In February 2009, Transnet Rail Engineering placed an order for 93 Vane-Tec compressors with the Boksburg-East company C and E Engineering.

“This multi-million rand deal is the largest order for Vane-Tech compressors we have received to date,” says Gavin Acar, MD of C and E Engineering.

He adds that in this sector of procurement for the railways, an order of this magnitude is remarkable.

The Vane-Tec compressors will be delivered to Transnet Rail Engineering's various facilities in Koedoespoort, Durban and Cape Town over the next eighteen months. The magnitude of this order is testimony to the unmatched quality of C and E's Vane-Tech compressors. C and E Engineering enjoys a unique advantage in that it has developed the Vane-Tec compressor (with the assistance of the SARCC) for use in Metrorail motor-coaches. This was as a result of the SARCC, three years ago, identifying a need to replace the ageing compressors in use on their motor coaches.

C and E Engineering developed the air-end of the Vane-Tec specifically for the rail industry. Vane-Tec air-ends are supplied by Compair South Africa. This company has extensive experience in the rail industry, as it has units working in 27 different rail applications throughout the world. The motors for Vane-Tec compressors are supplied by Transvaal Electrical, a South African based company, with extensive experience in DC-motor supply to the rail industry

Although this rotary vane compressor is already used in 27 rail-related systems worldwide, it is the only machine of its type in use in the South African rail industry.

The Vane-Tec compressor, available in AC and DC versions, is more efficient than piston units. It is also able to run at slower speeds than screw-type compressors. Its direct drive design is compact, simple, and easy to install. The Vane-Tec's energy efficiency offers economical and quiet operation. In the unlikely event of variance in the oil temperature, the Vane-Tec is fitted with an automatic cut-out. Full back-up and support available.

C and E has variants of the Vane-Tec compressor to suit different sizes of locomotives