Pure oil-free air and VSD energy savings at Superfos
February 07th 2008

In the ultra sterile environment of the pharmaceutical production industry, stringent precautions are applied at every stage of manufacture.

That is why Kent-based packaging specialist, Superfos Pharma has installed an Atlas Copco AQ water-injected screw VSD compressor; a concept that combines the benefits of pure oil-free air, with high-pressure and improved energy efficiency.

No oil is present within the AQ’s compressor element. It features the new technology of optimised-profile polymer ceramic rotors supported by water-lubricated hydrodynamic and hydrostatic bearings.

Moulding process

The plastic container manufacturing plant is located in Sevenoaks and is part of an international specialist packaging organisation.

Production of patented HD polyethylene container bodies involves a number of methods, such as conventional injection moulding, injection blow moulding and stretch blow moulding. All processes are closely controlled to comply with FDA standards.

Operating a 24-hour, five-day week shift pattern, the moulding units are highly dependent upon a continuous supply of high quality compressed air.

When reviewing their plant air requirements, in the light of new end product designs and output targets – plus the need for a more flexible air pressure range for specific processes – Superfos found all the right answers to their needs in the AQ water injected, VSD compressor.

They have the peace of mind of a guaranteed oil- and contaminant-free air supply. And because of the variable speed drive facility, they can use process air at 13.5 bar for stretch blow and at 7.5 bar for injection moulding.

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