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Compressors
The VSD compressor of tomorrow
Tamer Elgendy, regional business line manager at Atlas Copco Services Middle East, explains how digitalisation is boosting compressor performance.
ECHNOLOGY IS EVOLVING faster than ever before in human history. In the blink of an eye, today’s new gadget is tomorrow’s obsolete technology. Take compressors for example, the entire manufacturing sector is in the midst of a major technological revolution. Whether you refer to it as the Internet of Things (IoT) or Industry 4.0, a move toward connectivity and digitalisation is coming and it will force businesses to either ride this wave of progress or get swept up by it. The upsides to being at the forefront of this technology are obvious, and the possibilities that connectivity offers will completely change manufacturing as we know it. In the world of compressed air, it is the biggest thing since variable speed drive (VSD) compressors redefined energy efficiency and changed the industry forever. Atlas Copco, which invented VSD compressors 25 years ago, is once again at the cutting edge of this new technology. Now, however, Atlas Copco is no longer “just” building supremely efficient and reliable compressors, it is also utilising new technologies to make its products (as well as production) even more efficient and reliable.
Total control, total performance Atlas Copco’s VSD+ compressors come with a hightech Touch controller and the optional SMARTLINK monitoring system. The former is Atlas Copco’s most advanced controller yet which features a userfriendly touch screen with stateoftheart control and monitoring capabilities, such as a delayed second stop, schedules for different weeks, and integrated controls for up to six compressors. The extremely robust Elektronikon controller, which performs reliably even in tough conditions, ensures that you can maximise the performance of your compressed air system and helps optimise maintenance intervals. In short, it lets you get the most out of your compressors as long as an operator is on site.
Photo Credit : Atlas Copco
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Atlas Copco invented VSD compressors 25 years ago.
Run your compressor from anywhere By linking the Elektronikon controller to the SMARTLINK monitoring system, all you need is a mobile device and an Internet connection to guarantee that your VSD+ compressor is running optimally. So, whether you are on a business trip or on vacation abroad, you can always keep an eye on things. However, this powerful combo not only lets you control your compressor, it also provides a complete insight into your compressed air network and it alerts you to potential issues before they become problems. It is the perfect example of how modern connectivity tools can lower a compressor’s total cost of ownership and increase its uptime.
Make sure nothing gets lost in translation Atlas Copco is also a pioneer in using OPC UA communication technology in compressors. By establishing a single ‘language’ for all industrial equipment, this technology allows all machines to
Technical Review Middle East - Issue Three 2021
effortlessly ‘understand’ each other. And, because security was a top priority in its development and it is encrypted, OPC UA also protects machines from hackers. The use of this technology will also make it much easier to collect data from all of the different machines and optimise operations. Finally, its plug and play installation makes it very easy to set up and facilitates the harmonisation with other equipment. The result of all these features will be a much smoother operation. As a class A member of the OPC Foundation, Atlas Copco understands that compressed air systems play an important role in achieving the full potential of this technology. That is why the compressed air expert recently released its first series of compressors that speak this universal language. And, in the future, you will be able to retroactively install this technology and enjoy all of its benefits. ■ Learn more about Atlas Copco VSD compressors at www.atlascopco.com www.technicalreview.me
