Atlas Copco expands ZH oil-free centrifugal compressor range

The expanded range is led by the new ZH+ and ZH 630-1600kW compressors, which offer high-end turbo technology in a highly efficient package with a small footprint. Joining the recently-launched ZH 355 to 900kW compressors, the updated line-up replaces the former ZH 4000 to 15000 range. The more advanced ZH+ compressors are based on an all-inclusive plug-and-play concept, with intelligent control and remote monitoring capabilities.

Overall, the new range offers users a total energy efficiency gain of approximately 6 per cent, thereby allowing customers to achieve a smaller electricity bill year-on-year. In addition, the smaller footprint of the new machines, compared with their predecessors, makes for easier installation and location of the units within a multitude of process environments.

With their proven turbo power, the new ZH+ and ZH units are designed to serve a wide spectrum of compressed air applications within the automotive, electronics, glass, metal and gas processing sectors.

Michael Pingram, Proposals Engineer in Atlas Copco's Oil Free Air division, says: "With the launch of the newly updated and expanded ZH and ZH+ compressor range, we can offer customers a wide choice in terms of oil-free air. All of these compressors carry the hallmark of Atlas Copco innovation and experience, but while the standard ZH models have the appeal of a lower capital cost, the ZH+ models are fitted with market-leading technology that enhances energy efficiency in order to reduce lifetime costs. Furthermore, within those two groups are a broad selection of pressures and flow rates, enabling customers to find the right compressor for their application need."

Atlas Copco's ZH+ and the standard ZH oil-free centrifugal compressors are designed to save energy and ensure reliability even in extremes of temperature and humidity. Oil-free turbo air provides the optimum combination of a high flow with low energy consumption, supported by specially sized cooling mechanisms and an efficient drive train.

All components, such as the backward-leaning impeller, carbon ring air seals and inlet guide vanes, are designed to reduce the incidence of pressure drops and provide high air volume with low energy requirement. However, even greater energy savings are achievable with Atlas Copco's heat-of-compression MD, ND and XD dryers.

To maximise efficiency and reliability, the compressors feature Atlas Copco's advanced Elektronikon electronic controller to control the main drive motor and regulate system pressure within a predefined and narrow pressure band. The controller can be adapted to specific needs with extra sensors, digital contacts, fieldbus, internet and SMS communication functions.

The entire range of ZH+ and ZH compressors is certified to provide 100 per cent pure, clean air that complies with ISO 8573-1 CLASS 0 (2010) certification. This standard means zero risk of contamination, zero risk of damaged or unsafe products and zero risk of losses from operational downtime. Atlas Copco was the first manufacturer in the world to receive such certification for its oil-free compressor.

In the ZH+ range, advanced control and monitoring capabilities, such as Atlas Copco's SmartLink performance data acquisition and monitoring program via the SmartBox installation, further ensure that production interruptions are minimised.

Learn more about the range of ZH and ZH+ oil-free centrifugal compressors at www.atlascopco.co.uk/compressorsuk.