customers.

No noise operation

Modern systems are very quiet, if not silent, especially compared to the constant and distracting whirring of fans. Even though an air conditioning system is constantly monitoring and responding to the environment, you wouldn’t know it, and your workplace will remain undisturbed by the system.

Alertness levels

There is a noticeable difference between breathing ordinary air and AC generated air. Having fresh air-conditioned air flowing through your office will not only help to keep your employees healthy, but also help them remain more alert, and therefore more productive.

If you’re wanting a comfortable and productive working environment, full of focused, happy and healthy staff, air conditioning is a must-have.

Get in touch with our team today about the air conditioning installation services we can offer.

New Training Facilities and a New Trainer - Welcome Andy Kershaw

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 29/03/2018

We have a new training room and now we have a new trainer, Andy Kershaw.

Andy will be providing training courses for our teams at PPS and SIM and for other external companies such as Fac Tech and he will also be providing basic compressor and pneumatic training.

Andy comes to us via Atlas Copco UK so has lots of product knowledge and he can also provide back up for service, sales and stores.

Welcome on board Andy!

If you would like further details on the type of training we can offer please contact us at sales@pps.co.com or call us on tel:01422321772.

HVAC Maintenance Summer Checklist

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 11/05/2021

After the winter months and harsh weather conditions, our HVAC systems may have suffered. That’s why an inspection of your systems is important. We’ve put together our best tips for how you can ensure you HVAC system is ready for summer:

1. Clean around the HVAC system

After winter storms and weather, there could likely be leaves, twigs, and other debris that can block air intakes around the unit. Blocked grilles and intakes can lower the efficiency of the HVAC system, even if they are only partially blocked.

If this is the case, you can use a heavy-duty degreaser or a hand vacuum cleaner to clean it away, or just some good old-fashioned effort!

2. Inspect the Panels around the Unit

The outdoor units will probably be enclosed in panels with seals that protect the electrical components. Check each side of the unit to make sure that all the panels are still secure and intact. If any are misaligned or seem to be damaged (likely from wind and storms), contact your HVAC technician to fix it. In addition, if any seals have breached, these should be replaced to ensure moisture cannot ingress into the unit.

3. Clean and replace air filters

Dirt and debris can clog the air filter, and again this will lower the efficiency of your HVAC unit. Having clean filters will stop any dust and allergens from being blown into your home/workplace, which is important for the people’s health. Your system will either have filters that can be cleaned or disposable ones that will need to be replaced. Either way, make sure you have a good inspection of the filters, and if in doubt, get in touch to speak to our HVAC experts.

4. Check the pipe work insulation

The pipes that link between the outside unit and its inside counterpart should be properly insulated. This will maximize efficiency and therefore save you money. If it isn’t, you could be making your HVAC system work harder to do less which results in paying more. Contact us to check that your insulation integrity and suitability.

5. Clean coils & drains

There may be a build up of dirt, pollutants, mould and more on your coils from the winter months. This causes the system to work harder and the airflow, cooling capacity and pressure are reduced. Both the indoor and outdoor coils should be cleaned along with drip trays, condensate pumps and drain piping & hose. Some systems may need professional cleaning. At PPS we can service Gas Fired Equipment and Heat Pump units.

6. Refrigeration Circuits

A qualified and experienced engineer should be able to make the basic checks following the FGas guidelines. This would include a Leak check, visually and with an electronic detection tool, in addition operating the equipment and ensuring the temperatures and pressures are correct for the type of system and refrigerant. A leak in the system is an issue both environmentally and for the health and performance of the unit, potentially causing damage to key components and loss of heating or cooling.

7. Check Your Air Ductwork

Have our HVAC experts check your air ducts for possible leaks. Leaks will cause your system to run longer to cool your home/workplace. Leaks or blockages in the supply ducting could reduce the performance by as much as 25 percent.

8. Test the HVAC system

Start up your system, does it reach the target temperature or are there any alarms displayed? Can you spot any leaks or hear any funny noises? If you notice something that doesn’t look right, you should call a HVAC technician. You can contact us here.

9. Schedule a regular maintenance service

Finally, and most importantly, schedule in a HVAC service. Having a regular maintenance schedule is the single best thing you can do to keep your system in good condition. Small tasks, such as the ones listed above, will help ensure your HVAC system is working well ready for summer, but other preventative procedure must be completed by a HVAC professional. Preventative checks and maintenance will ensure your system is always working in its optimal condition.

For more information on any of these points, or anything else to do with HVAC, get in touch with our team.

PPS expands its hire fleet with energy-saving Atlas Copco compressors

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 06/08/2019

Breakdowns, shutdowns or research development – whatever the reason you need to hire an air compressor, we can supply the right machine to keep your business running.

To show our commitment to providing our customers with turnkey compressed air solutions, as and when they are needed, we have recently invested more than £100K in brand new Atlas Copco air compressors, to add to our already extensive hire fleet.

The GA75VSD+FF, GA110VSD+ and GA90VSD+ Atlas Copco models are all state-of-the-art variable speed drive machines, offering outstanding energy efficiency. Not only do they save you money on your energy bill, but they will also reduce your carbon footprint – an important consideration in the current climate crisis.

Supporting your business in all situations

Our hire machines are ideal for:

Emergency situations such as a breakdown
Planned shutdowns
Increasing capacity over a busy period
Contingency planning
Support during research and development

Delivered to your door

Lighter than previous models and with an upright design for a smaller footprint, these new machines can be transported easily on our own vans, which means that we can drop them off at your door, reducing delivery time and cost.

Features and benefits

The Atlas Copco VSD and VSD+ machines harness proven technological advances to lead the way in environmentally friendly compressed air provision.

Alongside the high-performance motor, each model has a built-in refrigerant dryer to reduce contamination and ensure purity of the air supply. With fewer components and a SMARTLINK remote data-monitoring system to optimise efficiency, these are low-maintenance and ultra-reliable machines.

Part of our turnkey compressed air solutions

Don’t forget that we also offer a wide range of pneumatics, nitrogen generation, ducting and pipework, air tools, parts and spares, along with comprehensive service contracts with easy payment plans to give you peace of mind and keep your machinery running at optimal performance. All part of our commitment to providing excellent service to our customers.

To find out more about our hire options, contact our sales team here; or via sales@pps.co.com; or call 01422 321 772.

Atlas Copco DZS vacuum dry claw solutions on display at Manufactured Yorkshire

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 04/05/2017

Clawing back the benefits

The innovators at Atlas Copco have done it again!

The companys engineers and designers have come up with a range of new dry claw vacuum solutions aimed at increasing productivity and reducing energy consumption.

The technologically advanced machines also offer lower lifecycle costs, saving you money in the long run. Not only that, they are safe and easy to operate, control and maintain with a low failure rate and a long lifespan.

Driving productivity

The DZS dry claw machines are robust and efficient, with an excellent contaminant handling capability.

The extensive product range has a range of innovative features, including an efficient IE3 motor with a variable speed option for controllability. The dry pumping chamber eliminates the need for oil, while contact-free internals plus corrosion-resistant claws reduce wear and tear.

In addition, the set-point control option permits the optimisation of energy use, matching the flow to your exact requirements and reducing waste.

Other benefits include:

- Low lifespan costs
- Hard to beat vacuum level
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Low noise levels
- Compact design/small footprint

Certification, warranties and servicing

To ensure continuous and efficient operation, the machines are fully compliant with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 requirements. Add to this a market-leading warranty and our service packages with genuine 24/7 call out, and you can enjoy peace of mind, all year round.

Applications

Vacuum is used in a myriad of industrial and other sectors, from pneumatic conveying and dairy production to dust extraction and medical uses.

Because Atlas Copcos dry claw machines have been based on proven designs, they are robust enough to withstand even the harshest applications and environments.

If youd like to find out more about Atlas Copco DZS vacuum dry claw solutions, call or email our sales team or why not visit our stand at Manufactured Yorkshire on 10 May at Elland Road, Leeds, where we will have a machine on display.

Charity collaboration sees new van hit the roads for ANDYSMANCLUB

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 11/07/2023

We have added a new van to our fleet which supports ANDYSMANCLUB in their mission to reach that one man and end the stigma surrounding male mental health.

With vehicle graphics estimated to reach upwards of 30,000 impressions a day¹the van will help spread the message of the peer-to-peer support groups across Yorkshire, the North of England and beyond.

This is a new initiative for us from our Brighouse Head Office, we pride ourselves on actively supporting our local community.

“We have always branded our fleet of service vehicles as they are fantastic moving billboards and it helps us to keep brand recognition high in the areas we serve,” says Kim Martlew, Marketing Manager at PPS. “When I was planning the artwork for this new vehicle, I thought it would be a great way for us to offer something else to the local community we work with, sharing a bit of the exposure a branded vehicle brings at no cost to them.

“Supporting ANDYSMANCLUB makes sense for us as the compressed air and manufacturing industry we work within is male dominated – their target audience for support. It is also a charity we have supported previously on our annual sponsored bike ride, where our team pick who they want to raise money for.

“I really hope this van can encourage men to find their nearest group and get the support they need”.

“This subject is very personal to me. I lost a very close friend to suicide 12 years ago who had been battling with his own mental health, it made me extremely aware of the need to talk! ANDYSMANCLUB is helping break down that stigma and creating places for us to talk’’ adds Matt O’Connor, PPS Operations Director.

“My hope is that Kim’s vehicle wrap idea will help us spread the word within our industry and local area. Perhaps we can persuade our business peers and even competition to add the important message to their vans too – watch this space.”

"ANDYSMANCLUB are extremely grateful to PPS for their kind donation of advertising space on one of their vans. This mobile advert for our groups and our message will undoubtedly hit thousands of people throughout the year, helping men along on their journey through our doors and showcasing what we do to new people. We are looking forward to supporting PPS and their staff in the future as a way of saying thank you, and further spreading our message that #ItsOkayToTalk", commented Lucas Whitehead, Marketing & Partnerships Champion at #ANDYSMANCLUB

More about ANDYSMANCLUB

ANDYSMANCLUB are a men's suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom. With the slogan #ItsOkayToTalk they provide a judgement-free and non-clinical environment for men to come together to talk every Monday night at 7pm (excluding bank holidays). With over 130 support groups nationwide you can find your closest session here: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/find-your-nearest-group/

Sources

1 “Investment Analysis: Measuring the Value of Vehicle Wraps” by Ryan Hubbard, ARD Ventures, 2003

Super-deduction explained for compressors and refrigeration units

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 16/03/2021

From the 1^st April 2021, a new super-deduction capital allowance is being launched in the UK to help firms invest in productivity-enhancing equipment.

What exactly is it?

Super-deduction means businesses can claim 130% first-year relief on main rate plant equipment investments between 1^st April 2021 and 31^st March 2023.

The main rate assets must be bought new during the time period. It is not something you lease or buy second hand.

Super-deduction qualifying assets

The focus is on plant and machinery investments that bridge the productivity gap between the UK and its competitors.

Qualifying equipment from our range of productivity enhancing products include:

Air compressors
Refrigeration units
Dryers
Nitrogen generators
Vacuum pumps

It can’t be something that a landlord has installed, it is an investment by the company.

Equipment that is already on order before 1^st April 2021 does not qualify.

Are you eligible?

If your company is within the charge of Corporation Tax on or after 1st April 2021 then you are eligible.

Super-deduction example for compressors

You invest in a new compressed air system that will improve your energy efficiency, meet your current air demand but with added capacity to support an additional production line in 6 months time.

You spend £100K on qualifying assets.

This means you can deduct £130K from taxable profits. (£100K x 130%)

You receive a tax saving of £24,700 (£130K x 19%)

Super deduction example for refrigeration units

To meet increased demand, you invest in a new efficient point of use chiller for your production line. This reliable addition boosts your productivity and reduces the risk of downtime.

You spend £25K on qualifying assets.

This means you can deduct £32.5K from taxable profits. (£25K x 130%)

You receive a tax saving of £6,175 (£32.5K x 19%)

Know your options

The super-deduction capital allowance means it is a great time to invest in your company.

At PPS we can work with you on these projects to ensure you can access this allowance, but also to make sure the equipment you install is the most cost effective over the lifetime of the machinery.

We aim to unleash your productivity by looking at full system solutions.

Give us a call on 01422 321 772 to discuss your options or send us an email on sales@pps.co.com to start the ball rolling.

Find out more about super-deduction

You can find the government guidance on super-deduction here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/super-deduction

Additional information from the British Compressed Air Society can be found here:
https://www.bcas.org.uk/time-to-invest-in-captial-equipment-super-deduction-tax-break.aspx

Please note: this article does provide investment, financial or tax advice. It is an illustrative example. Please speak to your own company tax advisor.

How to handle – and avoid – shutdown

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 24/01/2018

Its the last thing that any manufacturer or other factory manager wants to hear that production has had to stop. The costs of even a 30-minute shutdown at a major manufacturing unit can run to thousands of pounds not to mention letting down a customer.

Shutdown can be caused by a variety of issues, for example:

· An electrical fault

· Machinery overheating

· A loose connection

· Water or oil leaks

· Lack of maintenance

· Fire breaking out

· Flooding

Some machinery has inbuilt safety features that automatically causes it to cut out if it cant operate safely and effectively.

Machinery that might cause issues includes: air compressors, air dryers, vacuum pumps and pneumatic equipment each of which may have a different reason for failing.

What do to if your machinery stops working

The health and safety of staff should always be paramount, so if there is not an obvious quick fix, its best to call in the experts.

Because we understand that time equals money, PPS operates a genuine 24/7 call out service, 365 days of the year, for both existing and new customers. This means that we are happy to take a look at any air compressor, vacuum pump, pneumatic system or similar, even if we havent installed it ourselves.

In many cases, one of our qualified engineers will be able to fix the problem on the spot. However, if the machine requires specific parts that need ordering, has a more serious fault or is past redemption, your best bet is our hire service.

Hire machinery

It may be that you simply need a replacement machine while your current one is repaired. Alternatively, following a major site disaster such as a fire, we can provide a range of hire machinery to keep your business going while you rebuild.

In many cases, the machinery hired has proved so reliable and offered such significant energy savings that the customer has chosen to keep it or purchase a similar model to replace their obsolete equipment.

How to avoid shutdown in the first place

There are two ways to avoid shutdown:

1. Preventative maintenance ensure that all machinery and systems are regularly checked, cleaned, oiled and serviced as appropriate. See our article on Five Basic Air Compressor Maintenance Tips.

Ongoing maintenance is likely to include checks by factory staff and scheduled visits from the appropriate professionals. An experienced, trained compressor engineer will be able to spot a potential fault and correct it before it causes a system failure.

The ambient environment of your equipment can also be a factor: take a look at our articles on Five Ways to Protect Your Air Compressor This Winter.

2. Upgrade old machinery running an old air compressor to failure might seem like a way of saving money. However, the latest state-of-the-art machinery, such as the air compressors in the Atlas Copco VSD+ series, is much more energy efficient than older fixed speed models.

The payback from investing in new capital equipment is often quicker than you might think and having new, efficient machinery will give you peace of mind, rather than constantly worrying when old equipment might next break down.

Shutdown can understandably cause panic, but rest assured that there are always solutions. Equally, it makes sense to put systems and processes in place to reduce the likelihood of shutdown taking place.

For further information on preventative maintenance, service packages, equipment hire and general advice, please contact sales@pps.co.com or call 01422 321 772.

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd are fully open and operational

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 05/11/2020

As we enter England’s second lockdown Pennine Pneumatics Services Ltd (incorporating Simm Engineering Group and Integraflex Yorkshire) continue to work at full capacity in line with current safe working guidelines.

Your experience of our service and support will not change.

Our support for you:

Sales counters open in Brighouse and Sheffield
Onsite there are screens and hand sanitiser stations, if possible, please call ahead to place your order to reduce your time on site. You can call our Brighouse trade counter directly on 01422 395 390 or email pneumatics@pps.co.com. We also offer a delivery option on all orders.
Hire fleet ready
We have a large air compressor hire fleet prepped and ready to support you at a moments notice.
Pneumatic parts available when you need them
We hold a large stock of air compressor parts, accessories, air tools, cylinders, pipework, pneumatics, valves and more.
Genuine 24/7, 365 days a year emergency support
Our promise to support you all year round is unaffected – if you have an emergency we will be there.
Remote working – connected support
Our team are working remotely where possible with systems in place to keep us connected and working together on your projects. For example, Smartlink enables us and you to remotely monitor your compressed air production and assess performance to avoid downtime.
Safe working practices already implemented
We continue to work in line with all government guidance for safe working practices – we are fully committed to ensuring everyone stays safe and well.

Industry guidance:

British Compressed Air Society (BCAS)
You can read the current statement on COVID-19 and The Compressed Air System here.
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
The CIBSE COVID-19 Ventilation Guide was updated in October to include guidance as we enter ‘heating season’ in the UK. You can read the full guide here.

If you need further technical advice or support please do not hesitate to contact our team. You can do so via our online form, by emailing sales@pps.co.com or by calling 01422 321 772.

Procurement problems solved for process automation with the Festo Core Range

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 08/03/2024

As a manufacturer you face numerous challenges every day to meet your customers demands.

Procurement for your process automation does not have to be one of those challenges.

The Festo Core Range includes a wide range of products to cover the majority of your automation tasks. They are at the high quality you would expect from Festo, easy to select and stocked worldwide for the quickest delivery – even in large quantities.

As a Festo Official Partner we can guide you on the products suitable for your application.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the products available in the Festo Core Range…

Festo compact cylinders AEN-S/ADN-S

These compact cylinders, the AEN-S and ADN-S, offer a powerful performance despite their small size. With their lightweight design and single-piece housing, they are ideal for carrying out small movements such as testing, pressing in, or clamping. In summary, they are suitable for applications that require either single-acting (AEN-S) or double-acting (ADN-S) motion.

Festo standard cylinder DSBC to ISO 15552

The DSBC cylinder series is popular due to its various functions and features. One notable characteristic is its dry-running operation, which allows for the handling of even the most challenging applications. These cylinders also come with the time-saving, self-adjusting PPS cushioning and offer incredibly short cycle times.

The DSBC series offers a wide range of modular options, making it versatile and suitable for various situations.

Festo service unit component series MS-Basic

The MS-Basic, housed in polymer material, provides cost-effective basic components that prioritise critical technical functions in compressed air preparation. These include pressure regulation, filter regulation, as well as manual or electric switch-on capabilities.

It is completely compatible with the MS series, allowing for a combination of low-cost, fundamental functions, and high-end functions as per your requirements.

Festo Tubing/fitting combination PUN-H/QS

This range is constantly evolving and designed to provide application-specific tube/fitting combinations. The tubing selection encompasses a wide range of options to accommodate any task or application.

If you need further assistance with the Festo items you require for your process automation, contact our pneumatics team today on 01422 395 390 or by emailing pneumatics@pps-ltd.co.uk.

Norman Walker and Atlas Copco help keep Humber Rescue afloat

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 16/02/2023

Norman Walker (a division of Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd), supported by Atlas Copco UK, has donated a brand-new air compressor to Humber Rescue. The air compressor is used to maintain the correct pressure in the lifeboats as well as tractor and trailer tyres, keeping them fit for service. With an average of 110 call outs a year, in a life-saving situation Humber Rescue need kit they can rely on to work when they need it. Following a breakdown, on their old compressor, Sam Willis of Humber Rescue contacted Norman Walker to see if they could help.

The team at Norman Walker have been supporting Humber Rescue since 2021 when they made a donation at Christmas in lieu of giving out corporate gifts. After receiving the call from Humber Rescue, Norman Walker Engineer Wayne Batty attended the site. A motor failure on their ageing piston compressor meant it was time to replace it with a new one.

“We are delighted to have the support of Norman Walker at Humber Rescue. It’s great knowing they believe in Humber Rescue and the values we stand for. Without support from companies like Norman Walker, we wouldn’t be able to survive, there wouldn’t be any launches and no lives saved.,” commented Sam Willis of Humber Rescue.

“Norman Walker’s recent donation of an Atlas Copco air compressor will keep our boats inflated, along with inflating the tyres of our launching tractor and trailers. Without this important piece of equipment our boats simply wouldn’t be able to launch.”

Now installed and commissioned, the new Atlas Copco 2kW Automan compressor (AC31E200M) is perfectly suited for life by the Humber as the Automan range is built around user safety and reliability. With ongoing service and maintenance provided free of charge by Norman Walker, this compressor will be a reliable workhorse for years to come.

It may not be the biggest use of compressed air, but it is one that can have a life-saving impact.

More about Humber Rescue

Established in 1990, Humber Rescue is an independent charity that supplies fast-response search and rescue operations on the Humber Estuary. From animal rescue and missing people, to supporting the police and coastguard, they provide vital emergency response for the Humber and its surrounding waterways. They are the busiest independent lifeboat in the UK, covering approximately 540 square miles of water including the River Hull, Trent, Ouse and the River Humber.

The crew of 27 volunteers attended 104 callouts in 2022 and are kept afloat by donations from the general public and companies in the region.

For more information on Humber Rescue and to find out how you can get involved and support the charity please visit www.humber-rescue.co.uk/

For more information on Norman Walker please visit www.pps.co.com/norman-walker/

Five unusual uses for compressed air

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 11/09/2017

Compressed air is employed in a wide range of industrial applications, from the manufacture of windows and doors to the textile and construction industries.

But have you ever stopped to think about the more unusual reasons that people might invest in an air compressor?

Here are a few of our favourites.

Pimp my ride youre probably aware that compressed air is used widely in automotive production lines and in garages to pump tyres full of air or for powering air tools.

But if you fancy customising your car with a Superman logo, making your motorbike stand out with a flaming skull or transforming your transit into Scooby Doos Mystery Machine, the most effective way to create your design is with an airbrush powered by compressed air.

Cream of the crop the dairy industry has long used air compressors to power milking machines and operate cleaning systems that flush waste out of the milking parlour.

But some modern dairies also use robots driven by compressed air to attach teat cups to a cows udder. This automation of the milking process allows cows to decide themselves when they want to be milked and apparently they join the shortest line when queuing up!

Big shot paintballing has been around for more than 30 years; its a sport that can be enjoyed indoors and out, for fun or competition.

Driven by compressed air, the paintball gun fires gelatin capsules containing dye to mark the opponent which is why they tend to sting when they make contact.

Catch of the day fish farming uses pneumatic conveyor systems to deliver feed to the fish and the smart fish farmer will invest in channel blowers to reduce damage and loss of feed.

However, vacuum nozzles driven by compressed air can also be used to gut and clean fish during processing. Which, lets face it, must be quicker, easier and a lot less messy than doing the job by hand.

Let it snow theres nothing that can ruin a ski-ing holiday quite like no snow, which is why ski resorts sometimes need to bring in the big guns in the form of snow cannons. Powered by you guessed it compressed air. These are also used for snowmaking at indoor ski slopes.

Smaller snow machines can bring a festive air to Santas grotto or Christmas celebrations at a club after all, who wouldnt love to boogie in a blizzard?

If youd like to find out more about the purchase, hire or servicing of air compressors, contact us today on 01422 321 772 or email: sales@pps.co.com.

PPS wins Employer of the Year at the Halifax Courier Business Awards

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 12/02/2016

It was champagne all round as Pennine Pneumatic Services won the Employer of the Year award at the 2015 Halifax Courier Business Awards.

The prestigious award, sponsored by Covéa Insurance, recognised the positive environment and benefits that the company offers its 40+ employees.

Unusually, for this award, the organisers invited staff to nominate their employers, stating that they were looking for companies who have shown a strong commitment to staff development and training and that the winner would be a company that does that little bit extra for its employees, to create a good working environment and atmosphere.

The award was presented to PPS Sales Manager, Peter Odell, at a glamorous black-tie event on Friday 20 November at The Venue in Barkisland, hosted by actress Victoria Pritchard.

The PPS table enjoyed a delicious three-course meal, topped off with a glass of champagne when the award was announced.

PPS also sponsored the Manufacturing Award for the second year running.

Remembrance 2020

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 11/11/2020

PPS strongly values and appreciates the work of the armed forces. We signed and committed to upholding the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, and we recognise the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business and our country.

We are proud to have ex-forces personnel working at PPS. As part of our reflection for remembrance this year we asked them about their experience in the forces and what Remembrance means to them.

“In my time in the army I served in northern Germany in Bergan Belson in between the concentration camp and station, where the trains unloaded the Jewish prisoners. We loaded our vehicles at the station when going on operations & both sites were eerie but very still and quiet. But I also got to see the present side of Germany, being part of an English/German 10 pin bowling league, seeing how the countries work together.

“All around the area were monuments to all the fallen from past and present conflict, who should never be forgotten for what they gave.”

Andy Whittaker

Service Coordinator

Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (R.E.M.E) Class 2 craftsman

“I joined the navy instead of going to college. Through going to Sea Cadets, we did a few trips on warships which made me want to join.

Remembrance Day is important to me. I’ve been going to them for almost all my life. I see it as a way of paying respect for all armed forces serving today and for the fallen people from past conflicts and civilian services.

Normally I’d do the parade in Huddersfield and then go out and celebrate with the other navy veterans.”

Chris Speight

Engineer

Navy Leading Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering)

"During my time in the Army I served all over with the Duke of Lancaster's regiment and made some great memories. But for me the best thing that I gained was the brotherhood. I've made great friends when I was in and we all still talk pretty much every day and that's what it's all about.

"Remembrance Day is important to me and my family, my Dad served in The Duke of Lancaster's for 23 years and my sister served in the RLC for 5 years. I think it's our duty as British citizens to honour those that have given the ultimate sacrifice but we should also remember to help those who are facing other challenges whether it be mentally or physically.

"I'm proud to have served for my country and would do it all over again.

Dimitri Solomi

Junior Service Engineer

Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them

So, Remembrance Day is an important and significant day for us each year. We remember the service and sacrifice made by so many people, communities and nations 75 years ago. We reflect on the service and sacrifice of so many today and honour all the people who fought to defend our nation and secure our freedom.

SW Interiors avoids downtime and gets 10 year peace of mind

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 19/12/2018

Established in 2012, SW Interiors is a family-run kitchen design and installation company based in Brockholes, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Offering a free design service using 3D CAD software, the company specialises in high-quality, made-to-measure kitchens. It also offers bespoke made-to-measure furniture for bedrooms and dressing rooms. Everything is manufactured in house, with great attention to detail, before being fitted into the customer’s home.

Project date: 2018

What was needed:
Early in 2018, the company’s second-hand air compressor suffered a failure and, when it became clear that it was no longer worth repairing, given the age of the machine, a replacement compressor needed to be purchased and installed.

What we did:
To ensure that SW Interiors could continue manufacturing its bespoke kitchen units, we installed a free hire machine to tide the company over. After data logging the site, we recommended the purchase and installation of a new, market-leading Atlas Copco GA7-8.5 Rotary Screw air compressor with a built-in dryer.

Why PPS?:
PPS had installed the original compressor when SW Interiors began trading in 2012 and had been responsible for servicing it, so the two companies already had a good working relationship.

Key benefits:
By ordering a new air compressor, SW Interiors was able to benefit from a free hire model until the new machine was installed.

Providing compressed air to run point-to-point drilling machines used in the manufacture of the kitchen and bedroom units, the new compressor has spare capacity, which could potentially be used to drive other machinery in the future.

The new unit is under Guardian cover at a fixed price, which covers both service and warranty costs for the next 10 years, giving the customer additional peace of mind.

Another happy customer:
“PPS are first class: professional and reliable. Whatever they say they are going to do, they do – and they do it when they say they are going to do it. They offered a top-notch service throughout and they helped us to keep the business running. We would definitely recommend the company and use them again ourselves.”
Stuart Wood, Director at SW Interiors.

Team players – how business and sport have more in common than you might think

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 04/03/2020

You might think that the worlds of business and sport are completely different, but as sponsors of FC Halifax Town, we’ve noticed a remarkable number of similarities.

To kick off, we share many common values that drive us towards our goals, from developing strategies and planning ahead to recognising the importance of teamwork and winning over loyal supporters.

So what are the common links between business and sport – and what lessons can we learn from how the Shaymen work as a team. Here are our top 10.

Keep a winning mentality – even when you’ve suffered a loss

Being on a winning side is something to celebrate, but knowing how to pick yourself up and get motivated again after a defeat is equally important.

This is where teamwork comes into its own – led by positive, supportive management. We all have defeats, in business and in life, but whether it’s a missed goal or a missed business opportunity, with the right approach it can be turned into a lesson learned. A strong team will support all team members and a good manager will know how to motivate the team through the difficult times as well as the good.

Play the long game – but don’t let it distract you from the immediate task at hand

As FC Halifax Town manager Pete Wild said in a recent interview with the Halifax Courier, when asked about the chances of promotion: “We’ve all got to remain grounded … We can’t get carried away, we’ve just got to take care of business every week.”

Business is a series of short-term and long-term goals and we need to keep both in mind. As a company that often deals with emergency call-outs, we have to be ready to spring into action to help our customers. At the same time, we have to devise long-term strategies that keep the business moving forward. Just like a football season, each year in business involves reaching targets, celebrating success, then moving on to the next activity.

Competitors – do your homework

Again, we have been inspired by Town boss Pete Wild, who says that you shouldn’t fear your competitors, but you should have a healthy respect for them.

Most important, do your homework. Understand their strengths and weaknesses, their strategies and approach. Observe the way they operate – whether it’s to follow their example or learn from their mistakes.

Just like in business, the management of FC Halifax Town holds strategy meetings with the players – even using flip charts!

Rest assured – from sleep to comfort breaks

While footballers perform at their best when they are in peak physical condition, our team can also benefit from being match-fit.

The benefits of a good night’s sleep are now widely recognised and include mental alertness, improved memory and reduced stress levels. At FC Halifax Town, a lot of time goes into the planning for away games to ensure the team members are not too tired. This includes staying within 30 minutes of the football ground and booking hotel rooms so that players can rest up before an evening game.

We can take lessons from this for our own team, whether it’s supporting our engineers and sales people, who often spend long hours driving in busy traffic, or ensuring that our office workers have regular screen breaks and refreshment breaks during meetings.

Motivation, motivation, motivation

However conscientious we are, there are always going to be times when we need help with our motivation. It’s easy to get disheartened when things are going badly – or complacent when things are going well – but we should guard against both, and managers have their part to play.

The Halifax Town manager says that he tries to put himself in the shoes of his team members and to think about what they might need. He keeps pep talks relaxed and informal – and the players listen and take his advice on board. While there may be time to dwell on an away game on the coach home, with some post-match analysis he recognises that he needs to keep spirits high, whatever the result.

Fortune favours the brave

After one particular defeat, Pete Wild said: “We need to be braver with the football and we need to get back to what we do best, which is dominating play and using our attacking prowess to win football matches.”

Every forward-thinking company will need to make some bold moves in order to progress. At PPS, these have included:

The purchase of Simm Engineering in 2015
Investing in brand-new state-of-the-art premises in Brighouse in 2017
Securing inward investment from R&G Acquisitions for our future growth and development

While there’s a time to be cautious, it’s these brave and bold decisions that have helped us to grow as a company.

Do the simple things well

A favourite piece of advice from the FC Halifax Town manager to his team is: “Do the simple things well.”

A good motto for business too, this could relate to any number of day-to-day activities, for example:

A quick phone call to existing customers to see if there’s anything they need
Following up on site visits with a speedy quote
Passing on messages to colleagues, quickly and clearly
Making sure paperwork is correctly filled out
Giving a colleague support if they are struggling

Positive mentality

Positive thinking brings results in sport and in business. This is especially important if the team or the workforce has suffered defeats. Pressure without support won’t bring results.

While mental health and wellbeing are better understood today than they were in the past, managers and team members should be supportive of colleagues who are struggling, whether for reasons from within or outside the workplace. Disharmony – from personality clashes to bullying – should be immediately identified and addressed, and complaints taken seriously, both for the good of the individual and the team.

Show me the money

Football today is big business and both sports teams and businesses deal with huge sums of money. “Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves” is a well-known saying that is often appropriate. At the same time, major investment in the right areas – whether a new player or new business premises – can bring dividends over time.

We’re all in it together – the importance of teamwork

While every player – or staff member – has their individual contribution to make, it’s essential that they also are made to feel part of a team.

As Pete Wild has said of his approach: “I’m not one for going ‘it’s me versus them’, it’s not, we’re all in it together… The togetherness and team spirit we’ve got in that dressing room is key.”

At PPS and Simm, we aim to engender a positive team spirit – after all, just like FC Halifax Town, we are all aiming for the same goals!

Preventative Maintenance Training for Ensuring Production Up-time (free event)

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 16/05/2019

On Thursday 6^th June our Technical Trainer, Andy Kershaw, is running a free of charge session designed to highlight some areas of air compressor preventative maintenance that you can carry out on site. The session will share our knowledge and look at best practice to help you avoid costly breakdowns and make sure you are getting the most from your compressed air system. If you need more convincing there will also be bacon butties – we know training on an empty stomach is hard work!

This bitesize training event is aimed at Engineering Managers, Facilities Managers or Maintenance Managers who rely on compressed air to keep their production running.

By the end of the session attendees will have an understanding of the following:

Basic compressed air system checks that need to be carried out on a regularly basis
The benefits of keeping your compressed air system running at peak performance
What can happen when maintenance is not carried out and what problems can occur

The session will follow this timetable:

8am: Arrival and breakfast sandwiches
8.30am: The facts - a presentation from Pennine Pneumatic Services Technical Trainer, Andy Kershaw.
9.30am: Hands on - a look inside an air compressor to see how to apply the theory
10.30am: Finish

Book your ticket here.

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd appoints Nigel Smith as Commercial Director

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 14/07/2023

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd (PPS) has appointed Nigel Smith as their new Commercial Director. Joining the team on the 3^{rd of} July, this is a new position within the UK’s biggest Atlas Copco Authorised Distributor. The position has been created to bolster the PPS senior leadership team as they continue to drive the business through a period of dramatic growth.

“Starting this role at PPS feels like a natural step for me as my values align with those already embedded in the PPS culture, earning the trust of others through integrity, valuing people and delivering outstanding customer service.

“Within the role I will be working alongside Ian Harrison (PPS Managing Director) and Matt O’Connor (PPS Operations Director) to support all of the wider PPS team to exceed customer expectations.

“Part of my remit is to help PPS continue to grow through both organic methods and acquisition, a strategy that has been working well for them in the last five years, adding companies to the group that share the same vision and values.

“At PPS though it is about more than just the numbers. My role will also involve rolling out best practice and driving every local team to be the primary compressed air contractor in their area. This means delivering outstanding customer service and expanding our competencies where we need to.

“Sustainability will also be a key driver as my role develops, ensuring we can deliver value responsibly for our customers, and be part of an evolving supply chain that is helping facilitate the change to net zero in the industrial environment.” Nigel Smith, Commercial Director.

Ian Harrison commented, “Nigel joining PPS is a massive boost for our team. He has a lifetime of experience in the compressed air industry and his focus on service, sales and marketing will be invaluable to the team. I know he will help us to continue to invest in our people and the community we work within, as well as helping us to reach our growth targets. I look forwarding to seeing what we can achieve together.”

What is Nexonar and how can it reduce costs and simplify your assembly line?

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 04/11/2022

Nexonar is an exciting opportunity to take Smart Assembly to a whole new level, as manufacturers adjust to Industry 4.0.

Having worked with Nexonar since 2017, Desoutter has taken the relationship forward by fully integrating the Nexonar solution into its own ecosystem, so that customers can enjoy the combined expertise of the two companies when it comes to process control, operator guidance and software interface solutions.

What does Nexonar do?

Nexonar is a unique dynamic positioning system, which tracks objects on your production line without limiting its flexibility.

This camera-based, live-motion-capture solution with proprietary software allows you to:

Have complete positioning traceability of your wireless tools
Have full control over your assembly process
Improve complex manual tasks

A reliable solution for high-precision industrial tasks, it can position items to an accuracy of one millimetre in real time, ensuring accuracy when assembling and tightening components, drilling, and operating pick and place. It can even respond to trackers in a worker’s gloves or wristband to alert them if they reach for the wrong component.

This is done through use of an infrared camera with LED tags to identify the location of the tool and the required action, for example using a screwdriver in an inaccessible area.

The tool will be blocked if the screw is heading for the wrong location.

What are the benefits of Nexonar?

Nexonar will boost productivity, enhance quality and improve safety. While people will always be required in a factory setting for their ability to adapt and work flexibly, Nexonar can help to remove human error from production.

Additionally, as Nexonar registers where each part is positioned during assembly, total traceability is guaranteed.

Nexonar can be used across a broad spectrum of production lines, but it comes into its own in industries where optimal accuracy is essential, for example in the aerospace and automotive industries.

Addressing assembly challenges, from tightening screws to the correct degree, in the right place and sequence, to more complex assembly tasks, Nexonar is used alongside Desoutter tools for optimum results.

Will Nexonar work in all environments?

Nexonar will remain reliable even in challenging industrial environments. Because it uses infrared technology, it can offer more accuracy even than ultrasound.

Up to 16 trackers can be used with each camera and several cameras can be installed to increase the number of trackers available to the assembly line.

Importantly, the cameras are designed to match a tool with a component – they do not film the workplace or your employees.

Do I need to buy new tools to use Nexonar?

Both cord and battery-powered tools can be purchased with trackers already installed, or trackers can be retrofitted to existing tools. These might be installed in the tool or provided as a mobile tracker.

Conclusion

A unique and incredibly accurate camera-based system, Nexonar is set to revolutionise the modern assembly line, reducing costs and making precision work easier and more accurate.

We Have Moved!

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 18/09/2017

PPS move into brand new offices on Rastrick Common in Brighouse on 18th September 2017

Our new site The Yorkshire Air Centre has been completely renovated for the 21st century, with a smart new reception area, offices, store, meeting room and canteen.

Better for staff and customers

The move benefits both our hardworking staff, who are very excited about moving to plush new offices, and also our customers who drop in to see us or to attend meetings. There is ample parking and the new meeting room is equipped with hi-tech AV.

New Sales Counter

Moving to new premises has also allowed us to create a new and improved Sales Counter, with an extensive store of spare parts, tools and other products, from fittings and valves to pipework and tubing.

But dont worry, you will still see the familiar face of our Stores Manager Stewart Burton behind the counter, dispensing goods, wisdom and if you ask nicely a brew and a biscuit. We even have a brand new coffee machine!

Open to the trade and the general public, the Sales Counter hours are from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Where to find us from 18 September

Our new address will be:

The Yorkshire Air Centre, Rastrick Common, Brighouse, West Yorkshire HD6 3DR

Our phone numbers and email addresses will remain as they are now.

Goodbye, and thank you

While our Halifax offices have served us well over the past 22 years, those of you who have dropped by for a visit in recent times might have noticed that weve been getting a little short of space.

Although the offices were fully refurbished in 2008, we now have 44 staff onsite (and growing!), compared with just 12 when we first moved to Pellon New Road in November 1995.

The new premises will give us more space and a smart new environment to operate from but before we go, we thought wed share our Top 10 highlights from the past 20 years, in chronological order:

1. 1995: Moved into new offices on Pellon New Road

2. 2002: Became sponsors of Halifax Town Football Club

3. 2007: Launched our annual Charity Golf Day

4. 2008: Became sponsors of Huddersfield Giants Rugby Club and Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club

5. 2013 & 2015: Won Atlas Copco Distributor of the Year

6. 2014 (and every year since!): Passed our SafeContractor accreditation

7. 2015: Acquired Simm Engineering

8. 2015 & 2016: Won Employer of the Year at the Halifax Courier Business Awards

9. 2016: Celebrated the 25th anniversary of PPS (and the 75th anniversary of Simm)

10. 2017: Runners up at the Eaton Smith Annual Business Awards

Leak Surveys - A Useful Guide

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 04/04/2018

Air leaks are one of the major sources of wasted energy in industry and one of the easiest problems to identify and fix. This is why we offer free Energy Audits to all our existing and new customers.

If you havent had your system checked over recently, then you are missing out on massive potential savings so what are you waiting for?

Why do leak surveys?

If you think your compressed air system might have a few leaks but nothing worth bothering to fix, then think again.

Although up to 10% leakage is usually deemed acceptable, in a typical system, engineers will find around 70 100 leaks, representing leak rates of anything from 30% to 60%.

In other words, its not impossible that more than half of the compressed air generated in your facility is being lost to leakage.

What is the cost of leakage?

When you translate these figures into expenditure, they represent an annual loss of thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds, depending on the size of the factory.

Fixing leaks can also save you money on capital expenditure. Imagine you need to increase your supply of compressed air; your first thought is likely to be: we need a new compressor. Before you sign off on this major investment, its always worth getting a leak survey carried out.

If you are losing a large percentage of your compressed air through leakage, you may be able to save yourself the cost of purchasing a new compressor. Even if it turns out that you still need a new machine, we can recommend the most energy efficient variable speed drive models, which will pay for themselves in energy saving over a short period of time.

What happens during a leak survey?

First the engineer will monitor the whole system using a hand-held ultrasonic acoustic detector, to establish flow rates and the location of leaks. The next step is to tag all the leaks that are found.

This can all be carried out in a non-intrusive way, without shutting down any machinery or interrupting your production schedule.

Finally, a report will be written with full details of the leakage and an estimate of how much energy and money you could potentially save by fixing the leaks.

Where are leaks found?

While many of the leaks will be in the pipework system, there may also be leaks in the pipes leading into machinery such as pneumatics.

Common areas for leaks are seals, pipe joints, valves, filters, solenoids and flanges, as well as internal leaks in tools.

What other problems does leakage cause?

When a system loses pressure, the response is often to increase the pressure rather than find out the cause. If the pressure loss is due to leakage, then you are asking your system to work harder for the wrong reasons.

Increasing the pressure will increase the likelihood of parts wearing out, which will lead to costly repairs, potential downtime if machinery fails and a reduction in the lifetime of the machinery. All this is avoidable.

What happens next?

We will arrange for an engineer to come in and fix the leaks. In some instances it may be a simple case of tightening a loose joint, in others we may need to replace part of the compressed air system.

At this stage, the pressure of the system can be lowered to take into account the added efficiency and you will start to see the benefits in your energy bills moving forward.

Dealing with leakage will usually require more than one visit as the system should be checked and monitored on a regular basis following the first set of repairs, to keep on top of future issues.

Companies that find out they have serious air leakage but dont follow up on getting the leaks fixed are making a false economy. Yes, there will be initial outlay to sort out the problem, but the payback time is relatively short and you are sure to save money in the long run.

Lean, mean and green!

Cutting down on leaks will make your whole system more energy efficient, which is not only better for your bottom line but will also reduce your carbon footprint.

Conclusion

Leak surveys are arguably the most effective cost and energy-saving activity on offer. With free Energy Audits available to you, it really is a no brainer.

Contact our sales team to find out more: sales@pps.co.com; 01422 321 772.

Simm Engineering - Glam and glitter at the 2017 Sheffield Business Awards

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 11/12/2017

It was black ties and posh frocks all round as our team once again headed out to the biggest awards ceremony of the Sheffield City Region, which took place on Thursday 7 December at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre.

Now in its 16th year, the Sheffield Business Awards 2017 attracted entries from a record-breaking 150 individuals and organisations and welcomed more than 900 people on the night. Run by the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and promoted by the citys local paper, The Star, the awards recognise the success of businesses in the Sheffield region.

Presented by BBC Look North broadcaster Harry Gration, the evening comprised a drinks reception and three-course meal, with entertainment provided by comedian Jo Caulfield and live music from Got It Covered.

Following on from last year, we were proud to once again sponsor The Simm Engineering Group Large Business of the Year, which this year was won by SCX Ltd, suppliers of mechanical handling and lifting services.

Attending from Simm and PPS were Managing Director Gary Whitaker, who presented the award, along with Director Ian Harrison, Service Manager Andy Turner, Area Manager Alan Kerr, Sales Representative Richard McClurg, Office Administrator Mollie Maddocks and Service Coordinator Dave Collier.

The winners in full:

The Sheffield Universities Enterprise Award: Klear Commercial Services

The Vine Hotels Special Recognition Award: The Childrens Hospital Charity

The Grey Matter Marketing and Communications Award: Doncaster Sheffield Airport

The Sheffield College Employer of the Year: Gripple Ltd

The Evoluted Excellence in Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibility Award: Quality Context

Best Contribution to Sheffield Visitor Experience, sponsored by Meadowhall: Sheffield Doc/Fest

The Lupton Fawcett Innovation Award: Reach Homes CIC

High Growth Business of the Year Award, sponsored by SIV: Pricecheck

The Wake Smith Excellence in Manufacturing Award: Thermotex Engineering Ltd

Excellence in Professional Services Award, sponsored by Together: Professional Energy Purchasing

Excellence in International Trade Award, sponsored by Pressure Technologies plc: Macalloy

The Sheffield Business School SME of the Year: Doordeals Ltd

The Simm Engineering Group Large Business of the Year: SCX Ltd

The Shorts Chartered Accountants Business Person of the Year: Marc Wildes, P Wildes Group

The City Taxis Outstanding Business of the Year: Reach Homes CIC

Why your business should ‘Go With the Flow’

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 11/08/2017

Choosing the right air compressor for your application can be a minefield. Beware of companies trying to sell you the most expensive option rather than the one that most suits your needs.

To help you specify a new compressor correctly, Atlas Copco recently launched a new campaign: Go With the Flow.

What is Go With the Flow all about?

The key message of the campaign is that rather than asking for an air compressor of a particular kW size, companies should purchase a machine that suits the pressure and flow they require.

Why is this important?

Compressed air is sometimes called the fourth utility as it can account for anything up to 30% of a companys industrial electrical power consumption.

As up to 80% of a compressors lifecycle operating budget can be taken up by the cost of energy, its important to ensure that the performance and output of your machine is matched as closely as possible to the application.

What is over-specification?

In cases where compressors were specified some time ago, or new compressors are brought in as like for like replacements without any data logging or analysis, the kW rating is often the benchmark used for specification.

This can lead to over-specification; where a more expensive unit is purchased than required.

What else should be taken into account?

A compressed air system comprises many elements, not just the air compressor itself. These include the pipework, dryers, filters, receivers and valves along with the processes the system will be connected to.

No system remains the same throughout its lifetime, so potential changes also need to be taken into account, from leakages to wear and tear, as well as the likelihood that the system may require increased capacity in the future.

An experienced compressed air specialist will be able to help you make the correct calculations, with the appropriate flexibility built in.

What are the benefits of a compressor offering the correct flow?

The key benefits are cost and environmental. These can take the form of improved productivity, lower energy bills and reduced lifecycle costs.

Who is the campaign aimed at?

The advice is for companies of all sizes, however the campaign is particularly targeted at companies purchasing Atlas Copcos small and medium sized G/GX and GA machines. Eshots have been sent to SMEs operating in sectors such as furniture manufacture, sawmills and car bodyshops.

What do the experts at Atlas Copco say?

That the kW power rating of a compressors motor provides insufficient data for the specification of a new air compressor. As many companies are purchasing new compressors based on kW rather than pressure and flow, Atlas Copco believes that:

Average number of air compressors sized incorrectly on the market: 50%
Differential in flow rate within the same kW category can be: 30%
Cost of purchase of a compressor within the same kW category can vary by: 32%

Whats the best way to specify the right compressor?

Our compressor engineers are highly trained and experienced and can specify your equipment according to pressure and flow rather than kW.

In most cases, an energy audit is recommended, to data log the existing system and analyse the results for an accurate picture of current use and future requirements.

How can I find out more?

Visit www.atlascopco.co.uk/gowiththeflow or contact our sales team: sales@pps.co.com; 01422 321 772.

The sun always shines with Atlas Copco

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 12/02/2016

The sunny island of Tenerife was the location for this years Atlas Copco Premier Distributor Conference, where Pennine Pneumatic Services picked up the Third Quarter winners award.

The event took place on the largest of Spains Canary Islands over three days in November and PPS was represented by Service Director Ian Harrison.

As well as the conference itself, the visit included a trip by jeep to UNESCO world heritage site, Las Canadas National Park and the Teide Mountain, one of the worlds largest volcanoes and the highest Spanish peak at 3,718m.

There was also a catamaran whale and dolphin watching tour and a gala dinner at a banana plantation, with signature dishes created by the renowned chef Carlos Gamonal, the first winner of a Michelin star in Tenerife. Additionally, delegates partners were able to enjoy a shopping trip and paella?making competition.

Having also won the Second Quarter award, the company is proving once again that its hard to beat when it comes to championing Atlas Copco products.

Leak Surveys – a useful guide

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 26/03/2018

Air leaks are one of the major sources of wasted energy in industry and one of the easiest problems to identify and fix. This is why we offer free Energy Audits to all our existing and new customers.

If you havent had your system checked over recently, then you are missing out on massive potential savings so what are you waiting for?

Why do leak surveys?

If you think your compressed air system might have a few leaks but nothing worth bothering to fix, then think again.

Although up to 10% leakage is usually deemed acceptable, in a typical system, engineers will find around 70 100 leaks, representing leak rates of anything from 30% to 60%.

In other words, its not impossible that more than half of the compressed air generated in your facility is being lost to leakage.

What is the cost of leakage?

When you translate these figures into expenditure, they represent an annual loss of thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds, depending on the size of the factory.

What happens during a leak survey?

This can all be carried out in a non-intrusive way, without shutting down any machinery or interrupting your production schedule.

Finally, a report will be written with full details of the leakage and an estimate of how much energy and money you could potentially save by fixing the leaks.

Where are leaks found?

While many of the leaks will be in the pipework system, there may also be leaks in the pipes leading into machinery such as pneumatics.

Common areas for leaks are seals, pipe joints, valves, filters, solenoids and flanges, as well as internal leaks in tools.

What other problems does leakage cause?

What happens next?

At this stage, the pressure of the system can be lowered to take into account the added efficiency and you will start to see the benefits in your energy bills moving forward.

Dealing with leakage will usually require more than one visit as the system should be checked and monitored on a regular basis following the first set of repairs, to keep on top of future issues.

Lean, mean and green!

Cutting down on leaks will make your whole system more energy efficient, which is not only better for your bottom line but will also reduce your carbon footprint.

Conclusion

Leak surveys are arguably the most effective cost and energy-saving activity on offer. With free Energy Audits available to you, it really is a no brainer.

Contact our sales team to find out more: sales@pps.co.com; 01422 321 772.

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd acquires Compcon Ltd

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 14/09/2021

East Midlands compressor consultants, Compcon Ltd (Compcon), have been acquired by Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd (PPS), one of the UK’s leading compressed air, pneumatic and refrigeration distributors. The move expands the reach of Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd into Derbyshire and aligns two respected Atlas Copco distributors.

Compcon was established in 2009 by Dave Beer and Andy Conners with a mission to exceed customer expectations for compressed air service. As a service orientated business their values align with PPS providing a solid cultural underpinning for the acquisition.

“Like us, Compcon have a consultative approach to customer service and compressed air installations. It’s an exciting opportunity to be able to bring these two like-minded teams together,” commented Matt O’Connor, Operations Director at PPS. “I know the technical experience and capabilities within Compcon will bring great strength and support to our PPS team in South Yorkshire. But, likewise, I can already see how the capacity and diversity of products and services within PPS will allow Compcon to achieve that next level of growth.”

The team structure of Compcon will stay the same with founder Dave Beer staying on to lead the team. His co-founder Andy Conners retired from the business in 2020.

“Over the past couple of years at Compcon we have steadily grown, bringing the business to a point where it needed significant investment in people to bring stability and maintain the standard of service our customers expect,” explains Dave Beer of Compcon. “After investigating the options, based on the resources and time I have, becoming part of PPS gave the stability we craved, as part of a team who have continually set the standard for compressed air distribution.”

This acquisition expands the reach of PPS bringing their total number of branches to five, including their Brighouse head office, branches in Sheffield and Leigh, as well as Norman Walker in Hull.

PPS became part of the wider R&G Fluid Power Group in 2018 and have since benefitted from the support of this passionate network of businesses. Compcon will become the latest addition to the group, expanding their presence further in the Midlands.

For customers and staff of Compcon, it is business as usual, which means a complete compressed air service from the most experienced compressor engineers in the East Midlands.

For more information on Compcon Ltd please visit www.compcon.co.uk.

Access a grant for up to £5000 for energy saving compressed air equipment with PPS and The Carbon Trust

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 13/07/2018

www.pps.co.com/carbon-trust
Tel: 01422 321 772
Email: sales@pps.co.com

10 ways to save energy and reduce the carbon footprint of your compressed air system

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 30/03/2023

1. Fix your air leaks

One 3mm hole could cost you between £500-£900 a year.

2. Correctly size your equipment

Incorrectly sized equipment can lead to wasted energy and problems with production.

3. Lower your whole system pressure

A reduction of 1 bar in pressure (14.5 psi) could lead to a 7% saving in electricity consumption.

4. Consider a variable-speed drive air compressor

A VSD air compressor can deliver up to 60% energy savings compared to a fixed-speed compressors.

5. Upgrading to a modern air compressor

The latest controllers and energy efficient motors can decrease your energy costs.

6. Focus on the control of your system

So that you don’t produce more air than you need.

7. Regular servicing maintains the efficiency of your system

As stated by BCAS, compressor output will deteriorate by more than 10% without proper maintenance.

8. Use the energy more than once with heat recovery

Approximately 70% of energy is recoverable from oil-injected screw compressors – this comes from research done by Atlas Copco.

9. No part too small to make a difference

Consider the energy usage of even the smallest pneumatic part.

10. With pipework it is more than just fixing leaks.

The design of your pipework, zoning your system and the type of pipe used can all make a difference.

Remember: Up to 80% of the total lifecycle cost of your compressor is the energy it uses (not capital cost or servicing).

Read the full detailed PPS Guide online

PPS wins 2nd place in prestigious awards

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 03/07/2017

The team at PPS were thrilled to win second place at the prestigious Eaton Smith Awards 2017, held on Friday 1 July.

The award was presented to Director Ian Harrison at a breakfast ceremony held at Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top in Huddersfield, attended by members of the business community, including previous winners and judges. Speakers at the breakfast included representatives of Eaton Smith, last years overall winner and the Mayor of Kirklees, Christine Iredale.

Launched in 1995, the Eaton Smith awards comprise a monthly award at which one winner is selected and annual awards where the 12 monthly winners battle it out for first, second and third place.

Having won the monthly award in August 2016, PPS was automatically entered for the annual awards, and staff attending were delighted to see the company win second place. Cake company Proper Maid was awarded first place and third place went to Yorkshire Payments, both worthy winners.

Huddersfield-based, multi-disciplinary law firm, Eaton Smith, organises and runs the awards, with entries coming from across the Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield regions.

The awards acknowledge the many excellent businesses operating in the area and offer well-deserved recognition for those who stand out in their field.

Gary Whitaker, Managing Director of PPS, said: The Eaton Smith Business Awards are recognised as well-established and prestigious awards within the region. We are delighted to have won second place at the annual awards and Id like to thank the team at PPS for their hard work and dedication behind the scenes, which helps us win such accolades.

Meet the Supplier: Camozzi – at the cutting edge of pneumatics

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 30/11/2017

Our suppliers are vital to our continuing success, whether they distribute air compressors, nitrogen generators or, in the case of Camozzi, pneumatic components.

Having grown from a family-run company based in a small Italian village to a global leader in its sector, Camozzi today has an enviable reputation for providing customers with innovative solutions based on advanced technology and high-quality components.

Heres our overview of Camozzi a company that promotes an ethical approach to innovation.

Early history

Foundation 1964

Founded by Three brothers: Attilio, Luigi and Geronimo Camozzi, who lived in a small village in Lumezzane, northern Italy.

First products Manufacturing components for industrial automation.

First branch set up abroad In Germany in 1980.

Date UK branch set up 1992.

Where is the company based?

Headquarters Brescia, Italy

UK base Nuneaton, Warwickshire

Distribution customer centres in around 90 countries, sales hubs in around 180 countries.

Camozzis product range

Operating in the pneumatic automation sector, the company designs and manufactures highly advanced components and systems.

These include but are not limited to:

Pneumatic and electric actuators

Air handling accessories

Cylinders

Filters

Fittings

Pressure switches

Sensors

Valves

Since its inception, Camozzi has put new product development at the forefront, integrating innovative electronic and pneumatic technology to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its products.

As an authorised distributor, PPS can supply a wide range of Camozzi products, along with pre-assembled kits, control cabinets and systems, and pneumatic cylinders made to order in as little as an hour.

Camozzi also prides itself in providing first-class support services through its worldwide network of branches and distributors, such as PPS.

While the central production plant is located in Italy, Camozzi has production and assembly plants in 12 countries, branches in more than 20 countries, and more than 50 exclusive distributors.

What are the major benefits these products bring to our customers?

Because Camozzi places so much importance on innovation and efficiency, we are confident in recommending their products to our customers.

Camozzi products offer:

Cutting-edge technology

Reduced energy usage

Reliability

Greener approach

The importance of ethics

From environmental awareness to the safety and wellbeing of its employees, Camozzis approach is one of ethical responsibility. Working to strict standards of health and safety and giving priority to green issues, it also takes pride in building strong relationships with local communities.

A great partnership

Providing industry-leading solutions that bring real benefits to our customers, Camozzi is a key supplier for PPS.

For more information on Camozzi products, contact our sales team on 01422 321 772 or email: sales@pps.co.com.

Check out are competition on Facebook - win tickets to see FC Halifax Town vs Ebsfleet on Saturday 17th February

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 06/02/2018

FACEBOOK COMPETITION TIME YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS FOR FC HALIFAX TOWN

As proud sponsors of FC Halifax Town were very happy to be running a Facebook competition to win

Two Match Day Hospitality Tickets for FC Halifax Town v Ebsfleet on Saturday 17^th February

Its easy to enter all you have to do to have a chance of winning is

- VISIT our Facebook page by clicking here
- LIKE our page
- SHARE this competition post
- TAG at least two friends in a comment

Prize winners will get:

- A four Course Pre Match Meal for two people
- Seats in the East Stand Directors Box
- Two free Programmes
- Team Sheets
- Free Car Parking
- Half Time Refreshments
- Post- Match Presentations

Good luck!

Competition Terms and Conditions

- The closing date for entries is 5pm Friday 9th February 2018.
- Winners will be notified by Tuesday 13th February 2018, and will be invited to attend the match on Saturday 17th February
- The decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into concerning this decision.
- At least one entrant must be 18 or over
- Any child attending as a winner on the day must be accompanied by an adult (one adult and one child ONLY)
- Entry is on Facebook only
- The competition is not open to Pennine Pneumatic Services employees

Specialist coating company improves sustainability with addition of cooling process

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 06/04/2021

What was needed:

The customer was looking to add a new process to their production line to make the coating procedure more sustainable.

Previously, they would heat the solution up and then dispose of it after every batch. Adding in a cooling step to their process would mean they could use the solution for multiple batches without affecting the quality of the end result.

What we did:

We supplied a Parker ICEP Chiller to the Liverpool site, including coolant lines and a bespoke stainless spring heat exchanger to cool the chemical solution they use as part of the coating process.

The robust and reliable Parker chiller was commissioned to the customer’s requirements with the coolant lines designed by Matt Banks (PPS HVAC Technical Sales Manager) and manufactured by the R&G Fluid Power Group company Merseyflex.

UKHE supplied the heat exchanger, making a high-end stainless coil which exceeded the specification and will deliver years of repeated use in other applications on the production site – complete with brackets to allow removal and cleaning as a site task.

Key benefits:

Sustainable – adding in this new process makes this coating procedure more sustainable. The Parker ICEP chiller adds to this as it is more energy efficient than competitor products
Robust and reliable – Parker ICEP Chillers have been rigorously tested in all working conditions; this is essential as the unit will be working in a harsh environment
Ease of maintenance – an easy service design on Parker ICEP Chillers plus purposefully added brackets on the heat exchanger, mean less maintenance headaches in the future
Small footprint – Parker ICEP Chillers are packaged point of use equipment that don’t take up much valuable space on the factory floor

Why PPS?

Parker and PPS have been working together in the UK for many years and were the perfect fit for this project.

The customer was happy with market leading products from Parker supplied and installed by a local team with technical expertise.

Restarting your compressed air system after a stoppage period

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 18/05/2020

If your air compressor has been switched off for a period of time, we recommend you carry out a few checks before restarting your compressed air system.

Checking your air compressor

Turn off the air compressor power supply. Remove the panels from the side of the compressor.

What to look for:

Is the compressor topped up with oil?
Are there any oil or water leaks inside or outside the compressor?
Are the inlet and outlet grills clear from obstruction? At this time of year we have seen inlets blocked by dandelion seeds – they aren’t only the enemy of gardeners! This should be one of your regular quick checks to ensure your air compressor can work efficiently.
Can you see any damage to the compressor or its components?
Are all the drive belts present? Is there any sign of wear?
Are there any signs of damage on the electrical supply from the isolator to the compressor?
If it is safe to do so, and you feel comfortable checking, see if the motor and air end pulleys turn freely. The direction is indicated on the air end casing.

Replace the side panels when you have completed the checks.

Checking ancillary equipment (dryers, filters, receivers, oil water separators etc)

Make sure the equipment is isolated from power before inspection.

Check for:

Any oil, water or condensate leaks from the equipment
Ball valves correctly configured
Blockages from dust, grime, seeds, sawdust or anything else present in your working environment
Connections are secure
No obvious damage

Checking your compressed air pipework

Finally, before restarting your air compressor we would advise a walk round of your compressed air pipework. The key here is looking for anything that may be a danger once the system is back up to pressure. You need to check connections, valves and point of use equipment for the correct positioning and any obvious signs of damage.

Restart your air compressor

When you are satisfied it is safe to restart, put the power supply back on. If your compressor is water cooled, turn on the cooling water and air blast cooling system.

Please note if you have a variable speed drive (VSD) compressor, once you have turned the power back on leave the air compressor for at least one hour before starting it.

When ready, slowly open the compressor air discharge valve until the air pressure equalises between the compressor and the pipework. Now start your compressor – you are back online.

If you use a sequence controller, make sure the compressors are integrated onto the controller.

It is good practice to do another walk round of your compressed air system when you are back up to pressure, checking your pipework for the same things as above – secure connections, valves and any potential damage.

Here to help if you need us

If you are not satisfied that it is safe to restart your air compressor then just give us a call. We can discuss technical aspects over the phone or send an engineer to assist if necessary. We are keen to help you get back up and running as soon as possible. We’re in this together.

Phone: 01422 321 772

Email: service@pps.co.com

Or contact us via our website here.

5 ways to prevent air compressor downtime

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 05/06/2025

Regardless of your industry or the size of your business, downtime is costly. If your production relies on an air compressor, you need to prevent air compressor downtime and keep things running smoothly.

At PPS we hear this phrase (or similar wording) at every site we visit:

These are the ways we prevent air compressor downtime, solving this problem for customers on a daily basis.

Solved: Regular air compressor servicing prevents downtime

Regular air compressor servicing helps to avoid undue stress being placed on your system. Servicing helps to catch early signs of wear, so things like belts, bearings and seals can be replaced before they break. It also ensures oil hasn’t lost its lubrication properties, filters aren’t dirty and restricting airflow, and that drains aren’t blocked causing water buildup. Overheating is another cause of shutdown that can be avoided by regular cleaning of coolers, fans, and ventilation.

Using an air compressor maintenance checklist can help you keep on top of this, as well as having the right maintenance strategy in place for your site. For the majority of sites it will be a combination of the four key maintenance strategy approaches - preventive, corrective, predictive, and condition-based maintenance—each playing a vital role in avoiding costly disruptions.

Example:

Cirteq have worked with PPS for over 40 years to ensure they follow the correct service strategy for their site.

“PPS are a great team to work with. I have peace of mind and working with them takes something off my plate. They leave me knowing it’s left in good hands and that I know I don’t have to worry about the compressors or the plant room. Without the compressors we wouldn’t run, so working with a company that gives me no headaches is all you want.”

Bob Holinski, Facilities & Engineering Manager, Cirteq Ltd

Solved: doing regular leak detection surveys prevents downtime

Most compressed air systems have air leaks. They commonly occur on loose or poorly fitted couplings and joints, cracked seals and holes in pipes and hoses. The problem is, undetected air leaks put extra strain on your compressed air system and can increase your risk of downtime.

Regular compressed air leak detection surveys can help to prevent downtime in two key ways:

1. They help to maintain a stable system pressure

Undetected air leaks force the compressor to work harder to maintain required pressure. This extra strain increases wear and raises the risk of breakdowns. Regular surveys ensure leaks are identified and repaired early, keeping pressure stable and equipment running within design limits.

2. They prevent overloading the compressor

A compressor running constantly to compensate for leaks is more likely to overheat, suffer component fatigue, or trigger automatic shutdowns. Leak surveys reduce this workload, helping to maintain reliable operation.

The best way to test for air leaks?

There are a few ways to identify air leaks. Leaks can sometimes be identified by the sound generated, but in a noisy environment or where the leak occurs intermittently and in an inaccessible part of the system, they can be missed.

We always recommend the use of an ultrasonic leak detector for a leak detection survey, this gives a much more accurate report of the true cost of leakage on site.

Example:

A carpet manufacturer in the North of England contacted PPS when they were looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption. They had been looking at separate sections of the business to find out where the heavy energy users were. Their compressed air generation and pipework needed some attention.

The customer knew they had leaks, they could hear them, so this became the initial focus. PPS carried out the leak detection survey using an ultrasonic leak detector. There were a total of 40 leaks on the system, the biggest one was registering at 89dB. A leak of that size wastes a substantial amount of energy but can also become a health and safety problem, due to the noise level, if situated near workers.

PPS Engineers were on site for two days fixing the leaks. This textile industry customer spent £3,020.58 to save £36,784.88 (estimate based on £0.12/kWh) on their compressed air energy bill and reduce their carbon footprint. The compressed air they generate is no longer feeding leaks, instead being used for its intended purpose of weaving carpets.

Solved: Installing a duty/standby system prevents downtime

Compressed air is a vital part of many production processes. The potential cost of short-term disruption due to service downtime, parts availability or equipment failure should be considered. The associated costs of outages in terms of labour costs, production disruption and delays, often outweigh the cost of any standby equipment.

A duty/standby system gives you:

Instant backup - if the main (duty) compressor fails unexpectedly, the standby compressor can be brought online immediately. This keeps production running and avoids costly downtime.
Seamless maintenance - regular servicing can be carried out on the duty compressor without disrupting operations because the standby unit can handle the load during maintenance windows.
Load sharing for extended life - in some setups, the system can be configured to alternate between the two compressors, reducing wear and extending the life of both units - lowering the risk of failure over time.
Increased system reliability - a single point of failure is removed. With redundancy built in, there’s less risk of unplanned downtime stopping production entirely.
Operational flexibility - a duty/standby setup offers flexibility during periods of variable air demand. This allows you to match compressor use to production needs while maintaining resilience.

Example:

An East Yorkshire grain milling business was experiencing multiple issues with their aging and unreliable compressed air system. A site survey by PPS found that two of the milling units were powered by four fixed speed compressors. The PPS team advised that they could replace all four fixed speed compressors with one variable speed drive machine to run both milling units.

Following an energy audit to accurately assess demand, the PPS team installed a full duty/standby system in their new compressor house, along with a compressed air link line to both mill units.

The customer has reduced the risk of downtime as they now have an instant back up. They also had a centralised controller installed, this increases the reliability of the system by distributing the load equally between the duty and standby compressor, equalising the wear. Both compressors can be maintained on a single visit from a service engineer and without any downtime.

Solved: upgrading old, unreliable compressors prevents downtime

Ageing compressors are a big risk factor for unplanned downtime. This is because:

They are more prone to wear, overheating, oil contamination and mechanical failures
Worn-out compressors often struggle to maintain consistent pressure
Spare parts can be difficult to source, delaying repairs and prolonging downtime

The capital outlay for a new compressor may seem daunting. But when you consider the true cost of unplanned downtime and think about it over the lifetime of the product, it becomes a logical decision.

Over the lifetime of a compressor, the initial purchase price works out at approximately 10% of the cost. Meanwhile, up to 80% of your outlay over the lifetime of the machine is likely to be on energy costs, leaving the other 10% to maintenance.

Example:

We recently worked with a cake manufacturer who was struggling with two ageing fixed speed compressors. The compressors had become prone to breakdowns and parts were becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to source.

Their system upgrade included a full energy audit to correctly assess the site demand. PPS then installed a full duty/standby compressed air system with an optimised compressor room. Air receivers can be easily bypassed for annual insurance inspections and in-line filters can be isolated for routine services – without affecting 24/7 production in the plant.

The new air compressor gives the site reliability and peace of mind.

Solved: using air compressor hire in an emergency situation prevents downtime

Your air compressor has gone down and production has halted. Sometimes the only solution is air compressor hire.

In most cases, emergency hire is for sites that have suffered a failure. This might be the only compressor on site, or it might be one of several. Either way, you don’t want to risk costly downtime.

The various reasons for needing emergency hire include:

Your air compressor breaks down and there’s no back-up machine on site
Your air compressor breaks down and your back-up machine doesn’t have enough capacity
Your air compressor breaks down and you have a back-up machine but want a hire machine just in case the back-up machine fails
You have several air compressors and one fails, leaving you short of capacity
You take on additional work with a fast turnaround and find your current air compressor(s) can’t generate enough air

In some cases, a company might hire an additional air compressor as a back-up machine, which subsequently doesn’t get used. However, it’s best to have the peace of mind that the machine is there, ready for immediate use, if any other machines fail on site.

Example:

Following a major failure on their duty air compressor, Abel Systems used one of our hire air compressors to get production back up to full capacity and avoid unnecessary downtime while they waited for their new compressed air system to be installed.

“From start to finish PPS recognised the importance of maintaining production at 100%. The prompt supply of a hire machine helped us to do this whilst we waited for our new machine to be installed.”

Andy Hawksworth, General Manager, Abel Systems Ltd

In summary, preventing downtime is all about having the right systems, support, and proactive maintenance in place. From regular servicing and leak detection to upgrading ageing equipment, installing duty/standby systems or using emergency hire, there are proven ways to reduce the risk of costly interruptions to your production. At PPS, we work with customers every day to put these solutions in place, helping them keep their compressors, and their businesses, running reliably.

Can we help you prevent downtime on your site? Get in touch to discuss what you need on site.

Five energy Saving Tips

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 17/01/2018

1. Do you have blowguns in your works?

You can save energy by the installation of a 2bar fixed regulator in the blowgun feed.

2. All air systems will have leaks.

Instigate a program of air leak detection and repair.

3. Are you running your system pressure too high?

Identify the minimum pressure your system can run on and adjust your compressor settings to suit.

4. Is your compressor left running when air is not needed?

There are 2 ways to save energy if this is happening.

Delegate a member of staff to start and stop the compressor (usually an unreliable method)

The installation of a time switch or controller to start and stop the compressor during lunch breaks and shifts will save you energy and money.

(A 30kW compressor can consume approximately 11kW of electricity when off load)

5.Do you know if your compressor is correctly sized for your needs?

The most reliable way to check this is to have a free energy audit (data log) of your compressors system by Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd.

We can identify what your true air demand is and how much it is costing your company in waste energy.

See how we can help

Can you get a truly silent air compressor?

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 05/12/2022

If you have ever worked in a noisy environment, you’ll know the detrimental effect it can have on your hearing and subsequently your health and wellbeing.

There are two ways to inflict damage on your hearing: one is to experience a sudden loud noise over 120 dB (decibels) and the other is a prolonged exposure to noise over 70 dB.

To give you an idea of what this might represent, an ordinary conversation would usually measure around 60 dB while the acceptable engine noise of a car has been gradually reduced and now must meet the 2016 standard of 72 dB maximum for new vehicles. Travelling by passenger aircraft can expose you to around 80-85 dB during a flight, depending on the insulation and model type. However, the levels at rock concert can often reach an eye-watering and ear-damaging 110-120 dB.

Hearing damage is a serious and lifelong issue for many, with around a tenth of the adult population in the UK living with tinnitus and one in six being affected by other kinds of hearing loss.

While ear protectors and other noise-limiting tools can help protect workers against the operating noise of an air compressor, we are often asked if it’s possible to buy a quiet or silent air compressor.

Is there such a thing as a silent air compressor?

There are no completely silent air compressors, however, the noise emitted can vary widely. The average is currently 85 decibels but some models run as high as 92 db and there are models that operate as low as 40-55 dB. So clearly there is such a thing as a quiet air compressor when compared with the noisiest models on the market.

The UK Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 requires employers to measure the risk faced by workers, offer training and provide information about the danger of high levels of noise if they are exposed to 80 dB or more. If average exposure is as high as 85 dB, hearing protection and zones must be provided, and no worker should be exposed to levels over 87 dB.

This requirement for compliance with noise regulations in the UK has informed research and development into ways to reduce the noise produced by compressed air systems.

Situated at the forefront of innovative technological advances, Atlas Copco has made noise reduction an important feature of its newest models.

Why are some models of air compressor quieter than others?

Of the three main types of air compressor – piston, rotary screw and scroll – the quietest is the scroll compressor. Of the others, single piston compressors are usually noisier than dual piston models and rotary screw compressors are quieter than both.

The reason for the difference in noise output can be explained by reasons such as how much friction there is in the moving parts. For example, in rotary screw compressors, the air element helical screws don’t come into contact with each other so there is less friction and vibration.

Another factor is whether the compressor is powered by electricity or by gas where a noisier engine is required.

What can I do to make my air compressor silent?

The closer your workers are to the air compressor, the more noise they will be exposed to, so you could start by looking at ways of isolating the compressor in a separate soundproofed space. There are also measures you can take in the room or around the area where the air compressor is located, to reduce the amount of noise reaching workers.

However, as this isn’t always possible, the best option is to invest in an air compressor that has specific features to reduce its operational noise.

The Atlas Copco range of quiet compressors includes the G and GA models, SF and SF+ models and the VSD+ range.

Measures taken to reduce noise include dampening the sound by encasing the compressor in a full or partial enclosure and quieter or silent fans.

The GA VSD+ state-of-the-art models have a range of features that make them quieter, including a patented optimised silent fan and a close-coupled drive train, which combines a high-efficiency motor and asymmetric compression element. Designed in-house the motor has advanced cooling abilities and is so quiet that users have sometimes wondered if the compressor is switched on!

Another benefit of these super-quiet compressors is that they are extremely energy efficient – a must in this era of high energy costs.

PPS Doesn't let the Paint dry with PPG

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 29/08/2017

Case Study: PPG Engineering Morley

Company:

PPG Engineering, a division of PPG Industries, the worlds leading coatings and speciality products company, operating in almost 70 countries around the globe.

Project date:

2015

Project overview:

Installation of a fixed pipework system at the companys Morley site in West Yorkshire.

What was needed:

The machine in question often required changeovers between different paints. Operators had to physically remove the flexible hosepipes in order to wash them out, resulting in 30,000+ manual pipe changes a year. A new, automated system was needed.

What we did:

PPS installed a new fixed pipework system with control valves run by pneumatic valves. This replaced the manual system with a fully automated one.

Why PPS?:

Two years earlier, PPS had installed a panel to centralise controls for PPGs paint tanks, so the companies already had a working relationship.

I had dealt with Dave Jones before and he did good job installing a pneumatic control in our new compressor house, says Stan Firth, Morley Production Group Leader. Because this job was quite a complicated process, which required a lot of planning, they seemed ideal for the job. Not all companies would have been prepared to put in the necessary time and effort.

Key benefits:

The new automated system has improved safety and the process is now much quicker.

It has removed the need for pipe changes, which has reduced manhandling and risk of accident. The new pipework has also tidied up the area around the machine, making it look neater and cleaner.

Its quite difficult to work out exact cost savings but reducing the time needed to clean the machine offers the potential to increase output, says Stan Firth. Working on my calculations, I believe we achieved payback in less than a year.

Another happy customer:

The team at PPS provided an excellent service. They did a great job, nothing was too much trouble, and they were always willing to give their time and support when needed.

Stan Firth, Morley Production Group Leader

Five basic air compressor maintenance tips

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 17/02/2017

We aim to ensure that our customers always get the optimum performance from their air compressor and pneumatic equipment. Here are our five basic air compressor maintenance tips to help keep your production running smoothly

Read the manufacturers user manual More often than not, the air compressor manual is overlooked. This manual contains essential information on the limitations of your air compressor and safety guidelines.

Clean the air intake filter regularly Your air compressor has to work harder to intake the air if the intake filter element is heavily contaminated. Its compression capacity is affected adversely and you will get less air delivered per kW. Ensure that the intake filter of your compressor is clean at all times, more so if youre operating it in a dirty or dusty environment.

Drain the tanks of condensate regularly The receiver/tank will accumulate moisture from the air being compressed, more so if youre operating it a humid environment. More condensate inside the receiver means less storage capacity. Install an automatic no-loss drain, this will ensure this is never overlooked

Clean heat exchangers The heat exchangers work to reduce the operating temperature of the air compressor. By keeping the operating temperatures down, the compressors are able to function at their optimum. However, if the heat exchangers are dirty, they wont be able to do their job well, thus hindering the compressors performance and reducing its life span.

Service your air compressor When using a lubricated air compressor, its important that the oil level is checked daily. Other parts on the air compressor require periodic servicing (oil change, oil filter, air filter, oil separator, belts/drive coupling) all require changing to keep the air compressor running at its optimum level and to avoid breakdowns.

If you have any further queries regarding air compressor maintenance dont hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable team.

PPS announces its ‘Energy Saving Stars’ initiative

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 17/02/2017

More and more companies are waking up to the value of reducing energy bills, both for environmental reasons and to save on running costs for their pneumatic equipment.

Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to energy efficiency, which is why PPS and our sister company, Sheffield-based Simm Engineering, are now championing our energy-saving customers through a new initiative.

What are Energy Saving Stars?

In January 2017, PPS and Simm launched the Energy Saving Stars project.

These are the companies who have worked with us to achieve significant energy savings, with all the associated benefits:

- lower energy bills

- reduced carbon footprint

- more efficient operation

- increased productivity

- meeting regulation targets

- fulfilling CSR obligations

- more secure future for the business

Company Certificate for Energy Efficiency

Customers will be presented with a certificate celebrating their achievement as our Energy Saving Stars.

This can be displayed in a prominent place, such as the reception area of the business, so that staff and customers can see the companys green credentials and achievements.

Companies also have the option of being featured in a case study, to appear on our website and in our newsletters, as well as being used to inspire other companies to follow suit in their own energy efficiency endeavours.

End of year showcase

At the end of each year, we will do a showcase on the firm that has saved the most energy, championing their achievements.

Our first Energy Saving Star

The first company to be crowned as one of our Energy Saving Stars is AESSEAL®.

An international business manufacturing mechanical seals, seal support systems and bearing protectors aimed at reducing maintenance costs and improving reliability for its own customers, AESSEAL® prides itself in seeking out energy-saving initiatives.

By installing new Atlas Copco Variable Speed Drive Plus (VSD+) air compressors and new pipework at its Rotherham and Bradford site, with further sites targeted for future upgrades, we have helped AESSEAL® save an estimated 25,130kg carbon and £14,864 per annum at the Rotherham site alone.

By implementing just a few changes such as upgrading to Variable Speed Drive Plus (VSD+) air compressors and vacuum pumps companies across Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield, Halifax, Bradford, and the wider West Yorkshire area have seen the energy efficiency of their compressed air systems improve significantly.

If youd like to find out more about our Energy Saving Stars initiative and how your business can benefit from lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint, get in contact today.

How to turn waste heat from your compressed air system into a real energy saving opportunity

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 21/11/2025

Energy costs and sustainability pressures continue to rise, and many businesses are now looking more closely at the hidden opportunities within their existing systems. One of the most overlooked sources of recoverable energy is the waste heat produced by compressed air systems. In most sites this heat is simply vented away, even though it can be captured and used to support essential processes across the plant.

This article explains why waste heat matters, how heat recovery works, the common barriers that hold companies back, and practical steps you can take to unlock its value.

Why waste heat from compressed air matters

A compressed air system generates a significant amount of heat every time it runs. In fact, the majority of the energy that goes into a compressor is converted directly into heat. On many sites this warm air or hot water is released into the atmosphere, even though the technology to recover it is well established.

With energy accounting for a large share of operating costs, wasting heat is effectively wasting money. Recovering this energy can support hot water systems, supplement space heating, pre heat boiler feed water, or provide heat for wash down and process use. It is a simple concept that can deliver measurable savings.

How heat recovery works

Heat recovery systems capture the thermal energy created during the compression process and redirect it for beneficial use. This can be done in two main ways:

Warm air recovery

Useful for air cooled compressors, where ducting can redirect warm air into areas that require space heating such as workshops, warehouses, or drying zones.

Hot water recovery

Ideal for water cooled compressors or oil injected compressors fitted with integrated heat exchangers. The recovered heat can provide hot water for production processes, heating systems, or cleaning routines.

Both methods can reduce the load on existing boilers or heaters, lower fuel consumption and cut carbon emissions.

Why heat recovery is still under used

Despite the clear benefits, heat recovery remains surprisingly uncommon. The main obstacles tend to be:

Integration concerns
Some businesses worry about connecting a heat recovery system to an existing building or process. In reality, most systems can be added with minimal disruption.
Short planning horizons
Many organisations work on a three to five year payback expectation. Heat recovery often meets this, but the lack of longer term planning can lead to missed opportunities.
Limited awareness
Staff may not realise how much energy a compressor produces or that recovery systems exist.
Complexity in multi site or multi system estates
Where responsibilities are split between engineering, utilities and facilities teams, opportunities can be overlooked.

By addressing these barriers early and carrying out a simple feasibility check, most businesses can move forward with confidence.

A real world example

In one recent case study, a food manufacturer reduced its projected payback from almost a decade to around three and a half years by integrating heat recovery when installing a new compressed air system. By using the recovered heat for wash down and hot water, the site significantly reduced its gas consumption and improved its resilience in a period of rising energy prices.

Stories like this are increasingly common across industries. The key is identifying where the recovered heat can be used and designing the system accordingly.

How to assess whether heat recovery is right for you

Here is a practical starting point for any business looking to explore this opportunity.

Review your current compressed air setup
Identify which compressors you operate, whether they are air or water cooled, and how many hours they typically run.

Identify where heat could be used
Look at your demand for hot water, space heating, wash down, drying, or boiler pre heating.

Estimate potential savings
A simple calculation comparing current energy use with projected heat recovery output can provide a clear picture of payback.

Plan the integration
Consider pipework, ducting, temperature requirements and how the recovered heat will be controlled.

Work with a specialist partner
Experienced compressed air providers can advise on the most efficient approach and ensure that heat recovery is matched to your operational needs.

How PPS can help

At PPS we regularly help customers identify energy saving opportunities within their compressed air systems. Heat recovery is one of the simplest ways to improve efficiency, reduce running costs and support sustainability goals. Whether you are planning a new installation or want to explore options for an existing system, our team can advise, design and support you from initial assessment through to installation and maintenance.

Conclusion

Waste heat from compressed air systems represents a major opportunity that many sites are currently missing. The technology is proven, the savings are tangible and the environmental benefits are immediate. By taking a closer look at how your compressors generate and release heat, you may uncover one of the most cost effective improvements available on your site.

If you would like a review of your compressed air system or want to explore heat recovery options, please get in touch with our team.

Dunsley Heat - Holmfirth - Another Happy Energy Saving Customer

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 21/02/2018

Based in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, Dunsley Heat, a family-run business, has been manufacturing heating equipment since 1950.

Today the company supplies wholesale wood-burning stoves, solid-fuel fires, multi-fuel stoves, open fires and boilers all of which are handmade in Yorkshire. Products are rated for energy efficiency and compliant with legislation coming into force up to 2022.

Project date: 2017

Project overview:

The installation of a new variable speed drive compressor, offering significant energy and cost savings.

What was needed: The company was running two fixed-speed compressors, an old Atlas Copco machine and an Ingersoll Rand ML30 both high energy users.

What was needed:

The company was running two fixed-speed compressors, an old Atlas Copco machine and an Ingersoll Rand ML30 both high energy users.

What we did:

After a site visit, the Ingersoll Rand machine was data logged and an estimate was produced to demonstrate the potential energy savings of switching to a new, variable speed drive air compressor.

The data logging showed that the Ingersoll Rand machine was using around 58,550 kW hours per annum, compared with 15,000 kW hours that a new Atlas Copco VSD+ machine would use. The overall reduction of 74.38% represented projected savings of £4,355 a year.

At the end of 2017, PPS supplied and installed an Atlas Copco GA15VSD+ Pack Floor Mounted Rotary Screw Compressor. The air-cooled, oil-injected machine comprised a high-specification IE4 Interior Permanent Magnetic electric motor and the latest generation Graphical Menu-Driven programmable controller.

Why PPS?:

Dunsley Heat was looking for a new supplier to provide a top-quality service and was keen to work with a local company, which is why Alan Tinker chose PPS.

Not only did PPS provide advice on the new compressor, but we made it easier for Dunsley Heat to purchase it by helping the company to apply for a Leeds Area Grant. After showing the grant providers the data logging figures, Dunsley Heat received the maximum grant available towards purchasing the compressor.

Key benefits:

Since the new air compressor was installed, Alan Tinker from Dunsley Heat has been impressed by the quiet running of the machine, as well as the savings the company has made.

The savings have been a remarkable sum for just one machine, he says. Typically its running at 25% a lot of the day, whereas the old machine would have been running at full consumption. Also, the old machine was often left to run over the finish times, whereas the new machine has a timer so you can set it to come on or off automatically.

Another happy customer:

I would work with PPS again, no question. The process has been absolutely fine; the engineers turned up on time and it was a very easy, straightforward installation.

Were very pleased with the new machine and with PPS as a company. I couldnt have asked for more in terms of service and the machine has been faultless it has done everything its been asked to do. There have been no negatives, which is obviously how we like it.

Alan Tinker, Dunsley Heat

Download the PDF Here

What is a dual speed compressor? Understanding the new compressor type.

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 08/04/2024

Atlas Copco recently launched the GA FLX, a completely new compressor type – the dual-speed screw compressor. But what is, why do we need it and where does it sit with fixed speed and variable speed drive compressors? Let’s take a look…

What is a dual speed compressor?

A fixed speed compressor has only one motor speed, 100% on, a dual speed compressor has two. Having two speeds means that it can operate at maximum capacity, but then reduce to a minimum speed during unload. The ability to switch to this lower speed means that it significantly reduces the energy used during the unload phase. So, compared to a fixed speed compressor it is more efficient as it has lower transient and blow-off losses.

Reducing transient losses

Transient losses refer to the energy that a compressor consumes without producing usable air as it goes through operational phases. In the case of fixed-speed compressors, this can be up to 20% of their total energy usage. No matter how efficient a fixed speed compressor is, because of the way it works, it won’t be able to meaningfully reduce transient losses. But a dual speed compressor can reduce the transient losses because of the minimum motor speed and its ability to start up more quickly against a pressurised system.

(Extract from the Atlas Copco GA FLX brochure showing the energy consumption of a fixed speed compressor compared to the dual speed compressor)

How does it fit with fixed speed and variable speed drive compressors?

Within the Atlas Copco range of compressors there is now fixed speed, dual speed and variable speed options.

But how do you know which one is right for your application?

In most cases the answer will be a variable speed drive (VSD) compressor. They are the perfect partner for when your compressed air demand varies, through the shift, during the week or with seasonal demand. The latest GA VSD^S technology offers potential energy savings of 60% compared to a fixed speed machine. Their low energy use means they offer the lowest lifecycle cost of the compressor technology available, but they are also known for their reliability, connectivity and ease of operation.

Fixed speed machines, running at only one speed, are best suited to operations where there is a consistently high compressed air demand. Relatively, they have a lower purchase price to a variable speed drive compressor so are sometimes viewed as a starter machine for workshops and smaller operations. However, with VSD compressors now available in smaller sizes and with energy efficiency considerations and lifecycle costs taken into account, even these scenarios might be better suited to VSD compressors.

So, the dual speed?

A bit of both, the best of both worlds, an ideal combination, the ultimate fusion – however you word it, it gives you a combination of the two.

It has a lower purchase price than a VSD but 20% energy savings over a fixed speed machine.

The GA FLX also allows for free pressure setting without loss of air flow or FAD, so you might be able to select a smaller-sized GA FLX than the fixed-speed GA alternative, saving even more on operational and investment costs.

Things you will love about the GA FLX

Unique dual speed

Invented and developed by Atlas Copco, it is a unique market offering. Always innovative, Atlas Copco is the first to make this type of compressor technology available and give you benefits no fixed speed ever can.

Reduced energy costs

Using 20% less energy than the fixed speed equivalent, the savings will really add up over the lifetime of the compressor – especially when you consider energy makes up about 80% of the total lifecycle cost of the compressor.

Flexible pressure setting

As noted above, with a GA FLX you can set any pressure without loss of air flow or FAD. This could mean a smaller sized machine and lower investment cost.

Smaller footprint

It is half the size of a fixed speed Atlas Copco GA compressor! When space is at a premium on a factory floor this is a big win. Giving you more flexibility of where to place your compressor.

Customisable

The GA FLX is available with a lot of options so you can tailor your compressor to your application, environment and operational goals.

Compressed Air Dryers - which one do you need?

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 01/11/2017

Are you having condensate problems in you airline and equipment?

Are your Air cylinders, Solenoid valves and air tools failing prematurely?

Do you carry out car body repainting or shot blasting?

If the answer to any of the above is yes you should install a dryer

The function of a compressed air dryer is to remove enough condensate from your compressed air to prevent further condensate forming in you airlines and associated equipment.

Most common compressed Air Dryer Technologies
(Line filters are recommended to be installed with all dryers)

Refrigerant dryer:
Refrigeration dryers employ heat exchangers, one for air-to-air and one for air-to-refrigeration The refrigerant compressors used in this type of dryer are usually of the hermetic type. The goal of having two heat exchangers is that the cold outgoing air cools down the hot incoming air which make this type of dryer more efficient. At the same time the increase in the temperature of outgoing air prevents condensation forming on the outside of pipework.

Deliquescent dryer :(not widely used now)
Consists of a pressure vessel filled with a hygroscopic media that absorbs water vapor. The media gradually dissolvesor deliquescesto form a solution at the base of the pressure vessel. The liquid must be regularly drained from the vessel and new media must be added. The media is usually in tablet or briquette form.

Desiccant dryer:
Other terms commonly used are regenerative dryer and twin tower dryer, and to a lesser extent adsorption dryer.
Air is passed through a vessel with two "towers" filled with a desiccant media. This desiccant media attracts the water from the compressed air. When the desiccant becomes saturated the dryer switch towers once this cycle completes some compressed air from the system is used to "purge" the saturated desiccant bed by simply drying the wet desiccant.

Membrane dryer:
The water vaporladen air passes through the center bore of hollow fibers in the membrane bundle. At the same time, a small portion of the dry air product is redirected along the outside surface of the fibers to sweep out the water vapor which has permeated the membrane. The moisture-laden sweep gas is then vented to the atmosphere, dry air is supplied to the application (line filters must be used before this type of dryer)

If you are unsure of the correct dryer for your application contact PPS to discuss your needs, if needed we will visit you to determine the correct technology for your application.

Atlas Copco’s new vacuum controller HEX@

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 19/04/2022

Atlas Copco has a well-deserved reputation for creating industry-leading products – and the newly released HEX@ is no exception.

Set to be the industrial vacuum controller of the future, the HEX@ is an augmented control centre for vacuum pumps and vacuum systems in a wide range of applications.

Its benefits are many, from increased performance and functionality to better connectivity and system integration. User friendly, the HEX@ makes it easier to access your vacuum system remotely, whether from inside or outside the factory.

User interface

The user interface of the HEX@ is intuitive to use, allowing you to access important data from the home screen. Additional settings and controls can be found on the on-display menu; this includes data such as power consumption, discharge temperature and inlet pressure. Customers can also configure the controller so that it only shows the specific information they require.

Excellent connectivity

Whatever your preferred way of accessing data – smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer – a HEX@-enabled vacuum pump will meet your needs. You can even access information through an onboard HMI interface or a local device plugged into the machine or connected via WiFi.

The system can simply be connected to your own network, or you can connect to the cloud to receive automatic software updates and remote support from Atlas Copco technicians.

Evaluation on four fronts

Atlas Copco has set out four indicators that can be used to quickly assess the operation of a vacuum system and evaluate the impact of any changes that are made. These are:

Uptime – this records how long a pump will run without failures
Performance – this measures whether the pump is meeting customer-set targets
ECO – this offers data about the efficiency potential of the pump, for example whether it is using more energy than is necessary
Health – this looks at any failures, and alerts customers when improvements can be made

These four measurements contribute to the HEX@ Insight Cards, offering information and suggestions for optimising the system. All of the above help to reduce energy consumption, saving you money at a time of rapidly rising energy prices and reducing your carbon footprint. They also extend the lifespan of your pump and reduce the amount of maintenance required.

Ease of operation

The HEX@ allows you to easily monitor, control and optimise your vacuum system. You can save your pump settings as a ‘mode’ to be recalled when required, while smart functionalities such as Trends allow the comparison of historic and current data.

A plug-and-play system, all HEX@ requires is an ethernet cable to set up. Once up and running, it has a secure web-based interface to connect your pumps and enjoy remote access.

Allowing you to access the information and insights you need to optimise the operation of your vacuum pump, the HEX@ will give you greater and better control, future-proofing your vacuum system.

5 things you’ve always wanted to know about nitrogen generation

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 19/06/2017

A wide range of industries use nitrogen, from food and drink to electronics, and from plastics to pharmaceutical and healthcare.

A colourless, odourless gas, nitrogen is often used for removing unwanted elements from liquids or propelling them through a pipeline.

Atlas Copco have a wide range of nitrogen generators on offer, including the NGM series, which harnesses advanced membrane technology, and the NGP or NGP+ machines, which operate through Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA). All of these machines offer exceptional purity, between 90%-99.99%.

Here are five things that you may not know about nitrogen...

1. You can produce your own nitrogen from compressed air

2. Installing a generator to produce your own nitrogen can be more convenient and cost-effective than using storage bottles.

3. Companies requiring continuous consumption can benefit from installing a nitrogen system.

4. Stand-alone plug-and-play nitrogen skid packages will make nitrogen through the night, which can then be consumed during the day.

5. Nitrogen manufacture reduces costs, as rather than returning nitrogen bottles partially full, all the nitrogen you make is consumed.

If youd like to find out more about nitrogen generation, contact our sales team on 01422 321 772 or email sales@pps.co.com.

PPS Group Financial Controller explains what is replacing the super-deduction capital allowance

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 30/03/2023

Craig Simper, PPS Group Financial Controller, explains below what is replacing the super-deduction capital allowance, and how you can benefit from it.

The super-deduction capital allowance launched in April 2021 has now come to an end, but the corporation tax relief hasn’t.

Businesses can make a tax saving of 25p for every £1 invested on main rate assets with the introduction of the Full Expensing (FE) capital allowance.

What is Full Expensing (FE)?

Announced in the 2023 Spring Budget, taxpayers can use FE to deduct the cost of certain plant and machinery from their profits before tax straight away, rather than slowly over the life of the asset.

FE is effective from 1^st April 2023 until 31^st March 2026, however the long-term ambition of the UK Government is to make FE permanent.

Businesses can achieve the same savings with FE as they could with the super-deduction capital allowance, due to the increase in corporation tax from 19% to 25% from 1^st April 2023.

An example:

Before the super-deduction and with the 19% Corporation Tax rate, companies investing £10m in main rate assets received a £342,000 tax saving in year 1. Under full expensing, on a £10m investment, a company will receive a £2.5million tax saving in year 1.

Investment drives productivity

The UK Government are hoping this initiative will build on what was started by the super-deduction capital allowance and improve UK productivity.

Our team can help to signpost you to capital allowances and other schemes that can benefit your business, but we also help to ensure that your investment is the right one to take your company forward.

Find out more about Full Expensing (FE)

You can find the government guidance on FE here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-expensing/spring-budget-2023-full-expensing#what-is-plant-and-machinery

Read about full expensing on the PPS website here >>>

Please note: this article doesn’t provide investment, financial or tax advice. It is an illustrative example. Please speak to your own company tax advisor.

PPS wins Camozzi Distributor of the Year accolade

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 20/04/2017

You may already be relying on PPS for your compressed air needs but did you know that we also supply pneumatics?

Cementing our position in this sector, PPS recently won Camozzis Distributor of the Year award for the Northern Region. The partnership with Camozzi began back in 2004 but this is the first time that PPS has achieved this accolade.

It comes after the company brought in a dedicated pneumatics expert, Glenn Stephenson, as Area Manager. Sales of general consumables have since increased, including through the Sales Counter, and a number of new customers have been brought on board. Pneumatics are used by many companies as a safe, cost effective and flexible way to transmit power through mechanical systems.

Sales Manager Pete Odell explains: Our pneumatics division achieved substantial growth on last year after we stepped up our game and made ourselves more visible in this sector. Since Glenn joined the company, we have seen very high growth in this area of the business.

As an authorised Camozzi Distributor, PPS is able to supply a wide range of items from stock, including air preparation, connectors, cylinders, directional control valves, fittings, process valves and tubes. We also supply products from other major brands, including Parker, SMC, Festo and Norgren.

As well as receiving a plaque and a certificate, PPS can now enjoy the prestige of the title of Distributor of the Year throughout 2017.

For advice on your pneumatic requirements email pneumatics@pps.co.com or visit our trade counter in Halifax.

Ian Howorth Joins PPS Strengthening the Aftersales Support Team

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 21/01/2022

PPS have recently strengthened their team, by employing Ian Howorth as part of the Aftersales Support Team. To read the full story visit this link.

All you need to know about the Atlas Copco VSD+ range

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 22/11/2017

If you use compressors at your workplace, youll be aware that demand for compressed air fluctuates at different times of the day, week and year. This is why Atlas Copco developed its advanced range of VSD and VSD+ air compressors.

Why switch to the VSD+ range?

Running a fixed-speed machine means you are almost certainly using more energy than you need.

A variable speed compressor automatically adjusts its motor speed so that it only generates energy when its required.

The latest Atlas Copco VSD+ machines have reached new heights in energy saving, reducing your energy bills by as much as 50%.

How does this work?

The VSD+ range has been specifically designed to save on energy. The iPM (Permanent Magnet) motor is incredibly efficient, and the machines boast a patented compression element and sentinel valve, which seals off the element completely during stop, preventing any escape of compressed air.

What other benefits does the VSD+ range offer

VSD+ air compressors have many other features that offer a range of benefits, eg:

· Small is beautiful  because the latest VSD+ machines are small but tall, with a compact design and a reduced footprint, they can slot into confined spaces that even the advanced VSD range cant fit into.

· Its oh so quiet  the VSD+ has an innovative cooling fan, reducing the noise decibels. This allows for installation on the factory floor rather than requiring a separate room.

· Easy does it  VSD+ machines have several features that make them easier to maintain, such as easy-to-access parts, a maintenance-free sentinel drive and electronic water drain.

· Built to last  during the research and development process, the individual features of the machines were designed to be robust and long lasting. This makes downtime for maintenance less likely.

· Monitoring  the VSD+ range incorporates a state-of-the-art smart controller system that allows simple and effective remote monitoring and can integrate with your plant management system.

Why Atlas Copco?

A world-leading manufacturer of air compressors, Atlas Copco designs its products to achieve the best productivity and energy efficiency. Established in 1873, the company is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and operates in more than 180 countries.

Atlas Copco also manufactures industry-leading vacuum pumps, nitrogen generators, air dryers and other air treatment and air management equipment.

Conclusion

Offering efficiency, reliability and energy savings that are hard to beat, it pays to invest in variable speed technology, in particular the VSD+ range. After all, why would you turn down savings on your energy bills of up to 50%?

You can make a rough calculation of your potential energy savings here:

http://webapps.atlascopco.com/Industrial_air_animations/accalculator/

However, its also worth booking one of our free Energy Audits. Our qualified engineers can give you a more precise idea of how much you could save, based on installing the right machine for the job and reducing other ways you might be wasting energy, for example from air leaks.

Contact our sales team on sales@pps.co.com or call 01422 321 772 and well be happy to help.

A Guide to Vacuum System Care

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd) — 01/12/2016

Our vacuum specialist, Adrian McSorley has put together a useful Guide to Vacuum System Care to help you get the most of your system.

Whether you are looking for a single vacuum pump or a complete vacuum system, Pennine Pneumatic Services skilled vacuum technology engineer will work with you to find the best solution to suit your specific application. We offer site visits to analyse your requirements, followed by additional services which can include commissioning and installation as necessary.

1. Keep it cool Any motors natural enemy is heat. Your vacuum pump will require a supply of fresh air. If it is enclosed, use fan cooling.

In summer, the higher temperatures will lower the viscosity of your oil, hindering the pumps ability to pull its full vacuum. If your vacuum pump doesnt pull the required operating level of vacuum, things can deteriorate rapidly.

2. Think about oil The standard minimum vacuum pump maintenance is to inspect and change your oil on a regular basis. This is the most important aspect of vacuum pump care required to keep a pump well maintained. It is good practice to create an oil maintenance schedule and stick to it.

The manufacturers guidelines must be adhered to for maximum usage between oil changes but if your pump, like most, is running 24/7, it may require an adjustment to be made. A weekly check is advisable.

3. All applications are different Some may allow for extended operation before an oil change is necessary while others may require an oil change on a much shorter maintenance schedule.

However, if you do try to stretch the oil usage, make sure the oil is coming out clean enough to provide the required lubrication and protective properties needed to protect the safe running of the pump. If your oil has broken down or become dirty, you should not, under any circumstances, stick to an extended maintenance schedule. The life of the pump will be reduced.

4. Get it right first time Whether you are considering upgrading your existing vacuum system or planning to improve on your existing installation, it cannot be highlighted enough the importance of selecting the correct components for your application right at the start of the project.

Problems can occur from over or under-specification in terms of performance, and efficiency issues such as energy and longevity.

For further information and advice, contact Adrian on 01422 321 772.

PPS Head Office (Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd)

Come and say hello to Simm Engineering at Connect Sheffield on Wednesday 18th October

Is your company making sure your air is breathable?

New nitrogen generation range to deliver faster throughput for laser cutting companies

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd achieves Constructionline Gold certification

We're recruiting: Office Receptionist/Administration Role – Halifax – moving to Brighouse September 2017

Apprentice of the Year is not afraid to get on his bike!

Pennine Pneumatic Services (PPS) receives Atlas Copco Compressors’ Distributor of the Year Award 2021

Manufacturers unite to share best practice on employing ex-offenders, employee retention and finding hidden talents.

Chiller Maintenance Summer Checklist

1. Clear away dirt and debris

2. Cleaning Coils – dirty coils reduce efficiency

3. Condenser intake filter

4. Clean & inspect panels and steelwork

5. Check for leaks

6. System & Chilled Water

7. Planned maintenance & servicing

HVAC Maintenance Winter Checklist

As we’re approaching Winter, we all want to feel warm and well heated in our homes and workplace. That’s why now is a good time to check our HVAC systems and make sure they’re working at their ideal level.

Read our ‘HVAC Maintenance Winter Checklist’ for our top tips on saving money and energy this winter.

Get to know the PPS Energy Team

Chiller Maintenance Winter Checklist

In Winter chiller efficiency can take a hit. That needn’t be the case if you put in place a preventative maintenance schedule.

Read our ‘chiller maintenance winter checklist’ to prevent damage to your chillers and unnecessary increases in costs this winter.

Meet the Supplier: Atlas Copco – From diesel to dinosaurs

MIY Expo Exhibitor Spotlight: PPS – Keeping Yorkshire Manufacturers Running Efficiently

1. In one sentence – what does PPS do best?

2. What’s the driving mission or purpose behind PPS right now?

3. What’s been the biggest milestone in the past 12 months?

4. Any exciting developments on the horizon?

5. Something surprising or little-known about us…

Come and meet us at the Made in Yorkshire Expo 2025

R&G Acquisitions bolster the Pennine Pneumatic Services offering

Investment from R&G Acquisitions heralds a new era of major growth for the successful compressed air and pneumatics business

New directorship

The next step

Marshalls is Another Happy PPS Customer

PPS wins Atlas Copco Distributor of the Year 2015

First Connect Sheffield was first class!

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd appoints new Managing Director

PPS recognised as Festo Official Partner

PPS expands from Yorkshire to Greater Manchester with the opening of a new branch bringing new jobs to the local area

Pennine Pneumatic Services becomes part of Atlas Copco Group

Booking British Compressed Air Society training through PPS unlocks 25% discount

Available courses:

PPS help SGL Co-Packing get cartoning machine back up and running quickly

Manufactured Yorkshire 2017 – putting customers first

PPS welcomes new apprentice engineer, Harry Howarth

JOB VACANCY: Pipefitter wanted

Pennine Pneumatic Services To Be Presented With Manufacturing Hero Award

5 things to think about when choosing the right vacuum technology

What is vacuum technology commonly used for?

5 points to consider when choosing vacuum technology

1. The level of vacuum required

2. Interaction between the pump and the application

3. Central versus local vacuum supply

4. Advanced technology and futureproofing your factory

5. Ownership costs

How do I know what size compressor I need?

What is CFM?

What is PSI?

Why is it important to buy an air compressor with the correct CFM and PSI?

How do I know what CFM I need?

How do I know what PSI I need?

How do I choose the right size of compressor for my application?

Book an energy audit

What else should I take into account when buying a new air compressor?

SafeContractor – a five point guide

PPS crowned Distributor of the Year

The Importance of Life Cycle Cost Analysis

What are the three elements of LCC?

Why carry out a Life Cycle Cost Analysis for your equipment purchase?

How to carry out a Life Cycle Cost Analysis

What is Life Cycle Profit?

Second Camozzi Distributor of the Year win for PPS

Come and meet us at Manufactured Yorkshire

Pennine Pneumatic Services Ltd acquires Norman Walker Machinery Ltd

Why is air conditioning so important in the workplace?

How can it improve your workplace?

Reactive to environments