API and PA, an Italian high pressure accessory manufacturer, have finalised arrangements that will lead to 1,000 bar pressure cleaners being built in Australia.
A recent visit from PA sales manager Stefania Benetti and administration delegate Alberto Benetti to API’s headquarters at Castle Hill in Sydney cemented the relationship. Arrangements were finalised to use PA high pressure accessories up to 1,000 Bar.
Stefania and Alberto Benetti also introduced new accessories, including unloaders, safety valves, couplings and 1,000 bar-rated spray guns.
The new machines are being designed by chief engineer John Hales.
“Moving into the 1,000 bar (15,000 psi) range is a logical step for us,” Hales said. “We changed the way people think about hydro blasters when we began building large volume runs of 500 bar Raptors.”
“Although the high pressure pump is the heart of any pressure cleaning system, the accessories, from humble couplings through to sophisticated unloaders and guns, is what makes those water based hydraulic circuits work.”
API is currently doing pump and engine match compatibility evaluations for the 1,000 bar professional.
“We will probably start with 800 bar machines running off 70 hp diesels to deliver 21 lpm flow,” Hales said. “Gradually we will work into bigger flows and higher pressures to provide key market sectors like mining, ship maintenance and production, or for grit blasting applications.”
“Working with PA means that these big machines will have the best quality accessories,” Hales said. “We have been pleased to work with the PA engineers on the development of these high pressure tools to make this a successful combined effort.”
The new blasters are expected to finish production later this year.