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Euronaval: Bauer looks to strengthen its position in defence with HP compressors
Drawing on the expertise of its German parent company, founded 80 years ago, Bauer Compresseurs is looking to expand its presence in the French defence market. The French subsidiary already supplies the armed forces with breathing-air cylinder filling stations for special forces and combat divers, as well as technical gas compression systems for fire safety applications and military infrastructure.
GIB26.10-SP
© BAUER KOMPRESSOREN GmbH
In 1956, the famous French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau used Bauer’s first high-pressure (HP) compressor for underwater diving, before putting it to work blowing the ballast tanks of one of his submarines to bring it to the surface.
Established 40 years ago, Bauer Compresseurs, the German group’s French subsidiary, has recently relocated to larger premises near Aix-les-Bains, in Savoie.
The company is making its Euronaval debut this year, determined to establish itself in the French defence market with its full product range. Facing established competitors, it is banking on its compressors to win contracts with the French Navy and its naval bases.
The latest addition to its range, the GIB26.10-SP, is designed for industrial applications. Roughly the size of the rear opening of a small van, the compressor combines screw and piston compression technologies in a compact unit with a single motor and control cabinet. It can supply HP air to storage tanks aboard ships, for applications such as blowing a submarine’s ballast tanks or starting a diesel engine.
Powerful, exceptionally quiet compressors
The GIB26.10-SP can be installed in shipyards or confined spaces, such as quaysides at naval bases. Easily moved by crane, the compressor can deliver pressures of up to 520 bar and a flow rate of 10,400 l/min. Its offshore-grade protective coating makes it suitable for saline environments, while its liquid cooling system allows it to operate continuously for an estimated 32,000 hours, equivalent to almost four years. The internal chilled-water circuit also makes the compressor quieter and more efficient than comparable air-cooled models.
Like all Bauer compressors, the GIB26.10-SP is manufactured by Bauer Kompressoren in Munich, Germany, before being assembled in Savoie, with dimensions customised where necessary.
The BM Series of medium-pressure compressors, operating at pressures of 30 to 100 bar, is designed for installation aboard diesel-powered vessels. With a flow rate of 470 l/min, the smaller models can be used to start the engines of patrol boats and frigates, while larger versions, delivering up to 7,390 l/min, are suitable for the engines of container ships, oil tankers and aircraft carriers. Also compact in design, these compressors have a low centre of gravity and can operate at angles of up to 30° in any direction, making them particularly suitable for vessels subject to rolling motion.
All the compressors have low oil consumption and require minimal maintenance, significantly reducing operating costs.
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- Aude Leroy
