An Interview with Kasco’s Mechanical Engineer, Nick Hovel | July 23, 2024
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Small RobustAire™ Cabinets with AireGuard Cabinet Technology

Kasco proudly presents the newest addition to our RobustAire™ line: the Small Cabinet Diffused Aeration system. Following in the footsteps of our Large and Medium systems, these cabinets are the third and final offering to feature AireGuard Cabinet Technology, completing the product line. To gain some insight on the new cabinet, we spoke with Nick Hovel, our Mechanical Design Engineer, who led the development efforts.

What is significant about this cabinet? What sets it apart?

This cabinet design includes many of the features found in our Large and Medium Cabinets, like filter minders, larger cooling fans, and washable external filters to keep dust and debris out. It also uses the same AireGuard Cabinet Technology as our Large and Medium systems. This technology offers an innovative approach to airflow that allows these systems to operate at lower internal temperatures and withstand tough outdoor conditions.

I spent a lot of time making sure the cabinet was as quiet as possible, which is a feature that really sets them apart. Additionally, we wanted to make it simple to disassemble. As a result, the compressor can be removed in just a few minutes with one tool, instead of having to take apart a large portion of the cabinet.

What were the main objectives and challenges you encountered throughout the redesign process?

The most significant feedback we received from customers was about the noise levels of our previous cabinets, especially near residential areas. To address this, the focus of this project was to build a quieter cabinet. I was able to achieve this by dividing it into smaller panels that resist the compressor’s rattling. Another concern was dust getting inside the cabinet. To fix this, we added an extra filter on the front to catch dust before it enters the cabinet and used weather-resistant foam to seal any gaps.

A fun challenge I faced during the design process was figuring out how customers could easily remove the compressor. I tested out different methods, some with tools and without, which led to some interesting ideas before settling on the current solution.

What are the different mounting options for this cabinet?

At first, we designed this cabinet to be placed on the ground, like our previous models. It can be secured to a concrete slab, plastic AC pad, or just set on the ground. Later on, we created a mounting bracket that allows customers to install the cabinet on the side of a structure like a post or wall, ensuring it stays safe even if there is a flood risk.

Where does this product fit in the water quality industry, and what types of applications is it best for?

This product is great for lake managers and homeowners who want a quiet, easy-to-maintain cabinet. The simplified compressor removal process saves lake managers time on service efforts, while other maintenance tasks can be done without even opening the cabinet. In the event of a compressor failure, a technician can replace it within an hour if they have a spare available.

For homeowners, the updated paint and reduced noise levels help the cabinet blend into the property without the sound of a running compressor. This makes them perfect for noise sensitive areas such as community ponds, HOAs, and business parks.

Are there any potential future developments or improvements planned for the RobustAire product line?

We are looking into adding the slide-out compressor panel to our other cabinets with Aireguard Cabinet Technology. After completing this project, we all liked the idea of being able to remove and replace a whole compressor in a matter of minutes. Additionally, we are exploring mounting the output manifolds to angled panels, so the barb fittings point downward rather than straight out. This design change would make it easier to run tubing underground.

Overall, the new Small Cabinet completes the RobustAire product line, bringing the same AireGuard Cabinet Technology to a compact design. To learn more about this new system, visit the RobustAire webpage or read our Press Release (add link). For more information on this innovative airflow technology and our previous cabinet designs, check out our blogs: Interview with the Engineer – Medium RobustAire™ Systems and Interview with the Engineer – Large RobustAire™ Systems.