Atlas Copco first to offer certified ‘net zero energy consumption’ compressors - the ‘Carbon Zero’ Range

Antwerp, Belgium, June 30, 2009: Atlas Copco’s Oil-free Air division has announced that the company’s ZR series of water-cooled oil-free air compressors with built-in energy recovery systems is the first in the world to be TÜV certified for ‘net zero energy consumption’ at specific design conditions. It has been proven that 100% of the electrical power input could be recovered in the form of hot water. With these ‘Carbon Zero’ compressors, industries using a great deal of hot water and steam such as food & beverage, dairies, pulp & paper, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and petrochemicals, power plants, clean rooms and textiles can dramatically cut down on their energy bill.

Energy savings in compressed air systems are very important as energy consumption typically represents over 80% of a compressor’s lifecycle cost. While compressed air systems on average account for about 10% of industrial electricity consumption, it can be as high as 40% of a plant’s electricity bill. For this reason, Atlas Copco has been innovating for energy-efficient compressed air solutions for many years. The new certification is yet another milestone in Atlas Copco’s history of innovation.

“We are very pleased to offer our customers a compressed air solution which can recover 100% of the input energy,” says Stephan Kuhn, President of Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area. “Today our customers face stringent targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. With the Carbon Zero compressor, customers can get compressed air virtually for free, which has significant impact towards preserving the environment and also on their bottom line.”

The independent Technische Überwachungs-Verein (German Technical Monitoring Association, or “TÜV”) earlier this year supervised the type-testing of Atlas Copco’s ZR 55-750 water-cooled oil-free screw compressors, equipped with built-in energy recovery systems . The testing process involved real-time measurement of the electrical power input and the output power as hot water. The two measurements were then compared. It was proven that under the specific design conditions of 40°C and 70% relative humidity, 100% of the input electrical power could be recovered.

While the Carbon Zero compressor compresses air, all the input electrical energy is converted into heat. This heat appears at different compressor components. The challenge is really to pick up this heat from all the components which are the compression elements, the oil cooler, intercooler and aftercooler. The built-in energy recovery system circulates cooling water through all these components and as a result of the heat transfer, yields hot water at up to 90°C. This hot water can find several applications in the industry.

Most industries can make use of hot water for space heating, showers and other such applications. However the industries that will benefit the most are those that have a continuous need for hot water and steam in their processes. Typical process hot water and steam users include food & milk processing plants (scalding, cleaning, sterilization, melting), pulp & paper industry (in the digester & evaporators, and in bleaching, pulping ), textile industry (dyeing, stabilization of manmade fibers), pharmaceutical industry (fermentation and sterilization), refineries, chemical and petrochemical plants (steam distillation, enhanced recovery, stripping, heat tracing), power plants (electricity generation), clean rooms (humidification).

The hot water or steam is normally generated using industrial boilers which consume electricity or fuels like heating oil or natural gas. When using hot water from the compressor, either directly or as pre-heated boiler feed water, the consumption of fuel can be either dramatically reduced or be eliminated. This results in significant energy savings.

Chris Lybaert, President of Atlas Copco’s Oil-free Air Division says “In summary, the Carbon Zero compressor offers our customers a double-win with enormous environmental benefits along with increased profitability.”

Atlas Copco
Atlas Copco is a world leading provider of industrial productivity solutions. The products and services range from compressed air and gas equipment, generators, construction and mining equipment, industrial tools and assembly systems, to related aftermarket and rental. In close cooperation with customers and business partners, and with 136 years of experience, Atlas Copco innovates for superior productivity. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the Group’s global reach spans more than 160 markets. In 2008, Atlas Copco had 34 000 employees and revenues of BSEK 74 (BEUR 7.7). Learn more at 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 and main production center are located in Antwerp, Belgium.

Atlas Copco Philippines
Atlas Copco (Philippines) Inc. is part of the global Atlas Copco group of companies with headquarters in Sweden. Atlas Copco’s Philippine Head Office is at Laguna Technopark, Binan, Laguna. The company is a world leading provider of industrial solutions, specializing on Air Productivity among others. Their products and services range from compressed air equipment/compressors, generators, to related aftermarket and rental. Backed by more than 135 years of experience, they innovate for superior productivity. For more details on products and services, please visit www.atlascopco.com.

Contact Nelson Roque for more details

DOE, with Atlas Copco Philippines, holds CNG Seminar

The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE), in cooperation with Atlas Copco Philippines, recently held the CNG Refueling Station Technology Seminar last May 21, 2009, at the DOE Audio-Visual Room, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The 63 participants who attended the seminar were from the following sectors: transportation, fuel, power, government, and the academe.

Direct education

In line with the government's Natural Gas Vehicle Program for Public Transport (NGVPPT), this whole-day technical symposium was aimed to educate the different industry stakeholders on the many technological, and even some of the economic advantages of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Ankur Arora, Intermech New Zealand’s Sales & Proposal Engineer, was invited to share his expertise and experience on CNG technology. Ankur highlighted his vast experiences in Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Australia and Africa.

He said, "Although the country’s CNG network is still in its infant stage, I believe with proper education and guidance, the Philippines could match and even surpass the other countries' utilization of CNG. Plus, the country has a ready supply of CNG waiting to be tapped and maximized."

Ms. Evelyn Reyes, OIC-Director for the DOE’s Energy Utilization Management Board, said, “The huge turnout is a testament on how vital the industry players see CNG in the near future. We hope the technical knowledge the participants gained from this seminar will enlighten them on the benefits of CNG.”

Hector Melencio, Atlas Copco Marketing Specialist, added “We thank Elma Karunungan and Beth Capid of the Alternative Fuels and Energy Technology Division for helping make this seminar happen. We’re also very grateful to the DOE for inviting bus operators and manufacturers to this forum. Once a proper supply avenue has been established by organizations like Callandra LCNG Fuels Corp, we believe that the bus operators will be the prime movers in maximizing CNG.”

Intermech New Zealand

Intermech Ltd. is part of the Atlas Copco Group. The company specializes in designing & manufacturing key CNG refuelling components. It has over 30 years of experience in the design and manufacture of CNG/NGV station equipment. For more company information, please visit www.intermech.co.nz.

Ankur added, "We are the region's top total service solution provider. We encourage your visit the Intermech factory to witness these capabilities 1st hand."

Atlas Copco Philippines

Atlas Copco (Philippines) Inc. is part of the global Atlas Copco group of companies with headquarters in Sweden. Atlas Copco’s Philippine Head Office is at Laguna Technopark, Binan, Laguna. The company is a world leading provider of industrial solutions, specializing in Air Productivity among others. Their products and services range from compressed air equipment/compressors, generators, to related aftermarket and rental. Backed by more than 135 years of experience, they innovate for superior productivity. For more details on products and services, please visit www.atlascopco.com.

Atlas Copco Philippines shares best practices with Iron and Steel industry

South East Asia Iron & Steel Institue (SEASI), in cooperation with Philippine Iron & Steel Institute (PISI), held the SEASI 2009 Traveling Seminar last March 20, 2009, at the Discovery Suites, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. The seminar’s topic was “Controlling and Improving Yield in Steel Making and Rolling Operation.”

Atlas Copco (Philippines) Inc. was given the privilege to be one of the 6 international organizations tapped to share their best know methods and practices. Eric Alfonso, Atlas Copco Philippines’ Industrial Air Business Line Manager, shared his technical knowledge on “Energy Conservation in Compressed Air Systems” to the participants of the SEASI Seminar. The other speakers were from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Indonesia.

Vital parts

Compressed Air Systems are vital cogs to the steel making and rolling process, where compressed air systems consume more than 40% of the factories’ energy requirements. Having an inefficient system would definitely pull profits down. System inefficiency may be caused by incorrect air compressor, dryer, and tank sizing, faulty system designs, or others.

To help industry players address these inefficiencies, Eric Alfonso gave an overview of what should and not be done to maximize air compressors. He said, “Not only will this info help make and keep your systems more efficient; more importantly, this would help bring your costs down, helping you cut expenses and save more. Especially in times like these, every peso counts.”

Ms. Luz Dela Cuesta of PISI Secretariat was thankful of the knowledge Eric imparted, saying, “These annual Traveling Seminars aim to improve the skill and technologies of steel production personnel, to minimize production cost, and to introduce new technologies for the steel industry in the region. This is where we are grateful for companies like Atlas Copco, who share their knowledge and expertise to help industry players.”

Intermech's CNG expert visits the Philippines

Ankur Arora, Intermech Sales & Proposal Engineer, visited the Atlas Copco Philippines Head Office last February 12 and 13, 2009 to share his expertise and experience on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology with the local sales and technical teams.

Ankur (center, wearing glasses) highlighted his experiences in Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iran, Australia and Africa. He noted that the above mentioned countries/regions already have mature CNG networks, giving their respective transporation sectors a cheaper and cleaner alternative. He said, "Although the CNG network in Philippines is still in its infant stage, I believe with proper education and guidance, you could match the other countries' levels. Plus, the country has a ready supply of CNG waiting to be tapped and maximized."

Based in New Zealand, Intermech Ltd. is part of the Atlas Copco Group. The company specializes in designing & manufacturing key CNG refuelling components. Its has over 30 years of experience in the design and manufacture of CNG/NGV Station Equipment including:

* Compressor Design, Manufacture and Packaging
* Packaging OEM Compressors
* Design and packaging of Compressors Electric Drive or Gas Engine Drive
* Dispenser Manufacture
* Development of Technology for Very Fast Fill (VFF) for car, bus and trucks filling
* Mother / Daughter Systems
* Pressure Reducing Stations
* Ground Storage and Mobile Storage Systems

Ankur added, "We are the region's top total service solution provider. We encourage your visit the Intermech factory to witness these capabilities 1st hand."

For more details about Intermech, please visit http://intermech.co.nz.

CNG Education

Hector Melencio, Marketing Specialist, added, "To objectively help educate the public on the pros and cons on CNG technology, we have gotten in touch with the Alternative Fuels and Energy Technology Division of the Department of Energy. We will help them come up with a detailed info campaign in the next few months."

We provide the system, you produce Nitrogen

We provide the system, you produce Nitrogen.

From electronics laboratories to food packaging applications, our range of PSA Nitrogen Generator Systems gives you the quickest, simplest, and cheapest way to start generating your own nitrogen. Produce nitrogen of up to 99.999% purity right on site. With our systems, you get:

• Extra savings: Enjoy up to 80% savings on the cost of the nitrogen you use compared to buying nitrogen in bulk.

• Value for money: Payback is usually under 18 months, and the product has a typical lifespan of over 10 years.

• An ensured constant supply: You never have to worry about a delivery not getting to you in time again ‐ without interruption 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Save space & minimize risk and handling errors: No need for gas bottles/liquid nitrogen tank in the yard.

• Simplified administration: Save time & money with no weekly deliveries to manage.

• Very low running costs: Use your compressed air supply. Average annual servicing costs of only $300.

We want to help you by delivering only products and services that help increase your business efficiency and profitability.

The brochure below (in .jpg) shows you a glimpse of our range of products. For more details on PSA Nitrogen Generator Systems, please feel free to contact us. Eric Alfonso, the Industrial Air Business Line Manager, or one of our Product Engineers would be more than happy to discuss this with you in person.

Please click the picture to view larger image.

Cut electricity costs with Atlas Copco Blowers and Low Pressure Air Compressors

How would you like to cut your electricity costs by up to 40 percent per month? Give us a few minutes of your time and we’ll show you how.

Atlas Copco Blowers and Low Pressure Air Compressors are part of the most cost-effective, all-in-one compressed air solutions that optimize the pressure, volume and air treatment equipment for your production processes. Moreover, our machines can take on a wide range of applications, such as pneumatic conveying, waste water treatment and printing applications among others.

We want to help you by delivering only products and services that help increase your business efficiency and profitability.

The brochure below (in .jpg) shows you a glimpse of our range of products. For more details on Atlas Copco Blowers and Low Pressure Air Compressors, please feel free to contact us. Nelson Roque, the Oil-Free Business Line Manager, or one of our Product Engineers would be more than happy to discuss this with you in person.

Please click the pictures to view larger image.

Atlas Copco Philippines hosts students from Mapua

Atlas Copco (Philippines) Inc. hosted 20 graduating students from the Mapua Institute of Technology last 26 January 2009. The students visited Atlas Copco Philippines’ Head Office in Laguna Technopark as part of their “Plant Inspection Trip and Seminars” class. The students were accompanied by their adviser, Engr. Graciano Emmanuelito Dela Cruz III.

Deo Ybarrita, Technical Training Manager, not only showed them the theoretical aspects of Compressed Air Systems, but also how these theories are applied in real life. He added, “Since books alone are not enough to show them what really happens inside the machines, it is important that they see how the insides of an air compressor look like and how the system operates.” The students saw a cross-section of an actual screw compressor. They also had a chance to help out Atlas Copco’s Service Team repair a unit.

Led by their class president, Jaren Santos, they were grateful for the experience. This not only added to their theoretical know how, but more importantly, it showed them how actual machines work.

Hector Melencio, CT Marketing Specialist, gave a short background on Atlas Copco. He also introduced to them the wide range of air compressors the company has, such as Oil-free; oil-injected industrial, portable; and specialty rental air compressors.

Atlas Copco AIP Technical Service Course 2008

Wondering why we have a big tent/machine display in front of our Head Office?

We have an ongoing AIP Technical Service Course 2008 with participants from Atlas Copco - South East Asia. The seminar started last October 6 and will end on October 10, 2008.

The first 3 days were held at the Dusit Thani Manila Hotel. The last 2 days is a practical session and this will be done at Atlas Copco Philippines Head Office compound at Laguna Technopark.

Saving the planet one compressor at a time

Quezon City - One Atlas Copco’s main thrusts is to innovate products and services for our customers and partners. We want to share these innovations so that we could give them efficient and powerful air power solutions to choose from.

We did just that when we were guests at the 36th Metalcasters’ Convention: Annual General Membership Meeting and Elections of the Philippine Metalcasting Association Inc. (PMAI) last June 19, 2008 at the Sulo Hotel in Quezon City.

The PMAI invited us to give a presentation on how to “Protect your bottom line with air power solutions that protect the Earth.” Industrial Air’s Business Line Manager Eric Alfonso, and Product Engineer Leo Basilio showed the PMAI members how they could have the best of both worlds (taking care of the environment while taking care of business) by highlighting our Variable Speed Drive (VSD) compressors.

The VSD compressors can reduce energy costs by an average of 25% and overall compressor life cycle costs by an average of 22% by tuning compressor capacity to the air demand. The resulting savings have a substantial environmental impact, reflecting our dedication to safeguarding a healthy future for generations to come.

We're saving the planet one air compressor at a time, starting with the PMAI.

Atlas Copco on DZMM

We’re proud to have been featured in “Bago Yan Ah!,” a weekly award-winning program hosted by Angelo Palmones that educates and empowers listeners through science and technology, last June 8, 2008. The show is aired every Sunday, 4:30pm on DZMM 630AM, and on DZMM TeleRadyo.

Nelson Roque, Oil Free Business Line Manager, talked about our Variable Speed Drive technology. Hector Melencio, CT Marketing Specialist, elaborated on Adopt a School.

Variable Speed Drive Technology

We hope to educate not just engineers and technicians, but also students and teachers of engineering and science about the options available to cut on energy costs and protect the environment in turn.

Check the previous post for more details on Variable Speed Drive Technology.

Adopt a School

Also, in our drive to help not just the environment, but society as a whole, we have made a seemingly small but nevertheless important step. We are helping the children and teaching staff of Agpan Elementary School located at Barangay Imelda, Bunawan, Agusan Del Sur. This school may not be located in a metropolitan area, but we feel that in order to make a difference, we need to reach out to those in far places. We want to arm them with knowledge; knowledge that would help them make a difference in the future.

Know more about our Adopt a School program in the previous posts (June 5 to 7).

Protect your bottom line with air power solutions that protect the Earth

Most if not all forms of manufacturing and production, such as construction, semicon, packaging, even food and medicine processing, rely on compressed air power systems to drive their pneumatic devices and machines. With the rising cost of fuel and energy costs, it has become more and more difficult for manufacturers to produce the same products for the same amount or resources.

We at Atlas Copco Philippines may have something to help ease this burden.

Aside from being extremely reliable and efficient, our air compressors are equipped with VSDs (Variable Speed Drives). Although this is not an entirely new technology, we feel that what we have is economically and environmentally relevant to the current times.

With our VSD systems, you get the best of both worlds. The cost of compressed air can represent over 40% of your total electrical costs. We want to help you spend less.

Our VSD (Variable Speed Drive) compressors can reduce energy costs by an average of 35% and overall compressor lifecycle costs (LCC) by an average of 22% by tuning compressor capacity to the air demand.

The resulting energy and cost savings have a substantial environmental impact, reflecting your dedication to safeguarding a healthy future for generations to come.

For more details on the benefits of VSD, don't hesitate to call us.