Atlas Copco guarantees compressor fuel saving

Atlas Copco is guaranteeing its new DrillAir compressors will provide fuel savings of 4% compared with its preceding models.

There is also an improvement in free air delivery of more than 6%, with the 25bar machines delivering 1,284cfm and 1,335cfm, while the figures for the 30bar machine are 1,198cfm and 1,252cfm.

Energy savings come from less end thrust in the screw-type element, reduced friction in the gearbox and reduced air leakage between the rotors, while the standard FuelXpert system matches engine speed to the required output.

Assuming a full-load fuel consumption of 100 lit/hr, the firm calculates that a 4% saving will typically equate to almost £3,000 per year.

These latest savings come on top of those provided when the company switched to using Cat Stage IIIA engines, in this case the C18 developing 429kW, with variations in the gearbox to suit the required air output.

The company has also moved to directly injecting the optimum amount of lubricant into the bearings to extend service life while minimising carry over. Oiltronics, Atlas Copco's condensation elimination system, is standard on 30bar machines and an option on 25bar units.