May, 2016 – Antwerp, Belgium – One of Atlas Copco’s most popular compressor ranges just got even better. Starting mid-2016, even more of the company’s GA oil-injected rotary screw compressors will be available with the ground-breaking and energy-saving variable speed drive plus (VSD+) technology.

In 2013, Atlas Copco introduced the next generation of its revolutionary variable speed drive technology – VSD+. It allows energy savings of, on average, 50% compared to conventional compression and gives GA compressors a much smaller footprint.

Atlas Copco has been phasing in this new technology. Until now, only GA 7-37 compressors came with VSD+. But that will change soon. Starting in mid-June, all pack and full feature versions of the GA 37, GA 45, GA 55 and GA 75 kW compressors will also be available worldwide with VSD+ technology.

“For Atlas Copco customers, this means they can get a proven, high-quality product that delivers significant energy savings and efficiency,” said Bert Derom, Vice President of Marketing of the Atlas Copco Industrial Air Division.

“The GA range is one of our most beloved and trusted products,” said Derom. “For us, this also symbolizes a way to reward customer loyalty by improving a product that they had already been very satisfied with.”

A VSD compressor automatically adjusts its motor and element speed to the air demand. A traditional fixed speed compressor is either on or off. A VSD only runs at the required speed, considerably cutting energy use and costs.

An Atlas Copco GA VSD+ compressor features an iPM (Permanent Magnet) motor, a new compression element and a sentinel valve. These new technologies allow it to deliver even more energy savings than the first generation of VSD compressors. Free Air Delivery (FAD) and Specific Energy Requirement (SER) both improved by up to 9%. This means customers get up to 9% more air while using up to 9% less energy with the GA VSD+ compared to the GA VSD.

What is more, the GA VSD+ fits better in confined spaces. The GA 7-75 VSD+ models are smaller and taller than the traditional GA (VSD) range, offering a smaller footprint.

The GA VSD+ compressors produce only 67dB, one of the lowest noise levels in the industry. This means they can be installed on the work floor instead of in a separate space.