Atlas Copco’s air compressors tackle the toughest challenges the mining industry throws at them with ease.
Air compressors may just be the backbone of any underground mining operation.
Compressed air is used in drilling, blasting, smelting and refining, along with hundreds of other necessary processes along the mining value chain.
Atlas Copco has a rich 150-year history developing air compressors; so much so, in fact, that the name has become synonymous with quality.
“Atlas Copco compressors are very well known for their longevity and reliability,” Atlas Copco business development manager – mining sector Tony Dias told Australian Mining.
“We have numerous compressors that are still running after more than 20 years of operating in harsh mining environments.”
The company has committed itself to constant innovation to help ensure its air compressors are as reliable, efficient and serviceable as possible.
To achieve this goal, Atlas Copco has fairly recently launched new designs of the GA90+-160kW oil-injected air compressors to create a unit that addresses all customer requirements.
“Our 160kW- 1015 CFM at eight bar machines are the most popular by far. These units are available in 400V and 1000V,” Dias said.
When Atlas Copco began designing the GA90+-160kW compressors, it sought out to address six key areas that could influence the maintenance of the compressor.
Taking the time to address these issues resulted in a 50 per cent reduction in time spent on servicing the compressor, which meant less downtime for the customer.
Additionally, sealed oil-cooled motors have no need for service intervention, further enhancing reliability in tough conditions.
According to Dias, the skid frames on which the compressors are mounted also help deliver in terms of reliability.
“Many of our customers are looking for compressors that are placed on heavy-duty skid frames, as they will be utilised in harsh underground conditions or at the entrance of mining portals,” he said.
The skid frame, which incorporates a 2.7m3 receiver, is connected directly to the air compressor.
“The skid frame ensures overhead protection,” Dias said. “It is provided as one piece in order to ease any installation underground or on the surface.
“We see our air compressors used in applications such as pneumatic rockdrills, impact wrenches, pneumatic pumps and refuge chambers in underground mining,” Dias said.
“For use in mining plants, they are often used in applications such leaching, floatation, crushing, grinding, valves, filter pressures and ore sorting
“There’s really no end to how our air compressors can benefit a mine.”
Efficiency is a fundamental factor for all mines to consider, and Atlas Copco has ensured this is a priority in the development of its products.
The new oil-injected screw compressors do not require an oil change before racking up 8000 running hours, or a whole year of use, while the oil smart injection system in the GA90+-160kW compressors ensures the right amount of oil inside the compression chamber, avoiding excess use to boost the efficiency.
The compressor’s oil-cooled motors also meet or exceed the requirements of efficiency class IE4.
These new and improved compressors raise the bar in performance, reliability and connectivity to support sustainability and productivity goals. The combined efficiency, reliability and serviceability of Atlas Copco’s compressors means its customers are not left to wonder how well they will run – they just need to turn them on to see for themselves.
“Our blowers are increasingly being purchased by mines for their low-pressure applications such as leaching, flotation and wastewater treatment,” Dias said.
“Atlas Copco offers all low-pressure technologies, including lobe, rotary screw, multi-stage and turbo designs.
“With our proud 150-year history, Atlas Copco air compressors have grown to become a globally renowned brand.”
This feature appeared in the September 2023 issue of Australian Mining.
