Atlas Copco has broadened its vacuum technology lineup with the introduction of the GHS 402–902 VSD⁺, a cutting-edge oil-sealed screw pump tailored for food manufacturers. This innovative solution is designed to enhance pumping velocity, minimize energy consumption, and ensure stable vacuum performance in challenging applications like food packaging, thermoforming, and vacuum cooling.
At its foundation, this advanced pump offers vacuum provision as needed. Unlike conventional vacuum systems which operate at a fixed speed, consuming power irrespective of current process demands, the GHS 402–902 VSD⁺ employs constant-pressure setpoint control to precisely align vacuum output with the real-time flow requirements. For food processors, this approach leads to quicker pump-down times, lower energy usage, and more reliable vacuum levels throughout production.
What the screw pump offers to food manufacturers includes multiple benefits:
– It achieves high pumping speed, efficiently transitioning from atmospheric pressure to ultimate pressure, thus speeding up both packaging cycles and cooling processes.
– Energy efficiency is significantly enhanced as the output adjusts to real-time requirements, helping to reduce operating costs in energy-heavy environments.
– The pump ensures product quality remains consistent by upholding stable vacuum levels during critical processes such as sealing, forming, and cooling.
– Environmental benefits arise from reduced oil discharge, improved oil retention, and the capacity to reclaim up to 80% of waste heat as hot water.
– Uptime is increased due to extended maintenance intervals and a cleaner exhaust, which safeguards equipment and improves the working environment.
Engineering advancements have been implemented to align with contemporary production needs. The new second-generation screw element, combined with a high-efficiency IE5 motor, provides top-tier performance across the entire pressure spectrum. A vertically installed, oil-cooled drivetrain minimizes noise and reduces the footprint to under 1 m², a significant advantage in space-constrained food-processing facilities.
Improvements to the oil separator technology have reduced oil discharge levels by half compared to earlier models, while the noise-dampening enclosure makes this pump suitable for centralized vacuum systems as well as point-of-use applications on the production floor.
Additionally, the unit features Atlas Copco’s HEX controller, which facilitates remote monitoring, intelligent diagnostics, and connectivity that is compatible with Industry 4.0 standards, meeting the demands of processors who aim for enhanced control over energy management, performance, and maintenance scheduling.
