Atlas Copco proves superior energy efficiency of screw technology for air blowers

TÜV certificate emphasizes outstanding performance data of ZS screw blower.

Antwerp, Belgium - The introduction of air blowers using internal compression instead of external compression sets a new standard for energy efficiency in the low-pressure market. This is the main conclusion of a technical whitepaper published by Atlas Copco’s Oil-free Air Division, explaining the differences between screw technology and the traditional ‘Roots’ type lobe technology. The on average 30 percent more energy efficient screw technology is used in the manufacturer’s recently introduced full range of ZS screw blowers that improve energy efficiency for low-pressure applications and industries such as wastewater treatment and pneumatic conveying

“Over the past 50 years the blower market for small volume flows has not seen any major technical improvements”, says Chris Lybaert, President of Atlas Copco’s Oil-free Air Division. “The only considerable development we have seen with the ‘Roots’ type lobe blowers, was the reduction of pulsation levels. There were still significant steps to be made in the area of energy efficiency. Atlas Copco achieved this by developing the twin screw design for a low pressure blower. By doing so we introduced a technological advantage in this market segment.”

The range of ZS screw blowers uses the concept of internal compression, while the traditional “Roots” type lobe blowers rely on external compression to obtain an external system pressure. The detailed technical whitepaper demonstrates that, with a thermodynamic approach, internal compression is more efficient than external compression from 0.4 bar(e) / 5.8 psi(g) upwards. Tests, witnessed and certified by the independent Technische Überwachungs-Verein (German Technical Monitoring Association, or TÜV) have proven that the ZS is 23,8 percent more energy-efficient than a tri-lobe blower at 0,5 bar(e)/7 psig, and 39,7 percent at 0.9 bar(e)/13 psig. | www.efficiencyblowers.com

Atlas Copco may be required to disclose the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act - Atlas Copco is an industrial group with world-leading positions in compressors, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. The Group delivers sustainable solutions for increased customer productivity through innovative products and services. Founded 1873, the company is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 170 countries. In 2009, Atlas Copco had about 30 000 employees and revenues of BSEK 64 (BEUR 6.0). | www.atlascopco.com

Oil-free Air is a division within Atlas Copco's Compressor Technique business area. It develops, manufactures, and markets oil-free air compressors for all kind of industries worldwide where the air quality is vital, and oil-injected compressors for less critical applications. The division focuses on air optimization systems and quality air solutions to further improve customers’ productivity. The divisional headquarters for the division is located in Shanghai with main production facilities in Belgium, China, India and Brazil.