Atlas Copco surprised the market with the launch of a new, very compact oil-injected rotary screw compressor range, the 7-37 GA VSD+, at Hannover Messe, in April 2013. “Atlas Copco translated the most requested needs of our customers in this new type of compressor which include better performances, with less energy consumed, low noise levels and a compact footprint,” says Atlas Copco South Africa’s Business Line Manager - Industrial Air, Charl Ackerman. In addition to a small footprint, the range offers a leap forward in Free Air Delivery with improvements of up to 12% and offers a breakthrough energy-efficiency as it requires on average 50% less energy than a comparable idling compressor. This new type of compressor is available with a variable speed (frequency-controlled) which makes it ideally suitable for most industries.

The GA VSD+ variable speed drive compressor, available from 7 to 37 kW, achieves better performances even at full load, than a comparable idling compressor. Koen Lauwers, Vice-President Marketing from the Industrial Air Division comments: “In 1994, Atlas Copco pioneered the Variable Speed Drive compressor and now we have launched an innovation that will once again set the benchmark in the compressor industry. The GA VSD+ has been completely in-house developed and brings together all our expertise and know-how about energy-efficient compressor technology”.

“The new type of compressor aims to contribute significantly to the green economy needs,” comments Ackerman and adds that this innovation will enable all compressor users to switch over to variable speed drive compressors, “an important step towards a more sustainable industry.”  According to Ackerman, Atlas Copco evaluated every part in this compressor: A more efficient fan, a robust air intake system, the elimination of all blow-off losses, and the best electronic components together with the new drive train, add up to energy savings of 50% on average compared to a traditional idling compressor of the same type. The new GA VSD+ is another 15% more efficient than Atlas Copco’s current Variable Speed Drive compressor (the GA 7-37 VSD). A full feature version with an integrated dryer is optional. Several key components, including the drive train as well as components for the general design of the GA VSD+, are protected by Atlas Copco, with many patents on their way.

In addition to adapting its products, Atlas Copco has also adapted its production environment to the future: The GA VSD+ is currently built in Antwerp, Belgium, on a production line that is more efficient, more standardised and that takes less space. Regular maintenance and service by skilled technicians using the right tools and genuine parts are essential for ensuring optimum and reliable compressor performance and sustainable productivity. Atlas Copco Compressor Technique South Africa’s four service branches in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, supported by ten authorised distributors, take care of customers’ requirements across the country offering turnkey service solutions across the complete Compressor Technique product portfolio.