Excessive heat generated during production processes employed by countless industries can be harmful to machinery, causing downtime and compromising the quality of end-products.
Atlas Copco’s cutting-edge Industrial Process Cooling systems, which comprise a range of Coolers and Chillers, as well as ancillary products, are specially designed and engineered to efficiently eliminate this disruptive heat by cooling water or a water-glycol mixture. Industries such as automotive, food and beverage, medical, pharmaceutical, chemical and petrochemical, plastics, printing, electronics, welding, manufacturing, and metalworking can reap numerous benefits, including improved equipment and process performance, enhanced operational efficiency and the production of high-quality end-products.
Pieter Du Plooy, Product Manager of Atlas Copco Compressor Technique’s Oil-Free Air Division, outlines the main difference between Atlas Copco’s Cooling and Chiller product solutions. “The most effective way to distinguish between the two systems is that Coolers are specifically suited for cooling compressors and other equipment that function between 30°C and 50°C while Chillers are specifically engineered for customer processes that operate within a temperature range of -5°C to 25°C.”
Atlas Copco’s Industrial Cooling Chillers are classified into three distinct product groups which, according to Du Plooy, are best differentiated according to their cooling capacity in kilowatts (kW) i.e. TCX4-90A (up to 90kw), TCA 55 – 215 (up to 215kw) and TCS 190 – 310 Multiscroll Chillers (up to 310kw).
The air-cooled TCX and TCA Chillers incorporate the latest in-house technology to deliver superior cooling efficiency. Atlas Copco’s latest innovation, the TCA, has been specially developed to further optimise energy savings for customers. The TCA55-215 hybrid ‘plug and play’ Chiller features a free-cooling section and patented adiabatic air – pre-cooling on the inlet.
Shifting his focus to Atlas Copco’s TDV range, Du Plooy emphasises that these air-cooled units are particularly well-suited for applications where minimising water consumption is a top priority. “By using ambient air to dissipate heat, they effectively eliminate the need for a Cooling tower.”
Another cutting-edge cooling technology from Atlas Copco is the closed-loop TDV Industrial Cooler. Engineered to efficiently reject heat from water-cooled compressors and industrial processes, this unit is capable of functioning as either an adiabatic or dry fluid cooler and ensures optimal temperature regulation to enhance compressor efficiency, longevity, and overall system reliability.
“Recent years have witnessed significant advancements and innovations in the design, performance and efficiency of Industrial Chiller concepts,” notes Du Plooy. “Building on these industry-wide developments, our range of air-cooled Chillers have similarly evolved, incorporating the latest innovations, presenting a seamless synergy between peak performance and efficiency.
We have engineered these units to deliver precise temperature control and optimal performance, using less water and energy, resulting in the dual benefits of minimising environmental impact and enhancing overall operational efficiency, ultimately helping end users achieve their sustainability goals.”
Further emphasising Atlas Copco’s commitment to environmental responsibility, Du Plooy affirms that their complete Industrial Process Chiller ranges fully comply with the ‘Ecodesign Directive 2021,’ ensuring top-tier energy-saving standards. “Additionally, we assemble and test all our Chiller systems at the customer’s installation site to ensure that factory and water temperature conditions are met.”
Designed for maximum reliability, Atlas Copco’s Industrial Process Cooling systems thrive in the harshest industrial environments, delivering uninterrupted, optimal performance through integrated, proven state-of-the-art components and rational engineering that underpin up time and productivity.
“Our Industrial Cooling Systems are enhanced by an extensive selection of ancillary products, enabling us to deliver a fully integrated end-to-end solution for our customers,” emphasises Du Plooy. “All Atlas Copco’s Cooling units can include an onboard pump, and Chillers can also fit a tank onboard. We offer Atlas Copco TTV 300 – 4000 vertical inertial tanks for storing the heat transfer fluid that circulates in pressurised and atmospheric loops. Our TPC 1A-2H series high efficiency pump skid range with integrated Controller, features hydraulic centrifugal pumps for industrial applications.” He adds that for compressor specific applications, cooling units share the compressor/dryer Controller.
Integration plays a pivotal role throughout the design process, ensuring seamless functionality and performance at every level. “With all hydraulic and refrigerant circuits, condensers, compressors, fans, and advanced control systems included, our all-in-one installation simplifies the process with ‘plug and play’ connections, ensuring seamless installation and setup,” asserts Du Plooy. “Moreover, all of our units are delivered with all the hydro devices factory-fitted (air vents, fluid drains, shut-off valves, safety valves, etc.”
“Combining premium quality, ultra reliable, energy-efficient products with cutting-edge technology and unmatched expertise, we are galvanised in our commitment to delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed customer expectations,” highlights Du Plooy and concludes: “Whether customers are optimising efficiencies in a compact facility or scaling up for expansive industrial demands, we provide a choice of Cooling systems tailored to their unique needs. When customers invest in our equipment, they are partnering with a highly qualified team that is dedicated to their success, ensuring sustained performance, cost savings and a greener future.” ends/
