The generation of compressed air for industrial and commercial purposes in areas where compressed air is used as a source of energy requires what are known as compressed air generation plants. A central part of these systems is the compressor. It is responsible for generating a pressure increase of the air by means of mechanical energy. Compressed air generation plants are used to power machines in the mining industry, for pneumatic control systems in assembly facilities or as tyre inflation units at petrol stations.

The single-stage piston compressor in ET 513 and the drive unit HM 365together form a complete compressed air generation system.

The drive unit HM 365 powers the compressor by means of a V-belt. The speed of the compressor is set on HM 365. The air is sucked into the intake vessel, where it settles before it is compressed inside the compressor. The compressed air is then delivered to a pressure vessel and is available as a working medium. To set a steady flow operating mode, the compressed air can be discharged over a blow-off valve with a silencer. A pressure switch with a solenoid valve for limiting the pressure and a safety valve complete the system.

A measuring nozzle at the intake vessel is used to determine the suction volumetric flow rate. Sensors record the pressures and temperatures in front of and behind the compressor. The pressure is also displayed on manometers in the tanks. The measured values are read from digital displays and can be transmitted simultaneously via USB directly to a PC, where they can be analysed using the software included. The speed and torque measurement is integrated in HM 365.