Atlas Copco launches ZR 90-160 VSD+ air compressor

The latest oil-free rotary screw air compressor from Atlas Copco, the ZR 90-160 VSD+, delivers up to 35 per cent energy savings for a fast return on investment. The new ZR is available with or without an integrated dryer. Ideal for applications in the food and beverage, electronics, automotive, textile and pharmaceutical industries, the water-cooled ZR 90-160 VSD+ is equipped with two high-efficiency permanent magnet motors, state-of-the-art compressor elements, a new cooler design and an improved monitoring system. This plug-and-play compressor is housed in a compact, soundproof enclosure. It’s the latest air compressor in Atlas Copco’s smart AIR solutions portfolio.

The drive design of the ZR 90-160 VSD+ incorporates Atlas Copco’s most sophisticated Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology: NEOS drives combined with permanent magnet motors. The dual motor concept with a smart control algorithm allows both elements to be run at different speeds, which optimises efficiency.

“By adjusting output to match actual needs, the ZR 90-160 VSD+ significantly cuts energy consumption, costs and environmental impact,” says Jeroen Hoen, Product Manager Oil-free compressors. “The internal IP66 water-cooled permanent magnet motors, designed for efficiency and high reliability, contain oil-lubricated bearings for a long maintenance-free lifetime. Moreover, all service parts are grouped together for ease of access for a minimal service time.”

All components in the compressor element, such as the rotor profiles, smart inlet (patent pending) and rotor coating, have been redesigned for maximum efficiency and durability. The design and sealing of the venting chamber ensure physical separation between the oil and air circuits, eliminating any possibility of oil entering the compressed air chamber and thus guaranteeing Class 0 oil-free air.

The redesigned cooler incorporates a highly efficient water separator. Parallel water flow optimises cooling of the motor, element and the cooler itself. Enlarged stainless steel surface coolers improve cooling efficiency and ensure top performance over a long lifetime.

The NEOS drive communicates directly with the new, user-friendly Elektronikon Mk5 Touch Controller to optimise system pressure and maximise energy efficiency. Mk5 Touch includes warning indications, maintenance scheduling and online visualisation of the machine’s condition. The data monitoring programme, SMARTLINK, is integrated as standard. This remote monitoring system provides analysis of the whole compressed air system on how you can reduce energy cost and plan your preventive maintenance. The full feature version is available with integrated MDG rotary drum dryer, providing a stable and guaranteed Pressure Dew Point of  -40°C/-40°F at almost zero energy cost. 

ZR 90-160 VSD+ works together with the Atlas Copco’s new Optimizer 4.0 central controller. It enables a compressed air system to be optimised through the selection of the most efficient combination of air compressors while assuring a supply of required pressure and having balanced running hours. Air dryers can also be monitored through Optimizer 4.0. With the highly intuitive user interface, the end-user can view the performance and energy consumption of each machine as well as of the whole system. Optimizer 4.0 can also be monitored through a customer’s PC.