Atlas Copco has introduced the new GHS 402 - 902 VSD+ screw vacuum pump for applications in the food, wood processing and plastics industries. The manufacturer states that the new unit was designed as the second generation of this series and is intended to deliver high pumping speed across the entire operating range, from atmospheric pressure to ultimate pressure. In practice, this is expected to translate into both energy savings and faster pump-down performance. The solution is intended, among other uses, for food packaging, vacuum cooling of flowers and vegetables, and thermoforming of plastics and white goods. According to the company, process vacuum in the new model depends on flow demand and is controlled through constant pressure setpoint control in the vacuum system.
The new GHS 402 - 902 VSD+ models are equipped with a next-generation oil-injected screw element, an IE5 motor and the Hex@ connectivity system. According to the manufacturer, this combination is intended to provide higher efficiency, longer service intervals, lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact. Ilias Alafogiannis said: "With higher pumping speeds and class-leading efficiency across the entire pressure range, the GHS 402 - 902 VSD+ dramatically cuts power usage, directly improving our customers’ bottom line while supporting their sustainability goals."
Design and operating parameters
The GHS 402 - 902 VSD+ series uses a new vertically mounted, fully integrated oil-cooled drivetrain. According to Atlas Copco, this solution is intended to provide operational and ergonomic benefits, including lower noise levels and a compact footprint of less than 1 m². In addition, the optimized oil separator vessel is designed to improve oil retention, which should result in a cleaner exhaust and lower environmental impact.
As Ilias Alafogiannis explains, "With a design 30% more compact and oil-discharge levels cut by half compared to previous models, combined with a noise-dampening canopy, these pumps are well suited for both central vacuum systems and point-of-use applications, bringing significant improvements to the working environment of any production facility."
Key features of the new series
The manufacturer lists several key features of the GHS 402 - 902 VSD+ series:
- a modern oil-injected screw element with compression optimization valves, providing high performance from atmospheric pressure and lower power consumption,
- a compact design with a footprint of less than 1 m²,
- the ability to recover up to 80% of pump heat as hot water for reuse,
- an intelligent Hex@ controller enabling Industry 4.0 functions such as remote monitoring, intelligent control and diagnostics,
- lower noise levels, better oil retention and longer service intervals.
The announcement emphasizes that the combination of high pumping speed, demand-based operation control and compact design is intended to meet the requirements of applications where both vacuum performance and operating costs are important. This applies in particular to industries using vacuum installations in packaging and thermoforming processes.
The introduction of the GHS VSD+ vacuum pump series marks a new level in vacuum technology for Atlas Copco
