Best Practices EXPO New Technology Pavilion

Join Nikki Smith, Air Quality Business Unit Leader, for an insightful session on how compressed air testing can help distributors uncover opportunities to better support their customers. Smith will demonstrate how testing data can be used to meet regulatory requirements, troubleshoot contamination concerns and verify system performance with confidence. Attendees will learn how identifying contaminants such as particles, microorganisms and oil vapor can help pinpoint issues early and prevent costly operational problems. This presentation will focus on practical, data-driven strategies that enable distributors to move from identifying symptoms to delivering effective solutions for their end users.

Nikki Smith was the Quality Director at Trace Analytics for six years, in which she focused on continuous improvement of laboratory processes and technology, before becoming the business leader in 2019. As the business leader, she oversees all aspects of the laboratory strategy and development.

This presentation will identify key sensor measurements in compressed gas treatment (CGT) systems and defining realistic, real-world sensor tolerances at key measuring points in the CGT process. Based on sensing technology stability, repeatability and reliability, it will define a pragmatic spot-checking and calibration routine for CGT sensors while identifying disrupting process variables that impact stable sensor measurements and system variability. These concepts are exemplified in detail using pressure and dew point measurands.

Peter Michael Shepherd specialized in a wide range of harsh environment sensor applications, including aerospace, rail, subsea, hazardous area, high pressure and compressed gas treatment. His focus is on applications primarily for measurement and spot checking/calibration techniques in pressure, flow and moisture measurands.

Jon Jensen provides consulting services on energy conservation in pneumatic systems. He is a Certified Machinery Safety Expert (TUV NORD) and manages machinery safety products for SMC Corporation of America. He is a past president of the International Fluid Power Society, an Accredited Instructor and holds Pneumatic Specialist and Electronic Controls Specialist Certifications.

This presentation introduces three new CS INSTRUMENTS innovations redefining how compressed air is measured, monitored and verified. Zeller guides the audience through three recently launched product innovations, supported by detailed product visuals and technical insights:

VA 526 – the next evolution of Point-of-Use flow measurement
VC 600 – Ultrasonic Flow Meter – a new and category-defining advancement in compressed air measurement
OIL CHECK 511 and OIL CHECK 512 – a new generation of Point-of-Use residual oil sensors, bringing ISO 8573-1 compliance verification closer to the process with more flexibility and more affordable for scalability

Bottom line: Is the compressed air reaching your process actually clean, dry, and accurately measured? These three products give you the answer.

Martin Zeller has vast international experience in building and industrial automation. In his 20+ professional years, he spent more than 15 years overseas in Central and Eastern Europe, Southern Africa and the U.S. In 2021, Zeller founded CS INSTRUMENTS USA in South Carolina and follows his professional passion of improving industrial manufacturing processes with intelligent, quality measurement technology.

As Technical Director, Neil Mehltretter oversees Kaeser’s Technical Department with responsibilities including product management, system design and more. An authority on compressed air assessments, Mehltretter has conducted and supervised thousands of industrial compressed air studies, helping users achieve significant energy savings and operational improvements. In addition to his Bachelor’s Degree in chemical engineering from the University of Florida, Mehltretter is AIRMaster+ certified, has completed the DOE Compressed Air Challenge I and II, is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM®), is a CAGI Certified Compressed Air System Specialist and is currently the CAGI System Assessment Section Chair.

Patrick Jakeway has 30 years of experience in sales, marketing and management for industrial products in three industries across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Fluent in German and French, he spent nine years living overseas working in management, and has been in the industrial air business for the past 16 years. Jakeway launched Bobcat’s Industrial Air Division in 2021.

Mike Kinnucane has spent over 15 years focusing on industrial nitrogen generation as a product manager and business development manager. He has spent the last six years at Mikropor helping to develop and grow the N2 product line, and has a passion for educating and mentoring compressed air distributors and end users on the benefits of PSA and membrane N2 generation. Kinnucane has a degree in mechanical engineering.

As a Sr. Technical Service Specialist and PM Manager based in Atlanta, GA, Borrego leads initiatives focused on service excellence, customer support and compressed air system reliability. He works closely with customers and service teams to drive operational improvements, optimize equipment performance and implement best practices. Josh is passionate about developing people, solving complex challenges and sharing practical industry knowledge.