A competition to find the oldest working Hydrogen compressor has been launched by CompAir, with the winning company scooping a brand new Hydrovane HV01PUBS base-mounted (single-phase) machine completely free of charge.

The Hydrovane brand was established in the early 1960s and is renowned for its durability and long lifespan. Many models are designed to last over 100,000 hours of operation. So, whether it has been powering an operation for decades or has a legendary tale to tell, the CompAir team wants to hear from companies that are running an old Hydrovane compressor at their facility.

Colin Mander, European Distribution Director for Ingersoll Rand, commented: “Established in Redditch in the early 1960s, where our rotary vane air compressors are still manufactured to this day, Hydrovane has a history rooted in British engineering.

“In 1974, the 23 series was the first air compressor to win an engineering award from the Design Council – so we thought what better way to celebrate our engineering heritage than to start a search for the oldest Hydrovane still in operation.”

Hydrovane compressors are renowned for their reliability.  With only one major moving part, there is less stress on components and connected equipment.  This helps to extend machine lifetime and reduce the likelihood of breakdown.

The competition is free to enter and is open from 4th August 2025 through to 19th September 2025.  Entrants can email James Searle (james.searle@irco.com) with a photo of the compressor’s data plate and the machine in situ along with their name, telephone number, company name and location.

Mander continued: “While the Hydrovane design delivers excellent longevity and performance, we are also using the competition to remind users of the importance of regular maintenance from factory-trained engineers, using genuine spare parts.  A well-maintained Hydrovane machine can have long intervals between servicing – sometimes thousands of hours between major maintenance tasks.

“We’d like to encourage any business with an old, working machine to get in touch and showcase the staying power of Hydrovane!  We look forward to celebrating British engineering durability and long-lasting performance with everyone.”

Competition terms and conditions

Eligibility

  • The competition is open to businesses in the UK, the Netherlands and Belgium only
  • Entrants must be aged 18 or over.
  • Only working Hydrovane compressors are eligible for entry.
  • Employees of Ingersoll Rand, its affiliates, or associated agencies are not eligible to enter.

How to enter

  • Entry is free and no purchase is necessary.
  • To enter, submit your name, company name, telephone number, a photo of the Hydrovane compressor’s data plate, and a photo of the machine in situ.
  • Entries can be submitted by emailing James Searle at james.searle@irco.com
  • All entries must be received between 4th August 2025 and 19th September 2025

Judging and winner selection

  • The winning company will be the entrant who submits the oldest verifiable working Hydrovane compressor still in operation.
  • The decision of Ingersoll Rand is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

The prize

  • One winning company will receive a new Hydrovane HV01 base-mounted (single-phase) compressor (model subject to availability).
  • No cash alternative or substitutions will be offered.
  • The prize is non-transferable and non-exchangeable.
  • Notification
  • The winning company will be contacted via the details provided on entry within 5 days of the competition closing.
  • If the winner cannot be contacted or does not respond within 5 days of notification, Ingersoll Rand reserves the right to offer the prize to the next eligible entry.

Use of entries

  • By entering the competition, entrants agree that Ingersoll Rand may use submitted images and related information for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, and marketing materials.

General

  • Ingersoll Rand reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the competition at any time without prior notice.
  • By entering the competition, entrants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
  • This competition is governed by the laws of the UK.

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