Atlas Copco launched its latest ES 16 central controller, which can be connected with maximum sixteen compressors. The device offers one central point of control for an entire compressed air network as it retrieves and processes information coming from the compressors, dryers and other measurement equipment. The result is a dependable and efficient network and thus helps to save on average 10 % energy.

Compressors and dryers can be connected to the ES 16 controller by means of a widely used CAN network. The device stores all machine and sensor data up to one week. This allows users to see graphs and trends for analysis on the ES user interface or for longer period, they can optionally consult them through the Internet.

With the optional control feature, the ES 16 controller regulates the air net pressure by starting/stopping the different sizes of machines and selecting their optimal operating points. Furthermore, it helps to keep the air net pressure on the lowest possible level in order to gain additional energy savings. For example: lowering the air net pressure by 1 bar reduces not only the energy consumption by 7% but also air leakages by 13%. Atlas Copco experts calculate 10 % energy savings in average for compressors with variable speed drives (VSD) and Turbo compressors.

This ES 16 controller provides additional possibilities to increase the control and visibility in the compressor room for other equipment like pumps, valves, vents. Optionally adding flow meter and dew point meter, users can be sure that the compressed air production continuously provides the required amount of quality air with high efficiency and reliability.

"Customers want to continuously reduce their production costs without jeopardizing the availability of compressed air. Moreover, environmental awareness calls upon industrial facilities to limit CO2 emissions by reducing their energy consumption," says Tamas Bakos, Product Marketing Manager, Oil-free Air division, "even the best efficient machines can perform much better with the management of Atlas Copco central controllers."

Apart from the ES 16, Atlas Copco offers a wide range of central controllers, from the ES 4, that connects four compressors up to the ES 360, which can connect 30 compressors and 30 dryers.

Atlas Copco is an industrial group with world-leading positions in compressors, expanders and air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. With innovative products and services, Atlas Copco delivers solutions for sustainable productivity. The company was founded in 1873, is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 170 countries. In 2011, Atlas Copco had 37 500 employees and revenues of BSEK 81 (BEUR 9). 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 optimisation 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.