MechChem Africa May-June 2023

Green and efficient compressed air solutions Atlas Copco Compressor Technique’s Zandra van der Westhuizen highlights how the company’s Industrial Air team is meeting the growing appetite for green, efficient compressed air solutions.

The Industrial Air Division supplies an end-to end compressed air system, complete with fil ters and products for storing compressed air. The compressor line up comprises oil-lubri cated, oil-injected and oil-free compressors that deliver a reliable source of compressed air required by pneumatic cylinders and air tools used in a host of applications, such as sandblasting, spray-painting, tire inflation, and more. The oil-lubricated and oil-injected com pressors include direct- and belt-driven piston, fixed and variable speed and rotary screw up to 90 kW as well as the GA110VSD+ Unit. The oil-free piston and screw compres sors are available up to 22 kW. The compre hensive portfolio also includes nitrogen and oxygen generators. Requiring only a supply of dry compressed air, these units seamlessly, ef ficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively produce nitrogen and oxygen on-site. Atlas Copco’s quality air equipment serves to purify/filter impurities that can harm customer’s equipment and processes. The range includes after-coolers, refrigeration and desiccant dryers (water) as well as inline filters to remove oil and dust particles. The Industrial Air Division also supplies air receivers, pressure tanks and storage vessels for compressed air storage, which help to reduce ‘wear and tear’ on the compressors. Completing the Industrial Air Division’s portfolio are speciality products that include railway, hydraulic-powered and marine com pressor ranges. Van der Westhuizen cites global supply chain issues and load shedding as some of the challenges that impact the business, espe cially the SME sector. “Forward planning and thinking have simply become a routine part of our day-to-day business and strategies. Proactivity and remaining two steps ahead ensure business sustainability for us and our customers. We make sure we keep smart stock and remain consistent in our campaigns. “We are confident in our brand promise of delivering energy savings and low carbon footprints and that, in a nutshell, is sustain able productivity,” she says. “Green applica tions are the biggest opportunities for the Industrial Air team. There is definitely a grow ing appetite for highly efficient products,” she concludes. www.atlascopco.com/en-za

The Compressor Technique Industrial Air team, from left: Zandra Van Der Westhuizen, Lynette Thompson (seated), Werner van der Merwe, Jennifer Joseph, Dean Adriaanse, Natlee Bennie (seated) and Thristan Pillay.

A tlas Copco is globally renowned for pioneering cutting-edge technolo gies and incorporating them into its products. “Optimal efficiency, energy savings and lowering the carbon foot print are at the heart of our R&D,” says Zandra van der Westhuizen, BLM for the Industrial Air Division. “The advantages and added val ues of these innovative technologies manifest in our sustainable solutions, making us, as the Home of Industrial Ideas, one of the most attractive industrial segments in the market. “Our premier range of VSD (Variable Speed Drive) compressors with an up to 50% energy saving, our energy recovery systems and state-of-the-art control systems are just a few examples of our extensive efficiency portfolio. “We also design for the lowest SER (specific energy recovery) on our fixed speed screw range of compressors. Proof that our range of industrial air compressors is ticking all the efficiency and sustainability boxes reflects in the growth of the Industrial Air Division seen across several market sectors.” Van der Westhuizen points out that the sustainability of this growth hinges on a wide range of top quality, reliable and efficient products supported by a highly skilled team of people who deliver a solid customer service. “Every customer wants the right product solution, fast. The same goes for service and repairs. The reason is simple – every produc tion stoppage erodes the bottom line.” This calls for highly skilled resources and here Van der Westhuizen and her Industrial

Air team bring their A-game. From Lynette Thompson who has been with the organisa tion for 40 years to the newest member, intern Thristan Pillay, the team brings experience combined with fresh ideas. More than half of the team has over ten 10 years’ experience - Dean Adriaanse (28 years), Zandra van der Westhuizen (19 years), Jennifer Joseph (15 years), Dean Erasmus (14 years) and Natlee Bennie (8 years). Dean Erasmus, who joined the team in January this year, brings 14 years of compressor experience.” “Our motto is, ‘we employ for attitude and train for excellence’ and we never stop learning,” enthuses Zandra. “Having the skills, product and technical knowledge is essential in ensuring that we are equipped with all the necessary know-how to be able to offer customers the very best solutions.” Once the air compressor is installed, Compressor Technique’s dedicated Service Division, CTS, steps in, supplying spare parts kits, aluminium piping, maintenance plans and aftermarket support via the Jet Park, Johannesburg head office, Atlas Copco’s countrywide branches and qualified dealer networks. Compressor Technique’s 15 local and five regional dealers support the Industrial Air Division’s regional team. “Growing and devel oping our dealer network is a very important drive for us to make sure we cover our vast territory and grow our market share. Our dealers are an important extension of our team,” Van der Westhuizen asserts.

40 ¦ MechChem Africa • September-October 2020