Case study: Atlas Copco Vacuum enables sustainable practices for energy-efficient buildings
Region: Porsgrunn, Norway
Sector: Construction
Benefit: Up to 50% energy savings
Isola,
based in Norway is a company that provides insulation products for the construction industry with a focus on sustainability and
efficiency. They aim to contribute to sustainable economic growth by being a socially responsible promoter of the construction industry in
the development of climate-efficient buildings. Isola invests in its development expertise and keeps up to date on climate and
environmental trends, building practices and authority requirements. They have a high focus on contributing to the fight for dry, healthy,
and energy-efficient buildings.
Challenge:
Isola believes in producing products and construction materials that contribute to a better environment. The process of making those
products is important as well. Through the development of their insulation materials, they seek to simplify everyday life for the end-users
of their products. Sustainability and energy-efficiency are core targets they seek to achieve in their daily production operations.Isola
used two roots blower vacuum pumps that were consuming considerable energy and high levels of heat. Being located close to a residential
area, the noise generated from these pumps at their production site was an environmental and well-being challenge.
Solution:
HEX@™ controllerTo meet their goal of energy-efficient and sustainable practices, Isola chose the Atlas Copco GHS 2002
VSD⁺ oil-sealed screw vacuum pump with HEX@™ controller.The GHS 2002 VSD⁺ features a new design for better performance, optimal
oil separation, a smaller footprint, and the innovative new HEX@™ vacuum pump controller. Vacuum is needed for extrusion and
thermoforming processes. The level of vacuum required is variable depending on the status of the process. The variable speed of the
GHS VSD⁺ pumps are an ideal solution since they have great turndown ratio linked to increased energy efficiency.Due to the high
temperature of these processes, Atlas Copco recommended the Energy Recovery System that allows Isola to recover the dissipated heat. Most
of the electrical energy that is used by a vacuum solution is converted into heat - up to 90%. The integrated energy recovery system can
recover up to three quarters of that power input in the form of hot water.Due to the Industry 4.0 capabilities of the GHS VSD⁺ series,
Isola can remotely consult the status of their Atlas Copco GHS 2002 VSD⁺ oil-sealed screw vacuum pump and HEX@™ controller
vacuum system, start, and stop the machine, or change the setpoint via any device, for instance their smartphone or their PC.
They just need to connect the vacuum pump by LAN to the company’s network to access the pump’s user interface.
Outcome:
In line with Isola’s production philosophy, the Atlas Copco GHS VSD+ vacuum pumps deliver efficient vacuum with minimal
impact on the environment. The new installation is very quiet, around 30dB less than the previous installation. Atlas Copco not only keeps
Isola happy, but the neighbors too. In addition, Isola can reduce their energy usage whilst using the energy to heat the water needed for
their production facility.Since Isola’s need for vacuum fluctuates depending on different factors such as process changes or even the time
of day. The variable speed technology allows these pumps to closely follow that demand. No unnecessary vacuum is produced, no energy is
wasted.With the arrival of the HEX@™ controller the system can be monitored remotely and allows the Atlas Copco team to
assist whenever needed. Equipped with the latest generation controller HEX@™, Isola benefits from the connected controller.
Their system can be monitored remotely and allows the Atlas Copco team to assist whenever needed. Isola can expect extra energy cost
savings and a high return on their investment. With Atlas Copco’s intelligent vacuum solutions, they can continue their operations in a
sustainable manner.
Article via Atlas Copco Group - Vacuum Solutions
GHS VSD+ vacuum pumps contribute to Isola energy efficient building practices
Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!
Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a
reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!
Rotary Screw and Piston Air Compressors
Vacuum Pumps and Blowers
Nitrogen Generation
An extensive line of Air Treatment components
AIRnet Piping System and Filtration
Mobile Compressors, Generators, and Light Towers
Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, ALUP, Pneumatech, and Atlas Copco products are used extensively around the world in
industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world-class compressors here in the land of
the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported with
nationwide coverage, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air, vacuum pump, and industrial gas equipment and parts
available today in New Zealand.
Reliability and Efficiency
With Ash Air, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts
on the following:
Increasing uptime
Reducing unexpected repairs
Reducing energy consumption and meeting our sustainability goals
A liquid ring vacuum pump is a powerful and steadfast piece of equipment that, if well maintained, can provide years of dependable
performance. Whether you purchase a large or small unit, you can rely on a vacuum pump for smooth, consistent and relatively quiet operation
for many months on end between each inspection.
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Just like any other equipment, a compressed air installation also requires the necessary maintenance work during its entire
lifespan. Even though maintenance costs are only about 5 to 10% of a machine's annual operating costs, failure to budget for
maintenance can have potentially disastrous consequences.
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The air dyer is one of the most ignored cooler in the system. A dirty condenser will cause water in the lines, or worse it will cause
complete dryer failure.
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Using nitrogen is not about fully replacing CO2, but it can reduce their consumption of CO2 by close to 70%. Using nitrogen is about
sustainability. Creating your own nitrogen is easy and will reduce the use of a greenhouse gas, which is better for the environment. It will
also save you money as early as month one adding that savings to your bottom line.
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ICONS: Intelligent Connectivity System: The insight into your compressed air system, wherever you are. Learn More about ICONS in this article here!
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A question that is occasionally asked by our customers to Ash Air is 'what is the cost of compressed air?' This article looks at the
product costs involved with compressed air, as well as minimising the energy cost of compressors and cost allocation. When looking at these
factors, we need to realise what causes dropped efficiency of your compressor, leading to increased costs of compressed air.
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You may have great fall protection measures in place to keep employees safe when working at height, but what about their co-workers below?
Dropped tools and other falling objects are a major hazard – and one that isn’t always fully addressed.
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Providing a safe working environment for operators is essential, especially when using pneumatic tools and compressed air. If there is a
failure in the air network and the hose is not adequately clamped, the resulting whiplash could be devastating. Failure to follow best
practice can result in injuries, associated production downtime and decreased productivity.
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A common questions asked is why do I need an air dryer for my compressor? Typically, air compressors produce water, and although the
water can be drained, there can still be aerosol and vapour droplets that are present. This is because water cannoet be compressed. Water
can damage your compressor by corroding the valves, pipes and machinery controls, which will cost you time and money to resolve. In
the long run, the cost of a new compressor is a small price to pay compared to the loss of production that could potentially arise due
to water damage in your compressor.
Air compressors can fail for an assortment of different reasons: Normal wear and tear, lifespan and age of the unit, poor maintenance, power surge, install issues are just a few the come to mind. Check out this blog to find out our top 7 tips to ensure your compressor is looked
after!
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Air compressors use considerable volumes of energy during a typical work cycle. When you add up all the expenses of operating a facility,
any savings can help you boost your bottom line.
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If you have never bought a rotary screw air compressor before; do the following. Add up the air consumption of all the equipment at your
shop. That will be the amount of air your desired compressor should provide.
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Knowing the telltale signs of wear and tear, understanding your product’s specifications and usability guidelines, and knowing when it’s
prudent to call in repairs are skills that could save you a lot of time, effort, and money in the long term.
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That cold, rainy, and in some places icey New Zealand winter is upon us, and with the following air compressor tips, your air system will be
prepared with the preferred temperatures, despite the weather outside. Regardless of whether or not it actually snows or freezes up where
you live, most winterisation service recommendations are also basic, solid maintenance procedures that will help extend the life and
operational efficiencies of air compressors regardless of whether you live in Queenstown or Northland.
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If you're wondering what an air compressor actually is, you've come to the right place. Simply, air compressors convert power in to air that
is pressurised which is then used to power air tools such as spray guns. Air compressors are used in a wide range of applications, so
naturally if you want one that will be designed for spray painting your vehicle, you want a compressor specifically made for spray guns!
This way your compressor will be able to provide the right amount of power to perform the job.
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Compressed air plays a fundamental role in industrial activities. Depending on the type of application, the energy cost of producing
compressed air can be very high. Below are some tips to save on you compressor bill.
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Air Compressors are essential tools in a variety of industrial settings. No matter what industry you are in having a reliable air compressor
can be a crucial part of getting the job done efficiently. However, like an investment, air compressors require upkeep and maintenance, and
eventually will need to be upgraded. But how do you know when it’s time to upgrade your air compressor? Here are some things you need to
consider.
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When it comes to laser cutting and other industrial processes, the choice of assist gas is crucial in achieving optimal results. Nitrogen
and oxygen are commonly utilized as assist gases, each with its own unique properties and applications. Understanding the characteristics of
both gases, will help you to make an informed decision to ensure precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in your operations.
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Mobile air compressors are portable, towable compressors particularly useful for applications that suit the construction and roading
industry! You'll often see a mobile compressor being used for sandblasting, irrigation blow-outs, and for quarrying tools such as pneumatic
block cutters and rock drills.
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Did you know that Chicago Pneumatic helped man land on the moon? Notice in this photo of the Apollo 11 landing what appear to be
"soccer balls" on top of the capsule. They were inflated through a compressor specially developed by Chicago Pneumatic for
NASA.
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Your company purchased an air dryer for your compressor, now where should you install it? One of the most common things we see in the
industry are air dryers being stored on top of the compressors. Seems like a wasted space not being used on top of the compressor, right?
Wrong.
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When using air compressors, there are many variables that are integral to the quality and effectiveness of your compressed air. When dryer
air is necessary, being able to constantly and accurately monitor dew points can be a critical factor to your operation.
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Compressed air plays an integral role in breweries both large and small around the world. From start to finish, all details in the brewing
process are managed in fine detail and having the right air compressor is no exception.
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We Kiwi's love our Coffee! Coffee, like all other food & beverage products, must go through a preservation process to keep the
beans fresh during storage and packaging before they reach the consumer. Coffee that is not properly stored after it is roasted will lose a
large amount of carbon dioxide, which lessens its' flavor and speeds up the staling process. One of the most common ways to preserve the
freshness of coffee is the use of nitrogen gas. Learn more here:
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Air compressors are helpful for an enormous range of applications such as air filling, packaging, tools, HVAC control, and more! One
possible drawback is the amount of electricity they use; air compressors can be a huge drain on energy if used inefficiency...
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Air compressors create the energy used by pneumatic tools and processes throughout your compressed air system. The component that connects
everything together is the piping. It is very important to choose the right compressed air pipe to avoid pressure
loss, rust and other problems.
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We get it, buying an air compressor is a big financial decision. And now we are suggesting that you need two air compressors, not just one.
Ask yourself one question- Can your business still run if your air compressor goes down?
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It’s no secret – air compressors are excellent sources of energy. Not only do they power essential manufacturing elements and applications, but the heat generated as a result of the compressed air processes can be used as a byproduct that offsets other energy costs. However,
there’s another form of energy that is also a consequence of the air compression process – sound.
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Maintenance is key to continuing the performance of your air compressor. Continue to read about maximising the performance and longevity of
your compressor and some air compressor maintenance tips!
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The emergency stop, "e-stop", is for true emergency situations only. When hitting the e-stop, all power is halted from the machine
and the unload process isn't achieved. The emergency stop button is intended to help with possibly hazardous situations that are developing.
Common conditions of having to use the e-stop is the misuse of the equipment in ways that weren’t intended, predictable failures not
addressed or failing to consider all the foreseeable uses of the compressor. Read More…
We've put together a list of tips for working safely with air compressors in your environment! We recommend that you always read owners
manual before running your compressor. The number one cause for repairs and personal injury is improper use. You've got to remember to use
eye protection and hearing protection when operating your air compressor and try to avoid using air compressors in a wet area.
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It's generally cost-effective to invest in an on-site industrial oxygen generator. If using bottled or liquid oxygen, you can save 50-90%
per unit of O2.
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Air Compressor Installation Tips
Installing Your Reliable Air Compressor
So, you've just bought an efficient and reliable ALUP air compressor? Welcome to the world of compressed air.
As your partners in compressed air, we will continue to assist you along your journey. We have provided air
compressor installation
tips to ensure you get the most out of your air compressor. Read More…
You may think you know pretty much everything there is to know about vacuums. You push one around your house to pick up dust on the floor
and that’s about all there is to it.
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What started as a family business has since grown into the world’s trusted expert in air treatment and industrial gas solutions. It’s a
success story we’re proud of, a true testament to the drive and entrepreneurial spirit of our entire team.
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Air dryers remove any condensation from the air compressed by your air compressor. Questions about them? Find answers to the most frequently
asked questions here.
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Power tools are a key to productivity in the oil & gas or the metal working industry. Maintenance and production tasks must be carried
out efficiently, however intensive use of vibrating power tools, such as grinders, can expose operators...
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Selective soldering with nitrogen is an essential process in the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs). It is used for bonding
components to PCBs that could otherwise be damaged if exposed to a lot of heat. Another area of application are mixed-technology circuit
boards with layout constraints.
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Hydrogen is becoming increasingly important as a promising clean energy carrier – especially with a view to a more climate-friendly future.
But have you ever wondered what hydrogen actually is and how it is produced? In this article, we look at the basics and technologies used to
produce hydrogen and what makes hydrogen a special element.
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Lubrication is vital to numerous parts of the compression process. That’s why it’s important to know why and which oil is needed for your
air compressor.
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In today's digital world, we search and compare compressor parts, consumables and lubricants in an instant. Avoid being scammed and make
shure you buy genuine spare parts.
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Isola, based in Norway is a company that provides insulation products for the construction industry with a focus on sustainability and
efficiency. They aim to contribute to sustainable economic growth by being a socially responsible promoter...
Read More…
In the world of winemaking, the pursuit of excellence and the preservation of quality are paramount. Therefore, winemakers are turning to a
game-changing solution to enhance their craft: nitrogen gas. From preventing oxidation to controlling carbonation, nitrogen plays a vital
role throughout the winemaking process.
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Your passion is vinification, ours is air compressors.
Compressed air accounts for a large amount of energy consumption in the wine production process, especially in the production of grapes. A
big part of wine-making is a result of the work of equipment and is dependent on its efficiency.
An air compressor should be located in well ventilated, shaded areas, out of direct sunlight. This includes the inlet for the compressed air
system which should be located away from heat sources such as the compressed air outlet, refrigeration or air conditioning plant and
equipment.
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Cutting, shaping, drilling, and finishing, compressed air is critical for any machine shop. Shops rely heavily on the compressed air system
to assist in a variety of operation processes. Commonly the parts produced are used in the machine industry, car industry or even the
aircraft industry. A traditional workday in a machine shop requires the use of air compressors to generate an intermittent or continuous
source of pressurized air. What machines commonly require compressed air in the shop?
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Variable Speed Drive compressors are a game-changer in the world of compressed air. These compressors automatically adjust their
operating speeds to match the real-time demand for compressed air. It's an important feature, especially when it comes to energy savings.
Surprisingly, the electricity consumed by a compressor can account for the largest portion of its total cost of ownership, not the initial
purchase price. On average, VSD technology can reduce energy costs by 35% to 50%, which translates into significant saving
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When an industrial application calls for a steady supply of quality air, more and more users are turning to rotary screw compressors. Their
efficiency, reliability and versatility make them a great choice in these cases. But there are countless applications and many different
types of rotary screw air compressors. So which one is the right one for you?
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Your tool is stalling, or is not working to its expected performance, and you find yourself asking ‘why is my angle grinder spinning too
slowly?’, or ‘why has my pneumatic grinder stopped working?’, read on.
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