New Atlas Copco oil-free VSD compressor offers up to 10% more output, 15% lower energy consumption and 25% less floor-space

Atlas Copco has launched the ZR 90-160 VSD⁺; a new range of oil-free rotary screw air compressors with motor variants of 90, 110, 132, 145 and 160 kW. They offer up to 10 per cent more flow and up to 15 per cent less energy consumption compared with other VSD compressors, as well as a 25 per cent reduction in floor-space.

Reading time: 4 minutes (650 words)

Ideal for applications in the food and beverage, electronics, automotive, textile and pharmaceutical industries, which require oil-free air to guarantee product integrity and quality, the water-cooled ZR 90-160 VSD⁺ is housed in a soundproof, enclosed canopy and equipped with two high-efficiency permanent magnet motors, plus a new state-of-the-art compressor element and cooler design. The ZR 90-160 VSD⁺ compressor incorporates two permanent magnet motors, each independently driving the low and high pressure compression elements. The speed of the elements is controlled using Atlas Copco’s NEOS Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology. NEOS optimises the speed of both elements throughout the entire operational speed range of the compressor to maximise unit efficiency. The NEOS drive and motors are designed and manufactured by Atlas Copco to ensure a perfect match and optimal performance. The reliable IP66 water-cooled permanent magnet motors contain oil-lubricated bearings to ensure a long maintenance-free lifetime. Moreover, all service parts are grouped together for ease of access for a minimal service time.

Mark Ranger Business Line Manager Atlas Copco Compressors UK Oil-free division

Following years of intensive R&D we’re proud to unveil our latest leap forward in oil-free compressor technology. Not only does the innovative dual-motor concept enhance energy efficiency and output by up to 15 and 10 per cent respectively, but there is the optional benefit of having an integrated, guaranteed -40°C pressure dew-point dryer that offers almost zero energy consumption. This Full Feature package will offer users true peace of mind, reduced installation materials and a through-life cost of ownership investment lower than any comparable oil-free compressor available today.

Mark Ranger , Oil-Free Air Business Line Manager - Atlas Copco Compressors UK

Atlas Copco’s data monitoring program ‘SMARTLINK’ is also integrated as standard in the new range. This remote monitoring system provides analysis of the whole compressed air system, advises users on how they can reduce energy costs and can predict preventive maintenance interventions to avoid potential downtime. To illustrate the vast potential of the technology, Atlas Copco recently performed live field tests with a number of customers. This included leading Italian-beer brand Peroni, who trialled a ZR 160 kW VSD⁺ oil-free compressor for over 6000 running hours at its production site in Padova, Italy. As this video highlights, they were highly impressed with its reliability, guaranteed oil-free air quality and the level of support from Atlas Copco.

As an added benefit, the re-designed cooler incorporates a highly efficient water separator. Parallel water flow optimises cooling of the motor, element and the cooler itself. Meanwhile, enlarged stainless steel surface coolers improve cooling efficiency and ensure optimum performance over a long lifetime. Furthermore, all components in the compressor element, such as the rotor profiles, smart inlet and rotor coating have been enhanced for maximum efficiency and durability, and ensure a guaranteed supply of Class 0 oil-free air. The ZR 90-160 VSD⁺ can be offered with an Atlas Copco Total Responsibility Service Plan, which takes care of all compressor maintenance, upgrades, repairs and possible breakdowns throughout the life of the compressor.

Editor’s Notes: The compressor savings of 10 per cent increased flow and 15 per cent reduced energy consumption are achievable when comparing a new ZR 160 kW VSD⁺ compressor against a previous generation 160 kW VSD compressor. The 25 per cent reduction in floor-space is achievable when switching from using an oil-free compressor installed with a conventional, adjacently located, heated twin-tower desiccant dryer (taking up a combined floor-space of 7.5 m²) against a full-feature version of the ZR 160 VSD+ compressor, which includes an integrated MD or MDG 450 dryer and takes up a floor-space of 5.6 m².

Birra Peroni comments on their experience with the new ZR oil-free compressor

The world of compressed air will no longer be the same thanks to the new oil-free ZR air compressor, tested in Italy by Birra Peroni.

Food & Beverages Electronics & semiconductor Medical & healthcare Energy Efficiency Automotive Textile Air compressors Sales Product 2018 Compressed Air oil-free Chemical & petrochemical Rotary screw Oil-free Air Food & Beverage United Kingdom

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Editor's Notes: Atlas Copco Compressors is the GB sales and service operation of the Atlas Copco Group providing oil-free and oil-injected stationary air compressors, gas and process compressors, vacuum pumps, turbo expanders, nitrogen generators, air treatment equipment (such as compressed air dryers, coolers, and filters) air management systems, and custom designed engineered packages. Atlas Copco Compressors’ sales and distribution network means that specialist compressed air advice and service is always within easy reach. A team of over 80 service engineers operates across the country, to ensure maximum running efficiency and minimum downtime at its customers' sites. In the United Kingdom, Atlas Copco also handles the sales and marketing of construction and mining equipment, portable compressors and electric power generators, industrial power tools and assembly systems – all backed up by a nationwide sales, distribution, service and maintenance network. Atlas Copco is a world-leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions. The Group serves customers with innovative compressors, vacuum solutions and air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. Atlas Copco develops products and services focused on productivity, energy efficiency, safety and ergonomics. The company was founded in 1873, is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 180 countries. In 2017, Atlas Copco had revenues of BSEK 116 (BEUR 12) and about 47 000 employees. Learn more at https://www.atlascopco.com/en-uk/compressors. For all of the latest news follow us on Twitter via @AtlasCopcoUKIRE, connect with us on Facebook or find our Atlas Copco UK & Ireland LinkedIn company page. For further editorial information contact Chris Butcher on 01582 390980. For product or sales enquiries please contact 0800 181085. For further company information contact Joanna Canton Long on 01442 222240.

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New Atlas Copco oil-free VSD compressor offers up to 10% more output, 15% lower energy consumption and 25% less floor-space

Reading time: 4 minutes (650 words)

Birra Peroni comments on their experience with the new ZR oil-free compressor

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