23.7.2010

TechnoAlpin takes a lead in environmental protection issues

Environmental protection has been an issue of focus at TechnoAlpin since its early days. Back at the end of the 1990s the product development team at TechnoAlpin had already set itself the ambitious target of making sure that not one single drop of oil would leach into the environment through snow-making technology. Every snow gun was to be fitted with an oil-free compressor of aluminum. TechnoAlpin joined forces with leading compressor manufacturer KAESER and together they developed the KTC 840, an oil-free piston compressor with integrated cooling circuit. This has been used in all TechnoAlpin snow guns without exception since 1999. Whether the lance or fan gun, automatic or manual – the oil-free compressor is fitted as standard.

Oil-free and efficient
The piston compressor also helps the environmental cause through its efficient use of energy. An oil-lubricated rotary compressor consumes up to 20 – 25% more energy than the oil-free piston compressor at the same rate of air flow. An oil-lubricated rotary compressor is also required to process the oil. This involves separating the oil from the compressed air, for example, a process which is carried out in the trap cartridge. Rotary compressors need to operate at a minimum temperature to prevent ice from forming in the separator system. This is another process which requires energy. If this heating system stops working it can cause the trap cartridge to rupture, allowing oil to leak into the compressed air piping and therefore onto the ski slope. There is no risk of this happening with oil-free compressors. Even in the event of a fault, not one single drop of oil will escape into the environment.

Efficient and reliable
Over 10,000 snow guns have left the factory in Bolzano since the oil-free compressor became a standard feature in 1999. Since then other advantages have become apparent in addition to environmental protection. The KTC oil-free compressor is extremely reliable. The malfunction rate is below 1%. The snow gun can be positioned at any angle. It needs no leveling because of the oil-free design. An annual service schedule is required for oil-flooded compressors. By contrast, oil-free compressors require precious little maintenance. There are no oil filters, trap cartridges, oil level monitors, stationary heating installations, etc. which need to be changed. When taken out of service, oil-free compressors are not classified as hazardous waste like oil-flooded compressors and can therefore be disposed of more easily.

In the last 10 years TechnoAlpin snow guns have saved some 110,000 liters of oil and 39,000 trap cartridges. Thus the KTC840 combines maximum efficiency, pollution control and low maintenance, all of which lead to further cost savings in the long run. Advantages from which only TechnoAlpin customers can benefit. The KTC 840 is produced exclusively for snow guns made by the snow experts.