Industrial company Atlas Copco business line manager Pieter van Wyk believes the company’s energy efficient variable-speed drive (VSD) technology is the energy efficient solution to today’s decreasing global energy resources and to South Africa’s ever-increasing electricity costs.

“By following the fluctuations in production demand, the GA VSD realises energy savings of up to 35% as well as reduced carbon dioxide emissions,” he says.

He adds that the elimination of the inefficient transition period between full and no load avoids excessive off-load power consumption. “Maintaining the net pressure band within 0.10 bar (1.5 psi) greatly reduces the overall average working pressure and energy costs. Soft starting provides increased flexibility as gradual motor ramp-up avoids electricity surges.”

The compact and environment-friendly GA FF, meanwhile, is a plug-and-play package that offers lower installation costs.

The distinctive saver cycle control increases energy savings by switching off the dryer when the compressor is stopped or is in unload mode, while the zero ozone depletion R410A refrigerant protects the environment and its high efficiency lowers operating costs.

Further, continuous dew point monitoring, above 3 °C, protects end-users’ production processes with constant air quality.

The Atlas Copco GA VSD and GA FF are designed for ambient temperatures of up to 55 °C and high-performance gear-driven transmission. Engineered ratios ensure optimal efficiency, while vibration dampers absorb the thrust load for increased reliability. Van Wyk notes that an improved filtration system stops dust par- ticles from entering the machine and increases the life cycle of components.

Atlas Copco’s GA compressor range offers built-in safety features to support a safe and favourable working environment, including low-noise axial fans.

The Elekronikon interface provides navigation in over 30 different languages for easy access to all parameters.

The rotary screw compressors are maintenance friendly, enabling easy access to all parts and long-life consumables, result- ing in simple, quick routine maintenance and servicing.

The flexibility of the Atlas Copco GA range makes this compressor suited to an extensive range of applications in the mining and mineral processing industries, says Van Wyk.

Mining

Van Wyk explains that the GA range can be used for pneumatic mining equipment such as drills, pumps, ventilation fans and scaling tools as well as for service and maintenance such as pneumatic power to mining equipment and vehicles.

It also complies with safety regulations in terms of a reliable air source.

Mineral Processing

The GA range can also be used in crushing and screening, where instrumentation and cleaing of cloth bag filters, mineral concentration of medium and high pressure for filter presses; and automation of high-quality compressed air are involved.