Atlas Copco has broadened its vacuum offerings with the introduction of the GHS 402–902 VSD⁺, an advanced oil-sealed screw pump tailored to meet the needs of food manufacturers. This innovative solution aims to provide enhanced pumping speeds, improved energy efficiency, and more reliable vacuum performance for demanding tasks such as food packaging, thermoforming, and vacuum cooling.
The centerpiece of this pump is its capability to deliver vacuum on demand. In contrast to conventional vacuum systems that operate at a fixed speed and consume energy irrespective of actual process needs, the GHS 402–902 VSD⁺ uses a constant-pressure setpoint control. This allows the vacuum output to align precisely with the required flow at any given moment. For processors, this results in quicker pump-down cycles, lower energy costs, and steadier vacuum levels throughout production.
What this screw pump brings to food processors includes:
– Achieving high pumping speeds from atmospheric pressure to the ultimate pressure, thereby speeding up packaging and cooling timeframes.
– Enhancing energy efficiency by modulating output based on real-time demand, significantly reducing operating expenses in energy-intensive settings.
– Supporting consistent quality in products by maintaining stable vacuum levels during the sealing, forming, and cooling phases.
– Diminishing environmental footprint through lower oil discharge, improved oil retention, and the capability to recover up to 80% of waste heat as hot water.
– Improving operational uptime with extended maintenance intervals and a cleaner exhaust stream that safeguards both equipment and the work environment.
With a focus on modern production, the second-generation screw element, combined with a high-efficiency IE5 motor, delivers industry-leading performance across a wide pressure range. Its vertically mounted, oil-cooled drivetrain minimizes noise levels and occupies less than 1 m², making it an ideal fit for space-constrained food-processing facilities.
Recent enhancements to the oil-separator design have reduced oil discharge levels by half compared to earlier models, while the noise-dampening canopy ensures that the unit is well-suited for both centralized vacuum operations and point-of-use applications on the production floor.
Furthermore, the pump features Atlas Copco’s HEX controller, which facilitates remote monitoring, intelligent diagnostics, and connectivity compatible with Industry 4.0. This capability is increasingly essential for processors aiming for stricter oversight over energy management, performance metrics, and maintenance strategy.