Energy-efficient vacuum pump for Monier plant in Tegelen
At the Monier plant in Tegelen, Netherlands, a GHS vacuum pump from Atlas Copco is scoring points with maximized reliability and low energy consumption in clay roofing tile production.
New vacuum pump replaces old rotary vane pump
At the Tegelen plant, Monier opted for the wet-running version of the new GHS 575 VSD+ vacuum pump from Atlas Copco. This works with variable speed (“VSD”, Variable Speed Drive), which drastically reduces the energy requirement. The pump was configured especially for applications in which large quantities of water vapour are generated, like in the case of clay extrusion. The new vacuum pump replaces an old oil-sealed rotary vane pump from a competitor. “The GHS 575 VSD+ is a plug-and-play solution that is delivered in a noise-reducing casing and achieves lots of different benefits for the end user”, explains Mark Taylor, Marketing Manager of the Utility Vacuum business unit at Atlas Copco. “Basis is a unique design concept that effects separation of the hot and cool zones. This ensures a longer lifetime of the electronic components and higher reliability.”
The built-in Elektronikon control system monitors every aspect of vacuum production, regulating all factors so as to avoid condensation and thereby extend oil life. The vacuum pump automatically cleans and purges itself which means maintenance is only performed when absolutely necessary, and even in harsh and humid work environments, such as at Monier, it is very easy.
Energy consumption halved
As regard to its performance, the GHS VSD+ initially proved somewhat too powerful. “The vacuum pump not only extracted the air out of the clay, but also caused the water contained in the clay to boil”, explains Alexander Frerichs, who works in business development at Atlas Copco Vacuum. “We then reduced the power.”
The previous rotary vane pump was an 11 kW machine. The GHS 575 VSD+ delivers the same performance with only 7.5 kW, delivering significant energy savings of about 50 %, important to Monier as it aims to deliver sustainable products and systems.
A calculation module, the V-Box, tells the user how much energy can be saved by installing a GHS VSD+ vacuum pump with variable speed technology. “We feel responsible for the environment”, explains Gerard Holtmaat, Production Manager at Monier in Tegelen. “Energy efficiency is a key aspect of our corporate policy. Atlas Copco’s vacuum pump helps us achieve this.”
The Monier installation has been used as a test situation for the new GHS VSD+ pump from Atlas Copco precisely because it is such a demanding application for a vacuum pump. The result: the GHS has provided the manufacturer with reliable performance despite the harsh conditions.
Atlas Copco Kompressoren und Drucklufttechnik GmbH
www.atlascopco.de
