‘A revolution in the compressor industry’. That is what Atlas Copco says it triggered when launching the GA VSD+, ‘the most innovative compressor in recent years’. This technology is now also available in a variant for use in HTM and ISO-compliant medical air plants.
The GA VSD+ MED is at heart an oil-injected screw compressor. However the novel concept of the GA VSD+ consists of a new drive train, where the classic electrical motor has been replaced by a unique permanent magnet motor. Due to the high rotation speeds that can be achieved by this motor, there is no longer a need for a gear case. Combining this with the efficiency of the newly-developed motor, the variable speed concept allows tremendous energy savings – in classic applications, up to 50% in comparison with a traditional fix speed compressor. In medical applications, where demand for air varies from moment to moment as patient treatments proceed, even greater savings may be possible.
In addition, the drive train assembly is aligned vertically, resulting in a 55% saving in footprint.
In hospitals, the latter is a sought-after feature where floor space is often limited and expensive.
The GA VSD+ MED comes with specific safety features to meet and exceed the HTM minimums. As well as modified software with automatic restart after voltage failure, the unit incorporates an amp meter, main switch, and a temperature sensor, to monitor the outlet temperature. The machine provides ‘failure to go on load’ alarming, confirming that pressure is effectively building after the start command has been sent to the unit.
Compressors with outputs ranging from 7 to 37 kW are now available through BeaconMedaes and Pneumatech Medical Gas Solutions.
Atlas Copco Medical UK Medical Gas Solutions Division Telford Crescent, Staveley Derbyshire S43 3PF Phone: +44 (0)1246 474242 www.atlascopco.com
