MATTEI'S ROTARY VANE TECHNOLOGY IS A BENCHMARK IN THE GAS MARKET

Flexibility, performance, energy efficiency, long service life, and co-design are the winning features of Mattei compressors.

Mattei rotary vane compressors are a standard for the Gas and Biogas production sector. The Vimodrone-based company has been targeting this market for about 12 years, based on requests gathered from its sales and distribution network, which had identified an important area for expansion.

Biogas has positive environmental effects. Firstly, it recycles waste material, turning it into a renewable energy source which reduces methane and CO2 emissions, and contributes to a green, circular economy
This "niche" requires high-performance, robust, customized machines integrated into other facilities (already built or to be built), capable of delivering quality compressed gas, free of particulates, and compressing both acid and sweet gases. Finally, high energy efficiency is a must: a feature that embodies the ethos of Mattei compressors.
For this reason, Mattei has been active in the creation of dedicated compressors: the focus on energy efficiency, reduced lubricant consumption, and lubricant recovery systems are perfectly suited to the guidelines of the green economy.

STEFANOPRESOTTO"We sensed that, in addition to the Industrial Division and the traditional uses of compressed air in goods production processes, an ETO (Engineering to Order) structure could be thought of for the study of compressed air or gas applications in less traditional sectors such as Gas, Rail & Transportation, OEM Air," explains Stefano Presotto, Senior OEM Export Area Manager. "The gas market is particularly complex because it is constrained by regulations which often differ from one country to another, by the limited number of players in the domestic market, and because the product sold must be suitable for working in Atex classified areas, i.e., areas with potentially explosive hazards. A challenging complexity that could be addressed by the technical capabilities gained over the years."

Why have Mattei compressors succeeded in such a complex market?

"There are two main reasons. The first concerns the intrinsic characteristics of our compressors, which are certified to work in Atex Zone 2, Category 3G Gas Composition Atex Group IIA classified areas, which are potentially explosive atmospheres. But that's not all: another important feature is flexibility; we can supply only the pumping unit or the complete compressor, including the control panel for producing and filtering the compressed gas. In addition, our machines are particularly robust and guarantee continuity of operation. These are particularly attractive specifications for this market segment, where facilities often operate around the clock. Mattei rotary vane compressors are designed to reach 100,000 hours of operation without replacement of the vanes or metal parts. However, the distinguishing feature is the use of vane technology, which allows a rational use of lubrication, lower maintenance costs because there are no bearings to replace, as in screw compressors, and greater efficiency that allows significant energy savings of up to 15%. Also essential is direct coupling, which is highly effective because it provides greater efficiency by avoiding energy dissipation due to the presence of a transmission system. That's a huge advantage for those who operate on a continuous cycle."

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You mentioned two reasons; what is the second one?

"It is corporate know-how and the ability of our technical department to co-design with customers. We have structured a production process that allows us to be very high-performing. When we receive a request from a customer or from our sales network for one or more compressors in the Gas or Biogas sector, our technicians begin with a feasibility study that allows us to identify the most suitable machines and to modify them to optimize their efficiency on that specific facility. This path combines Mattei's established experience in listening to the client’s needs, and the ability to innovate processes, creating specialized teams for each division. The skills required are not just about engineering the standard product, but must also address the area of focus, which in this case, is gas. Thanks to a well-defined process, from basic request, comparison and feasibility check, culminating in product customization through personal knowledge, this has become a major asset to the company, which is essential to enable growth."

Which compressors are most requested?

"Mattei rotary vane compressors are designed to compress different types of gas: sweet gas, sour gas, and biogas. The main components: the rotor, vanes, stator, and covers, are made entirely of cast iron to ensure durability and strength. As we have said, Mattei can supply both complete machines and simple compression units, always following a compatibility and feasibility verification process. All versions have automatic constant-pressure flow control, an integrated or remote cooler, and a threaded or flanged gas inlet connection. Mattei compressors are compact and easy to install, reliable, and performance remains consistent, even improving, over time. The full range of GAS machines goes from 4kW up to 200 kW. They can also be equipped with Mattei controllers or Remote PLC controllers that can be customized according to customer specifications, which include specific software that performs a feedback control function before the gas is fed into the compressor, evaluating that the suction pressure is following the parameters set according to the demand. Mattei compressors have direct coupling, low rotational speed, and few moving elements. This ensures quiet operation and no vibration.

What is the evolution of the Gas and Biogas market? What are the main target countries?

"As far as we are concerned, the main growth countries are Denmark and the Scandinavian countries, as well as the rest of the Europe. The market has not yet developed its full potential in Italy, partly for regulatory reasons. We also aim to grow overseas, particularly in North America and Canada. We have already started on that path, in partnership with some customers and distributors."

You have been with Mattei since 1989. How have you seen the markets and customer demands change?

"In these 35 years of witnessing exports at this company, I have seen the market evolve with increasingly specialist requirements to which Mattei has responded by creating ad hoc divisions. I have also seen the demands for the machines change, with a focus on energy efficiency, low maintenance, and above all increasing operating pressures, capable at the moment of reaching 13 Bar, have become necessary requisites for the market. The containment of environmental impact to which Mattei responds with high-efficiency compressors is also a demand that today’s market insists upon. Being an international player also means taking action and contributing to sustainable production processes."

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