Atlas Copco has supplied the first E-AIR electric compressor in Africa to its distributor in Madagascar.  The electric compressor is designed to provide clean, quality air without harmful fuel emissions and is said to offer quiet operation, versatility and reliability.

The first unit was supplied to a customer by Atlas Copco-authorised distributor in Madagascar, Henri Fraise Fils & Cie (HFF).

“Our customer needed an efficient air solution for their sandblasting and painting workshop that operates 24/7 on a mine site,” explains HFF miscellaneous equipment sales manager Aina Rajaonarivelo. “Air is required to simultaneously operate two sandblasters that individually consume 6 000 litres a minute, subsequently requiring 6 bar permanently. Special requirements sometimes also demand the use of a third and even a fourth sandblaster.  The pneumatic paint pumps use 2 000 litres a minute and need 4 bar.”

The company proposed a unit from the E-AIR T-range, which it says is a more efficient solution ensuring that the machine does not run permanently at full capacity, especially when the equipment operates 24 hours a day. The customer opted for the T900 machine with an air receiver, supplied by Atlas Copco Compressor Technique, to ensure continuous operation.

 “The T900 E-Air electric compressor offers great productivity, reliability and green energy savings and is ideal for tough environments. The IE3 motor reduces running costs by up to 50% and the compact design makes the compressor up to 50% lighter and 33% smaller compared to diesel driven machines,” asserts Atlas Copco Power Technique product development manager: portable products Pamela Finniss.

With a 2 000 hours/one-year service interval, maintenance on the T-range is said to be minimal and fast. Featuring low operating costs, best-in-class performance, energy efficiency, ease of use and long service intervals, the range is seen as a sustainable, low total cost of ownership air solution.