Posted to News on 13th Jul 2015, 18:46
GHS VSD+ vacuum pumps halve energy consumption
Atlas Copco is introducing a new range of high-efficiency vacuum pumps for the manufacturing industry. Said to represent a significant step forward in rough vacuum, the new GHS 350-900 VSD+ range promises customer benefits including average energy savings of 50 per cent compared with conventional oil-sealed and dry vane vacuum pumps, as well as best-in-class noise levels and oil retention.
Dirk Ville, General Manager of Atlas Copco Compressors UK, comments: "With clear synergies between compressed air and vacuum, which represent the Yin and Yang of air movement, Atlas Copco has been able to use its advanced compressor technology experience to design the GHS VSD+, leading to a breakthrough in energy efficiency, capable of dramatically reducing UK manufacturers' lifecycle costs. Approximately three-quarters of companies who use rough vacuum require oil-injected pumps, which are traditionally fixed-speed, so the potential for energy savings across UK industry is massive."
The GHS 350-900 VSD+ range, generating nominal displacement of up to 900m3/h, incorporates state-of-the-art VSD (variable-speed drive) technology that enables users to adapt their vacuum generation requirements to match precisely the demands of their process. Coupled with an innovative motor design and inlet control valve, the new range is claimed to set new standards for energy efficiency in rough vacuum pumps, leading to a large reduction in total cost of ownership. Other compelling benefits depend on the application, including increased production for food packaging lines.
Energy savings
As a result, UK manufacturers can now achieve significantly better performance against benchmarked oil-sealed and dry vane vacuum pumps, which are predominantly fixed-speed machines that react to variations in demand by switching on and off. In contrast, the GHS VSD+ vacuum pump only performs when and and as required. If demand drops to half, it only delivers half, and the power consumption is halved. This is one of the main reasons why the GHS VSD+ is capable of providing energy savings of 50 per cent on average.
The GHS VSD+ range is designed to aid efficient production in a wide range of manufacturing industries, such as food and meat processing, bottling, canning, plastics, packaging, printing, paper, electronics, woodworking, house vacuum and centralised systems. Typical applications include lifting and handling, forming and shaping, vacuum packing, preservation, freeze drying, pick-and-place and pneumatic conveying.
Low noise
From a design viewpoint, the new range is based on Atlas Copco's proven compressors, providing a fully wired, complete system in a single housing, with all access points for service on the same side. Due to its plug-and-play design, the GHS VSD+ Series is easy and fast to install, which saves time and space. The footprint is one of the smallest on the market, being no larger than a standard pallet.
Cool running
Larger models in the new range offer energy recovery features that result in minimal hot air carry-over in the workplace and air-conditioned production environments.
Excellent oil retention means that the air produced from the discharge of the vacuum pump is of a higher quality. The GHS VSD+ also prevents oil spills on the factory floor, which can be a common occurrence with conventional oil-lubricated pumps. The end result is a cleaner working environment.
When developing the GHS 350-900 VSD+ range, Atlas Copco looked at every single element to identify where extra efficiencies could be gained. For instance, the Atlas Copco-designed vacuum-specific element offers a significantly longer lifetime than rotary vane pumps, as well as higher efficiency. In addition, a new patented inlet control valve provides modulating vacuum control in conjunction with the VSD drive, to further reduce energy consumption.
Performance monitoring
The complete GHS VSD+ range is equipped with Atlas Copco's Elektronikon monitoring system and SMARTlink data monitoring. Elektronikon can integrate with the customer's plant management system and control other vacuum pumps, thereby helping with energy savings.
The efficiency credentials of the range are evidenced by conformance with ISO 50001 and ISO 14001 standards, while environmental impact is reduced as a result of impeccable oil retention at all operating pressures - from ultimate pressure to atmospheric pressure.
Follow the link to find out more about the new GHS 350-900 VSD+ rotary screw vacuum pump.
