Atlas Copco has once again raised the bar when it comes to the management of compressed air quality with the introduction of the new Air Quality Monitor. Now available for the first time to South African industry, this cutting-edge Air Quality Monitoring system is empowering customers by providing continuous, remote online monitoring of compressed air quality in full compliance with the global air quality standard – ISO 8573-1.
Leveraging integrated technologies, the Air Quality Monitor measures key parameters such as particle concentration, dew point, oil vapour and pressure concentration. “Measuring brings knowledge, giving customers full visibility and control over their compressed air quality in real-time,” emphasises Saien Rugdeo, Atlas Copco Compressor Technique’s Sales Manager – CSO (Customer Services and Optimisation). “Moreover, the Monitor empowers users to shift from reactive responses to the implementation of proactive measures before operations or products are compromised.”
Rugdeo shares several compelling reasons why it’s essential to monitor compressed air quality. “High-quality compressed air is critical to protecting downstream equipment and finished products; for some manufacturing and processing operations in the food and beverage, petrochemical and electronics sectors for example, 100% clean air is a prerequisite. Because the very process of compression inevitably introduces high concentrations of tiny particles such as dust and microorganisms, the compressed air piping system is under constant attack from a range of contaminants. Compressed air also carries moisture and in many cases, traces of oil.”
Rugdeo warns that expenses associated with poorly treated compressed air can far outweigh the initial investment in premium-quality equipment. “Discovering equipment-damaging and product-spoiling contamination during the quality control and testing phase can force costly shutdowns while the source of the problem is traced, directly impacting production efficiency and the bottom line.”
He also adds that the initial purchase price of an air compressor accounts for a small fraction (approximately 10%) of the total Life Cycle Cost (LCC). The lion’s share of expenses arises from the compressed air generating process with energy accounting for as much as 70% of a compressor’s LCC. “By understanding the LLC and investing in advanced compressed air systems with integrated advanced air treatment solutions (filtration and dryer technologies), customers can cut energy use, boost machine reliability, improve efficiency, and protect product quality – all while driving measurable gains to the bottom line. We added the Air Quality Monitor to our comprehensive compressed air portfolio in a bid to further assist customers in taking greater control of their air quality.”
By replacing traditional periodic air audits carried out by external service providers, the Air Quality Monitor eliminates costly downtime as well as the time- and resource-intensive efforts they require. Once installed and commissioned by qualified Atlas Copco technicians, the system measures continuously and stores data automatically. Equipped with an Atlas Copco-designed local visualisation screen, users avoid the high cost of integrating monitoring into their system. Permanent, automated monitoring eliminates the need for manual intervention, giving users complete autonomy to oversee their air quality whenever they choose. The versatile Monitor is suitable for a range of industries as it allows users to customise parameters to achieve and control the desired air quality.
Live data is continuously transmitted to SMARTLink, Atlas Copco’s powerful digital platform that safeguards the overall performance of the compressed air system. Fully integrated into the Air Quality Monitor, SMARTLink provides remote access via a Local Area Network. Users can easily check and analyse data, identify trends, customise monitoring settings and set alarm notifications when contaminants near selected limits. An external light or siren can be integrated to provide visual or audible alerts.
The device’s plug-and-play, ready-to-use design requires only a power source via a 6 mm quick connector and a compressed air connection. The easy-to-install wall-mounted cabinet features a rugged IP54 housing that withstands demanding industrial environments. Suitable for all air compressor systems, the Air Quality Monitor can be installed on new as well as existing compressed air networks.
Taking customer support a step further, Atlas Copco offers a comprehensive Air Quality Plan. This subscription-based, real-time monitoring service contract includes an Air Quality Monitor, a SMARTLink License, timely replacement of calibrated sensor frame, a Calibration Certificate at every replacement and laboratory air analysis. The Air Quality Monitor, which is latest addition to Atlas Copco’s global product portfolio, gives customers peace of mind, confident in the knowledge that their compressed air meets the global standards of quality, purity and performance, protecting equipment, safeguarding products and supporting smarter, more sustainable operations.
