British Compressed Air Society appoints Atlas Copco’s Ranger as new president

Benson, who becomes the 58th title holder in its 91-year history is the present vice-president as well as business line manager, oil-free air at Atlas Copco.

With more than 35 years’ experience in the compressed air sector, he has served as a BCAS board member for four years and has been chair of its compressor committee for more than six years.

Commenting on his new role, Benson promised a focus on helping to shape the implementation of industry standards and best practice in line with new environmental policies:

“The role of any trade association is to act as an independent source of trusted advice, for its members and the industry as a whole,” he stated.

“BCAS is no different and, I am keen to continue the great work of the society in ensuring we deliver the best value for our members while lobbying Government and helping define compressed air standards for the many thousands of compressed air users here in the UK.”

He added that the recent COP 26 summit had focused attention on mitigating the impacts of climate change, particularly by minimising electricity consumption.

With an estimated 10% of all industrial energy consumed used to generate compressed air, it is vital that BCAS continues to educate operators on how to reduce their carbon footprint.

This could be enabled partly  through simple energy-saving measures such as fixing air leaks or by switching off compressors when they are not being used, or by installing variable speed drives or the latest high-performing technologies, for example, he advised.

Benson added he would also be working to bring the organisation’s energy data sheet verification programme to market with members of the BCAS Compressor Committee.  A similar scheme is already in operation in the USA with the Compressed Air and Gas Institute (CAGI), he added.

“The voluntary scheme will see input from all the major UK compressor manufacturers and will provide basic information about compressor performance to help users make comparisons and select the compressor that best suits their needs,” remarked Benson. 

He explained the success of the programme will centre around mandatory independent third-party verification of published performance figures, enabling operators to make an informed choice when selected a compressed air system that can deliver the energy reduction and performance standards they require.”

BCAS executive director Vanda Jones said the new preseident brought a wealth of compressed air experience alongside a commitment to help drive standards and influence positive change within the industry with regards to delivering energy-efficiency products or influencing legislation post-Brexit.    

Jones went on to thank outgoing president Jason Morgan, stating: “We truly appreciate his hard work, enthusiasm and energy over the past three years, leading the society through unprecedented times. We have seen membership increase and positioned BCAS as a key source of independent advice for end users.”