Irrespective of what industry you are in or what job you are doing it’s always important to have the right tool for the job. Not only do you get the best results, but the job is done quicker and far more efficiently.
And to get that correct tool, it’s also very important to go to the supplier with the most comprehensive range, then you know you are getting the right tool for the job.
It’s the same when purchasing air compressors, it’s important you go to a trusted supplier with the largest range to suit every application.
As Nash Bakhit, Product Manager – Oil injected Compressors with Atlas Copco, explains, it’s a matter of horses for courses.
“And we have the compressors, the technology and the options to satisfy all customers in every industry, whether it’s manufacturing, mining or construction and everything in between.
“Because we have the most comprehensive range of air compressors available, far more than any of our competitors, we are able to supply the best machine for the job. There are no compromises with the machines we specify.”
Mr Bakhit says with Atlas Copco compressors, customers are not forced to buy a bigger machine than what is needed, or possibly worse, a machine that is too small for the application, meaning it is running flat out all the time, with a very short life span.
“They are also not paying for extras they will never use.”
As well as air compressors from 2kW right up to 500kW, Atlas Copco has basic, standard and fully featured models within the ranges.
“From a small one person workshop, right through to the largest manufacturing and mining facilities in Australia, we have the precise compressor for them. It all depends on the customers’ requirements.
“As well, all our compressors are far more energy efficient than our competitors, all with a smaller footprint, especially our new VSD+ machines; with the range expanding all the time.
Presently it is 37kW, but soon it will go up to 75kW, then 90kW and so on.”
Mr Bakhit describes them as “magical units”, being smaller, quieter, and more efficient than anything on the market.
“For a prospective customer looking for a replacement compressor, the first thing we do is conduct an air audit to see exactly how much air the company is using, at no cost to them.
“Our powerful software is smart enough to convert this air consumption into L/sec. Then we can sit down with the customer and show them exactly how much air they are currently using, and how much money they will be able to save by investing in an Atlas Copco compressor.”
Mr Bakhit says customers always comment on the outstanding energy savings they have achieved following the installation of an Atlas Copco compressor.
“The point is, as well as legendary reliability, our machines are far more efficient than our competitors, requiring far less energy to deliver the same amount of air, plus they require less servicing.
“And that applies to all our machines from our basic G range up to the highly efficient GA (standard)/GA+ (premium)/GA VSD/GA VSD+ models, plus our oil-free models for the food and beverage industries.”
When more than one compressor is required, Mr Bakhit says getting the mix right for the application is very important.
“There are so many computations, but a prevalent mix for industrial companies is one fixed speed machine, to cover the base load, and two VSD (Variable Speed Drive) machines to top up the system when needed, all of a similar size.”
While much is written about the energy savings of VSD machines, Mr Bakhit points out that there are still many applications where fixed speed compressors are more suitable.
“They are more economical regarding initial price and ongoing energy costs where there is continuous demand. However that never happens, there are always fluctuations.
“For example, we often see industrial plants using around 400L/sec of air during the week, but down to 150L/sec at nights and over the weekend, meaning VSD machines are vital to save energy costs.”
For even more savings with multiple compressors, Mr Bakhit suggests companies invest in an ES controller to manage the whole system, including competitor’s compressors.
“These controllers are very advanced and not only save energy, they can also reduce servicing costs due to way they manage the compressors; equalising working hours of the machines for example, which limits the time a technician needs to visit for servicing.
“We try to save the customer money wherever possible,” Mr Bakhit said.