Central vacuum supply reduces energy consumption by 50 percent. The functions and properties of glass are becoming increasingly diverse and smarter. The demands placed on glass production systems are also increasing accordingly. This not least includes vacuum technology, which forms a central component in the production and processing of glass products: For example, the evacuation of glass moulds, the coating of architectural glass or bottling under vacuum ensures high product quality and process productivity. In addition, vacuum lifters guarantee the safe internal transport of heavy and sensitive glass parts. Atlas Copco will be presenting its new variable speed drive vacuum pump series GHS 3800-5400 VSD+ at the Glasstec in Düsseldorf (Hall 15, Stand C03) precisely for such applications with a high vacuum requirement.  

With the introduction of these new screw vacuum pumps, Atlas Copco underlines its commitment to sustainable glass production. In December 2017, the vacuum supplier therefore expanded its portfolio with the modern GHS 38005400 VSD+ vacuum pump series. Thanks to their long service life and greatly improved oil cooling and retention, these robust pumps contribute to savings in production processes. Compared with existing technologies, their use has resulted in significantly reduced life cycle costs.  

Predestined for integration into central vacuum systems  

The GHS VSD+ series was developed according to Atlas Copco's proven philosophy and is therefore designed as a durable plug-and-play system in a single housing. "The energyefficient units deliver higher volume flows per hour and kilowatt power consumption than vacuum pumps with comparable performance," explains Christoph Angenendt, Communications Manager Industrial Vacuum at Atlas Copco. It therefore makes particular sense to convert several decentralized pumps to a central vacuum supply. With a GHS VSD+ system, users can significantly increase their productivity; Atlas Copco reports that energy savings of up to 50 percent can be achieved in glass production compared to conventional rotary vane vacuum pumps. "The payback time for a converted system is correspondingly short," adds Christoph Angenendt. 

Cleaner, cooler working environment  

During development of the GHS 3800-5400 VSD+ Atlas Copco's design engineers drew from the experience with the established GHS 350-900 VSD+ and GHS 1300-1900 VSD+ series. They also feature high efficiency and reliability and are available as a compact, user and service-friendly package. The screw element at the heart of the pumps offers a lifetime guarantee, while intelligent turbo and humid versions ensure trouble-free performance even in the most difficult application environments. The coarse vacuum pumps are optionally equipped with air or water cooling. An energy recovery option makes it possible to use the work of the IE3 high-efficiency motor. A clear advantage in ergonomics: the oil retention improves the quality of the exhaust air compared to alternative technologies. "This results in a cleaner and cooler working environment," says Christoph Angenendt, explaining the benefits for users.  

Minimal energy consumption, low maintenance requirements

 The Elektronikon® Mk5 control system and the speed-controlled drive system (VSD+) make pump operation extremely economical: The pressure setpoint control function ensures that the pumps deliver the lowest possible vacuum flow to maintain the required vacuum. This minimizes energy consumption and reduces operating costs over the lifecycle. The low maintenance required by the series also contributes to efficiency: "There are no rotary vanes that need to be replaced, and the screw element is also maintenance-free for years. In addition, suction filters and oil separators can be replaced without dismantling the piping“, Christoph Angenendt explains the simple handling of the pumps. Via SMARTlink software, the operator can dial in and inform himself in good time about the necessary maintenance work. The system displays all relevant information on an intuitively understandable, graphical user interface. The operating vacuum can be adjusted or changed by pressing a key. This allows users to easily adapt the pump's performance to the respective process requirements.  

Ideal solution for remote monitoring

While the Elektronikon® Mk5 system allows integration into the user's plant management system, Atlas Copco's SMARTlink provides the ideal solution for remote monitoring. It simplifies maintenance and the provision of data also for service technicians to adjust operating settings in real time. Equipped with customer-oriented plug & play design principles and a compact design, the GHS VSD+ series is quick and easy to install. All necessary components are supplied to the users as a complete package. Trained Atlas Copco engineers are available to ensure smooth commissioning.  

The advantages of the GHS VSD+ series at a glance:  
Significantly reduced energy consumption; typical energy savings of around 50 percent. - First-class performance, optimized in the coarse printing area, with the lowest energy requirement per m/3h flow of a coarse vacuum pump. - Adaptive high-performance variable speed drive (VSD) with pressure setpoint control - Innovative, actuated input control valve  - State-of-the-art 3-stage oil separation for ultrapure exhaust air over operating ranges from atmosphere to 5 mbar final pressure - Ergonomic maintenance and service access - Variable temperature control through innovative VSD cooling fan and active oil control - Quiet operation: noise level far below that of alternative technologies (-7dB) - Sustainable productivity through high performance and efficiency. Conformity with energy management and environmental obligations according to ISO 50001/14001. - Integrated Atlas Copco MK5 control system with intuitive graphical user interface.

To learn more about the new GHS 3800-5400 VSD+ range of oil-sealed screw vacuum pumps, please visit our website www.atlascopco.com/vacuum If you have any questions, please contact our team at Glasstec in Düsseldorf, Atlas Copco booth in hall 15, booth C03.