Pumps can halve central vacuum supply energy costs

23 August, 2017

Richard Oxley, vacuum product manager for Atlas Copco in the UK commented: “We see massive potential for further adoption of this technology in the UK and predict that the vast majority of large vacuum users in associated industries, potentially in excess of 90%, could stand to halve the energy consumption of their industrial vacuum systems as a result. To ease the transition to a central vacuum system we’re offering free vacuum energy audits to new customers and a 30-day no obligation trial of the technology on certain models.”

Oxley added: “To illustrate this, I recently visited a company in the food packaging industry who we predicted could save in excess of £16,000 a year in energy costs by replacing their existing centralised system with a smaller number of GHS VSD+ pumps. Following this, an independent energy auditor was brought in to verify the results, while the pumps were on trial, who further upgraded the potential savings to the region of £20,000 a year.”

Significantly higher performance levels

GHS VSD+ pumps are claimed to provide significantly higher performance levels and reduced maintenance, noise and heat emissions compared to conventional oil-sealed and dry vane vacuum pumps. When installed as part of a central vacuum system, they can be used to precisely tailor vacuum production to meet customers’ demand. All the pumps are equipped with easy-to-use Elektronikon controllers that can be integrated into a process control system and also control other manufacturers’ vacuum pumps. They are also fitted with a Smartlink remote monitoring system and variable speed drive, making them very economical to run. Additionally, the pressure set point control function ensures the pumps deliver the lowest possible vacuum flow with which the required vacuum can be maintained. As a result, no excess energy is wasted and life cycle operating expenses are significantly reduced.

“The payback period for a converted system is extremely short,” adds Richard Oxley. “The new units deliver more cubic metre per hour, per kilowatt than any other vacuum pump of comparable capacity.”

Due to the extremely high oil retention capacity of the GHS VSD+, environmental impact at all operating pressures is significantly lower compared to similar sized oil-injected vacuum pumps. The range also now includes a patented oil separator that limits residual oil levels to a maximum of 3 mg/m³. “This means the exhaust air is significantly more environmentally-friendly in comparison to other pumps on the market” Oxley reports.

The cooling system is equipped with an electronic thermostatic valve that accurately controls the oil temperature. Consequently, the oil retains its optimum consistency, as any entrainment of water to the oil cycle by condensation is avoided. The cooling system also operates with a speed-controlled fan to minimise energy requirements. The vacuum pumps in the GHS 3800–5400 VSD+ series are available with water or air cooling.

The GHS VSD+ range, which previously offered a maximum flow rate of 1810 m3/h and has now been extended upwards to 5004 m3/h, is specifically designed to reduce maintenance requirements and ensure life-cycle costs are kept low. For instance, there are no rotary vanes to replace and the patented, sturdy screw element does not require maintenance for many years (maintenance of the screw element is recommended at approx. 48,000 operating hours).

In addition, intake filters and oil separators can be replaced without dismantling any piping.

www.atlascopco.co.uk/compressorsuk