The Gast Group – a leading designer and manufacturer of compressors and vacuum pumps and a member of IDEX Corporation’s health and sciences division – has launched two completely re-engineered oil-less rocking piston compressors and vacuum pumps which, the company claims, are quieter, more durable and suitable for virtually any application.

The new 86/87R Series extends the company’s already impressive range of rocking pistons and features a new design with a patented crossover chamber design. This causes air to decelerate as it enters the crossover and accelerate as it exits, which dampens the sound and optimises performance while delivering a wide range of pressure level options. The result is a rocking piston that reduces noise output by over 5 decibels compared to previous models and delivers higher pressures, a longer life and greater application flexibility.

As Gast Group’s Andrew Lidington explains, when the company set out to re-engineer its rocking piston compressor it aimed to do more than just increase pressure. “We set out to dramatically reduce sound, enhance flow, improve the compressor’s aesthetics and create a standard footprint for easy retrofit anywhere in the world.”

As a result of this re-engineering, the 86/87R Series features universal dual voltage motors for worldwide operation and its design and construction contains fewer components, causes less friction and has a low exhaust temperature for greater reliability and durability throughout the life of the product. For OEMs, the new single- and twin-cylinder 86/87R Series features common port locations, additional side ports and can easily retrofit into existing footprints, making it a smart and flexible solution for medical, laboratory, printing, material handling, transportation, food and beverage, environmental and general industrial applications.

Despite its compact size, the 86/87R can reach a maximum pressure of 8.6 bar (125 PSIG) as standard, with the single-cylinder version providing up to 65 lpm (2.3 SCFM) maximum airflow, and the twin-cylinder providing 150 lpm (5.3 SCFM). Vacuum pump versions are designed for operation down to -930 mbar and bespoke compressor models are available on request.

Summarising, Andrew Lidington says the new models enhance Gast Group’s already extensive rocking piston range and help create new opportunities in numerous sectors, for applications as diverse as oxygen concentration, beverage dispense, body fluid analysis, automotive suspension, sterilisers, tyre inflation equipment and core drilling.

For further information call Gast Group on +44 (0)1527 504040, email gastgroup.uk@idexcorp.com or visit http://bit.ly/12Qcmti.