Hi-Line Industries - Experts & Thought Leaders

Estimates suggest that Class 4 moisture content according to ISO 8573-1 is acceptable in the majority of compressed air system applications, thus supporting the use of refrigeration dryer technology. However, where applications demand higher levels of moisture removal, desiccant tends to be the go-to technology. hybrid solution The long-standing problem here is the higher cost associated with desiccant dryers, which is why Hi-line Industries, a UK-based pioneer in the design, manufacture, and installation of energy-efficient compressed air purification equipment, is addressing this issue with its new Hi-Plex dual technology dryers. This hybrid solution combines Hi-line’s established refrigeration and PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) air treatment technologies, creating an energy-efficient system at a low capital cost compared with standard heat-regeneration desiccant air dryers. Hi-line Tundra refrigeration system Hi-line can add an Activated Carbon Tower for Class 0 applications So how does Hi-Plex work? Well, a Hi-line Tundra refrigeration system first removes bulk moisture via zero loss auto-drains, after which it chills the air to +1°C in the heat exchanger, condensing out all water to a +3°C PDP (Pressure Dewpoint). From here, the pre-dried air passes into an energy-efficient HPSA (Hi-line Pressure Swing Adsorption) dryer where it is further dried via adsorption to lower dewpoints of between -20°C PDP and -70°C PDP depending on end-user requirements, meeting Class 2 moisture content by ISO8573.1. As a point of note, Hi-line can add an Activated Carbon Tower for Class 0 applications. plug-and-play system Hi-Plex regeneration takes place by deploying a vacuumed-assisted fan, which uses a reduced amount of purge air to cause a desorption effect within the desiccant beds. A side-channel vacuum pump removes the small amount of remaining water (via exhaust silencers) back to the atmosphere from where it came. This plug-and-play system is fully automatic: wet air in – dry air out. AEMS Importantly, Hi-Plex high-performance dual technology dryers typically run at only 1-2% purge in comparison with 13-15% on a standard desiccant air dryer. AEMS features a digital dewpoint readout, high-humidity alarm, and set and demand regeneration function Even more, savings are achievable following the specification of Hi-line’s optional AEMS (Automatic Energy Management System) for dewpoint control. AEMS features a digital dewpoint readout, high-humidity alarm, and set and demand regeneration function. As a result, customers can ensure they only use a minimal amount of energy to achieve dewpoints at any given time. In total, energy savings of over 70% are achievable compared with a conventional desiccant dryer, offering a far quicker return on investment (ROI). application-specific technology Every Hi-Plex dual technology dryer is application-specific but built from standard off-the-shelf Hi-line products. The company adds all the components, stainless steel pipework, and filtration to a compact skid at its UK headquarters and manufacturing facility in Burton-upon-Trent. Hi-line will happily cater to any special requirements, such as an even smaller footprint or lower height dimension to fit inside a low-ceiling compressor house, for example. The company can also facilitate connection to custom software or a BMS (Building Management System). Hi-Plex systems are available from 165 to 1700 Scfm, and from 3.1 to 10.8 kW installed power. A five-year warranty is standard subject to service criteria.

Hi-line Industries, a UK-based pioneer in the design, manufacture, and installation of energy-efficient compressed air purification equipment, has appointed Steve Smith as its new Managing Director. Replacing Mike Thurlow, who has retired, Smith is part of the company’s original team, joining as Marketing Director in 2000 when the business began trading. He has purchased Thurlow’s 50% share of the business and is now busy making plans to drive even greater success at Hi-line. Notable market differentiation The outlook is extremely positive for this innovative and progressive UK manufacturer. At year-end (31 July 2022), Hi-line showed 27% growth in like-for-like sales, underpinned by a record year for the company’s N2 nitrogen generator systems and HPSA desiccant dryers, both of which have features and functions that provide notable market differentiation.  Keeping pace with growing order levels is driving expansion at Hi-line’s Burton-upon-Trent headquarters Keeping pace with growing order levels is driving expansion at Hi-line’s Burton-upon-Trent headquarters and a production facility. A new building extension is under design, but such is the current demand that the company recently erected two temporary warehouse buildings simply to hold the additional materials required for dryer builds. Several six-figure projects are underway for completion before year-end. “This company has come a long when since it began in 2000, but we can achieve even more,” says Smith. Compressed air equipment “We have new teams in the warehouse and service departments, which will help support our future growth in terms of both physical size and revenue. Despite our ambitions, however, the company’s founding principles will not change. Our experienced and qualified engineers will continue designing and building to the highest standards. We have great confidence in our high-quality workmanship and materials, which reflects in our five-year warranty. I’m very excited to spearhead our ongoing development in the coming years.” Hi-line is ISO9001 certified and a member of the British Compressed Air Society. The company also supports the ‘Made in Britain’ campaign, which highlights the passion for British-made brands and UK manufacturing. Hi-line’s broad range of energy-efficient compressed air equipment includes air dryers, nitrogen and oxygen generators, filtration equipment, condensate management/drains, and service kits.

Hi-line Industries, an established and reputable UK manufacturer of high-quality compressed air purification equipment, announced that the company is now offering a fully-featured range of desiccant air dryers. The company’s series of class-leading HPSA heatless dryers includes new standard models, the recently launched HPSA-CT (Carbon Tower) version, plus the bespoke HP-HPSA (High Pressure) model. As a result, Hi-line Industries can fulfill the needs of any company that needs dry, clean compressed air or nitrogen, whatever the application. Hi-line HPSA series of desiccant dryers The Hi-line HPSA (Heatless Pressure Swing Adsorption) series of desiccant dryers features proven technology that is developed and manufactured in the United Kingdom, by the company’s expert engineering team, working to approve engineering standards. The plug-and-play units with digital control panels come skid-mounted, with their own filtration package (pre-and after-filtration). Available for next-day delivery, all standard HPSA dryers use Dri-Zorb 27 desiccant media that delivers constant low dewpoints, while consuming the lowest possible quantity of regeneration air. New HPSA 70 and HPSA 100 models Another recent introduction to the range is the HPSA-CT (Carbon Tower), a three-stage dryer with the Carbon Tower In order to meet ongoing industry demand, Hi-line Industries is constantly looking to expand its portfolio, recently enhancing the HPSA range with two smaller capacity models. The new HPSA 70 and HPSA 100 bring the total number of standard models to 12, with flow capacity from 75 to 1130 scfm (larger heatless dryers are available if required). Another recent introduction to the range is the HPSA-CT (Carbon Tower), a three-stage dryer with the Carbon Tower, added after the adsorption dryer. Clean, dry air passes through the Carbon Tower and adsorbs gases and aerosols dependent on requirements and the zeolites selected. This capability makes the HPSA-CT extremely flexible and suitable for use in many specific applications. Hi-line HPSA-CT (Carbon Tower) The Hi-line HPSA-CT features pre-filtration sub-micron oil removal and safety valves as standard, as well as an after-filter for particulate removal.  A total of 12 standard HPSA-CT models are available with flow capacity from 80 to 1130 scfm. Larger HPSA-CT dryers are available upon request. Hi-line Industries can also now offer its bespoke HP-HPSA (High Pressure) heatless dryer. This model features the same proven HPSA technology, just running at high pressure. Control air is at 7 bar but with elevated pressures up to 450 bar for specific applications, such as P.E.T. blowing and molding, R&D applications, breathing air/diving applications, specialty gas blending, and laser cutting. Fully automatic, IP65-rated, self-contained units Every HPSA model in the extensive Hi-line products’ range is a fully automatic, IP65-rated, self-contained unit, featuring HDC1 digital dewpoint controller, stainless steel pipework, independent switching valves, exhaust silencers, and a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Options include the company’s AEMS - Automatic Energy Management System (with digital dewpoint readout, high-humidity alarm, and set and demand regeneration), dewpoint to -70°C, and automatic start/stop control.