In manufacturing and processing applications, air purity is a critical part of safeguarding production lines and ensuring high-quality end products. Atlas Copco says its ZR and ZT oil‑free rotary tooth compressors deliver clean, oil‑free compressed air for superior performance and reliability.

Processes and products in pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, electronics, automotive, medical, textiles, power generation and chemicals require high‑quality compressed air, as contamination can potentially halt production and escalate scrap costs. Atlas Copco explains that low air quality reduces equipment reliability, while excessive purity wastes energy, making it crucial to strike the right air balance to achieve the most efficient and dependable production.

The company’s ZR and ZT compressors comply with the ISO8573-1 CLASS 0 (2010) international air purity standard, which defines solid particles, moisture and oil as three critical contamination risks within air compression process. Eliminating these three contaminants helps safeguard equipment reliability, reduces energy consumption and optimises uptime.

Atlas Copco compressor technique business line manager: oil free air division JC Lombard highlights that Atlas Copco’s oil‑free compressors meet the highest quality standards demanded by the food and beverage industry.

“Our oil‑free production facility in Antwerp, Belgium, has achieved ISO 22000 certification for its food safety management system. This certification covers all Z‑type Class 0 oil‑free air compressors, as well as related dryers and filters, ensuring uncompromising standards of safety and quality,” notes Lombard.

He explains that the key difference between ZR and ZT compressors lies in their cooling method – ZR compressors use water to cool the compressed air, while ZT compressors use air for cooling.

Available from 4 bar to 10 bar, the oil-free rotary tooth compressor range comprises the ZR/ZT 15-55 standard variable speed drive (VSD), the ZR/ZT 30-55 dual-speed FLX and the ZR/ZT 30-50 premium VSD⁺ machines.

Lombard highlights the energy savings delivered by a VSD. “Our VSD technology, incorporated into the ZT 15‑55 VSD and the ZR 30‑55 VSD machines, enables compressors to match motor speed to fluctuating air demand, guaranteeing precise air delivery and remarkable energy savings of up to 35%.”

He adds that the ZR/ZT rotary tooth compressors can unlock greater energy savings when paired with an Atlas Copco energy recovery system. “By reclaiming the heat generated during compression, these systems convert waste into usable energy and measurable savings, turning the compressor into an energy source that delivers hot water up to 90 °C for practical use.”

Atlas Copco’s standard ZR/ZT 15‑55 VSD compressors are designed for ease of operation and are suitable for applications that require reliable, everyday performance and consistent energy efficiency.

The company’s ZR/ZT 30‑55 dual‑speed FLX unit is engineered to automatically adjust motor speed for optimal performance at any pressure set point. The unit offers energy savings, performance and flexibility, suited to operations that require adaptability and efficiency.

The ZR/ZT 30‑50 VSD⁺ high‑end compressors serve demanding applications that require a continuous supply of high‑quality, clean, dry compressed air, with reliable production, zero risk of oil contamination and low energy consumption, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging and automotive paint spraying.

The company’s desiccant and refrigerated dryers, combined with its high‑performance filters, help to further enhance air purity. The ZR/ZT compressors are also available with an optional full feature package, offering an all‑in‑one compact air quality solution that reduces the space required for installation space.

The ZR/ZT range is offered as a complete, ready‑to‑use package that integrates internal piping, coolers, motor, lubrication and control systems within a compact footprint. Low noise levels of 70 dBA help to create a quieter environment that supports safety and comfort in the workplace.