Company Announcement - The pioneering oil-free and direct-drive technology built into the oil-free LZ piston compressor range from Atlas Copco Compressor Technique ensures the efficient and reliable delivery of absolutely 100% clean air. “Piston compressors have always presented a compelling offer in terms of robustness, low maintenance and energy efficiency but this strong performance always came with high noise levels and few control options,” says Atlas Copco Compressor Technique’s Business Line Manager - Industrial Air, Charl Ackerman. The Atlas Copco LZ eliminates this trade-off; it is the most complete oil-free piston compressor on the market, meeting all clean compressed air needs.”

Ackerman points out that as energy use constitutes the highest cost of running a compressor, it is absolutely essential that a compressor operates as lean as possible. “Given the protracted power supply crises facing South Africa, reducing energy consumption has become even more critical. Our LZ compressor features a number of built in innovations that dramatically reduce energy consumption. For example, the direct-drive and start-stop technology eliminate waste during the unload cycle while the one-bearing motor reduces mechanical friction.” Even after filtering, the complete removal of all oil vapours, aerosols and other contaminants from oil-injected compressed air can never be 100% guaranteed. Thanks to Atlas Copco’s innovative oil-free technology, the LZ compressor features an ISO 8573-1 Class 0 pump that produces TÜV-certified 100% clean air.

When it comes to reliability and low operational costs, there are few compressors that can match the LZ range which boasts an impressive operation life time of 20 000 hours. A number of factors contribute to this extreme reliability including the use of quality components in manufacture such as patented steel inlet/outlet pump valves. The fact that the LZ does not use any oil delivers across-the-board savings including lower maintenance costs and reduced service interruptions all of which have a direct and positive effect on uptime and ultimately productivity.

“Lubricated compressors operate up to 20% of their running time to cool-down mode,” notes Ackerman. “The oil-free technology and internal cooling fan system of the LZ offers 100% duty cycle for uninterrupted service.” Another advantage is that unlike lubricated compressors the oil-free LZ does not require additional filtration equipment.

The use of a canopy and sound-attenuating fabrication materials result in low noise levels of up to 67 dB(A). This silent performance which was previously unattainable for an oil-free piston compressor, makes the LZ suitable for sound sensitive environments and optimises a healthy and comfortable working environment. The LZ’s advanced built-in easy-to-use MK 5 one-touch electronic controller optimises compressor performance and reliability with integrated saver cycles, smart algorithm for cooling and duty cycle, a maintenance schedule, pressure temperature and life time monitoring, etc. The LZ also presents a high performance cost effective foundation for the Atlas Copco on-site nitrogen generation system. This system which combines a compressor such as the LZ with a nitrogen generator ensures a dependable supply of purified nitrogen gas with purities of up to 99,999%. Ackerman explains that Atlas Copco’s latest NGP+ on-site nitrogen generator can simply be plugged into an existing compressed air network to produce nitrogen which is an inert gas replacement for air to prevent oxidation and preserve the freshness of wine and packaged foods.

Nitrogen is also used in laser cutting, chemical manufacture and the production of electronic parts to prevent moisture build up. “The LZ’s compact footprint and the fact that it does not compromise the adsorbent of the nitrogen generator, makes it highly suited to the nitrogen generation system,” concludes Ackerman. The complete LZ compressor range which is available from 7 to 10 hp, pressures from 4 to 10 bar and electric potential (230/400/460V) option, was designed and developed in the Atlas Copco piston centre of excellence in Italy. Dryers and filers are included as standard in the full feature pack versions.