Atlas Copco sets new industry standard for energy
efficiency with a completely new range of compressors

Atlas Copco has yet again proven its world leadership in air-compressor manufacturing with the introduction of the new GA range of oil-injected compressors. Every component in the new GA range has been carefully evaluated and designed to provide Atlas Copco's customers with a product offering the highest levels of reliability and energy efficiency.

"This new range of GA⁺  oil-injected compressors is the result of continuous investments in product development and it will further strengthen our leadership in compressor technology," explains Ronnie Leten, President of Atlas Copco's Compressor Technique Business Area. "The company's drive for energy efficiency while keeping environmental protection and climate change issues in mind has resulted in a completely new range of compressors in line with Atlas Copco's vision."

Atlas Copco has a long history of understanding customers' main concern: Maximising production in a superior and highly efficient manner. To meet these needs, Atlas Copco focuses on eliminating production downtime and minimising the cost of each cubic metre of compressed air produced. Full-featured products, integrated Variable Speed Drive (VSD) and the development of customised solutions are only a few examples of innovations that meet or exceed individual requirements for reliability, air quality and energy efficiency.

Refer to picture: Atlas Copco has yet again proven its world leadership in air-compression manufacturing with the introduction of the new GA range. Every component in the GA range has been carefully evaluated and designed to produce Atlas Copco customers with a product offering high levels of energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency in the new GA range is achieved through, among other things, state-of-the-art compression elements based on Atlas Copco's patented asymmetric rotor profiles, which dramatically reduce volumetric losses. Through the optimisation of oil injection, flow and temperature, the compression process is kept at the coolest possible temperature, thereby minimising thermodynamic losses.

"However," says Paulo Pereira, GA product manager at Atlas Copco, "the most efficient compressor package goes beyond simply having an efficient screw element. For instance, it is also crucial to optimise all the elements around the core component. In the development process of the new GA, we made substantial efforts to reduce all types of losses, whether flow-related, mechanical or electrical. The latest design techniques such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis were used to meet these objectives."

Other design features to further reduce energy consumption include the use of radial fans with VSD regulation, high-efficiency motors and no-loss drains. Extra energy-saving options such as an integrated energy recovery system and/or VSD for the main motor can provide greater benefits.

In tandem with its new GA compressors and once again as the result of continuous efforts to improve its core products, Atlas Copco has also developed a new range of integrated and stand-alone refrigerant dryers with energy saving features such as 'Saver Cycle Control' and highly-efficient heat exchangers with minimal pressure drops.

With all these features, Atlas Copco offers its customers the best-in-class efficiency for compressed air systems.

Reliability
Reliability is assured in particular to Atlas Copco's in-house designed asymmetric screw rotor profiles, which ensure minimum wear, as well as to carefully-selected bearings. Furthermore, the robust and compact design of the new GA ensures continuous operation under the most demanding conditions, such as ambient temperatures up to 55°C/131°F and in dusty environments. These features dramatically increase component and unit lifetime.

Air quality
Air quality is provided by two key elements: A highly-efficient oil removal system to give minimal residual oil content in the outlet air and state-of-the-art refrigerant dryers which are available in both integrated and stand-alone versions. Finally, great attention has been paid to integration. All components have been optimally integrated to reduce floor space and simplify connections. The new GA Full Feature with integrated refrigerated dryer and air filter ensures the continuous supply of clean and dry air to extend the life of equipment, enhance system reliability and avoid costly downtime and production delays.

Chris Lybaert, Divisional President, states with confidence: "This new GA series sets the new standards in oil injected compressors and will ensure the company's pre-eminent position in this field."

Atlas Copco is the leading compressed air consultant expert and helps its customers streamline and fully optimise their compressed air needs through targeted analysis and custom installations. With the new GA range, fields as varied as the cement, glass, mining and tyre manufacturing  industries can benefit from unrivalled energy efficiency, reliability and air quality.

For further information contact John Forman at Atlas Copco, e-mail: gba.info@uk.atlascopco.com or view website: www.atlascopco.co.uk   Refer to page 81

Improve performance of hydraulic
hammers with SKF lubrication pump

SKF, the leading knowledge engineering company, has developed a hydraulic lubrication pump specifically for use with hydraulic hammers. The HS04 can be fitted to the hammer to provide effective lubrication even if the tool is uncoupled and moved from one machine to another. The hydraulically operated pump is robust enough for even the most aggressive environments and is quick and simple to maintain, keeping operating costs down.

The HS04 hydraulic lubrication pump automatically dispenses the optimum amount of lubricant to the hammer as it is required. The delivery rate can be adjusted using a flow restrictor on the unit to meet the requirements of any application. The pump also features a manual lubricating nipple for emergency lubrication in the event of a hydraulic circuit failure.

The pump is designed to require little maintenance, with few parts and has a durable construction. The unit is able to operate effectively at low temperatures and under water, making it ideal for use with hydraulic hammers in hostile operating environments. When maintenance is required, for example to change the cartridge or clean the oil strainer, this can be carried out easily in a matter of moments.

By using a dedicated lubrication pump for hydraulic hammers, a fit-for-purpose lubricant can be used, increasing the performance and uptime of machinery. SKF has developed a paste that can absorb high pressures, offers good corrosion protection and reduces wear, enabling hydraulic hammers to deliver a long, low maintenance operating life.

For further information, contact Phil Burge, Marketing Manager, SKF (U.K.) Limited, e-mail: phil.burge@skf.com or view website: www.skf.co.uk

Impressive range of qualities makes Profi series of
hoists suitable for the toughest working environments

The intense heat and dust-laden atmospheres of foundry operations pose no problems for the Profi series air operated hoists manufactured by J D Neuhaus. Their rugged design and manufacture meets the challenges of the most demanding environments without any compromise on performance, reliability or longevity. The absence of electrical or electronic components, and the use of a fully mechanical operation, ensures safe use even in explosive or otherwise hazardous atmospheres.

A total insensitivity to dust and a temperature resistance up to +70°C is combined with 100% duty cycles and the elimination of downtimes for a full 24/7 operation. This impressive range of qualities makes these hoists suitable for the toughest working environments, while also being supported by easy maintenance for maximum production efficiency. All products also incorporate a sensitive, infinitely variable speed control feature for precise load positioning, which has helped ensure the dominance of these hoists within a wide range of demanding and difficult markets.

The Profi range of hoists can be supplied for handling load capacities from 0.25 up to 100 tonnes. Hoists up to 20 tonnes capacity can also be fitted with trolleys for overhead rail mounting. These trolleys can be manual, reel chain or motorised for the traversing function.

These hoists are strong, fast and silent in operation, as well as being compact and lightweight with low headroom requirements. They feature a fail-safe vane motor starting, with lube-free operation, as well as a patented motor-brake system and built-in overload protection on all hoists from one tonne capacity and above.

For further information : e-mail: info@jdneuhaus.co.uk or view website: www.jdneuhaus.co.uk    Refer to page 97