Company Announcement - Atlas Copco Compressor Technique brings far-reaching innovation in vacuum technology with the new GHS 350-900 VSD+ rotary screw vacuum pumps. The new vacuum pump series present a leap forward in the vacuum industry with energy savings of around 50%, a dramatic reduction in lifecycle costs and improved productivity.

When developing the GHS 350-900 VSD+ series, Atlas Copco looked at every single element to identify where extra efficiencies could be gained. For instance, in addition to its high efficiency, the newly designed vacuum specific element offers a significantly longer lifetime than a screw compressor and vane pumps. The VSD technology of this new-generation, highly efficient, intelligent vacuum pumps combined with an innovative new patent inlet valve, provides modulating vacuum control to minimise energy consumption. 

“The series is based on the well-known and durable plug-and-play design principles of Atlas Copco compressors,” according to Charl Ackerman, Atlas Copco Compressor Technique Business Line Manager - Industrial Air. “These vacuum pumps have been designed by vacuum engineers to deliver peak performance at operating pressures commonly found in industrial applications.”

The GHS VSD+ series offers a numerous benefits to end users:
• Energy savings of around 50%
• Significantly better performance against benchmarked oil-sealed and dry vane vacuum pumps.
• Quiet operation – Noise levels are far below that of comparable technologies.
• Sustainable productivity due to built-in efficiency. Conforms to energy management and environmental commitments according to ISO 50001/14001.
• Reduced environmental impact due to ultra-high oil retention at all operating pressures – from ultimate pressure to atmospheric pressure.

“The optimum and efficient performance of the vacuum pumps do not compromise on worker safety and comfort or the environment,” continues Ackerman. “Energy recovery leads to minimal hot air in the workplace and avoids the usual problem of hot air in air-conditioned production environments. The series’ market-leading oil retention means that the quality of the exhausted air is optimal, which contributes to employee well-being (as this air is often breathed). Furthermore, it avoids oil spills on the factory floor, a common occurrence with conventional oil-lubricated pumps.” Ackerman says that the end result is a significantly cleaner working environment and adds that it also leads to faster cycle times.

The plug-and-play design ensures an easy and fast installation which saves on time and space. “The GHS VSD+ series footprint is no larger than the footprint of a standard pallet and is one of the smallest on the market,” notes Ackerman. “Everything required is delivered as a complete package.”

Atlas Copco plan to expand the GHS VSD+ series with sizes up to 2,000 m3/hr by Q3 2015 and up to 4,500 m3/hr in early 2016.
 The complete GHS VSD+ range is equipped with Atlas Copco’s state-of-the art Elektronikon® monitoring system and SMARTlink which Ackerman says is an ideal solution for remote monitoring. “It can integrate the customer’s plant management system and control other vacuum pumps and leads to energy savings,” concludes Ackerman.