ATLAS Copco has launched its new energy-efficient technology for air blowing applications: the ZS screw blower. Screw technology on average is 30 percent more energy-efficient compared to lobe technology. The ZS screw blower will replace the company’s entire range of ‘Roots’ type rotary lobe blowers.
Atlas Copco is convinced that the widely used lobe technology, no longer meets the needs of today’s low carbon economy. It says industries and manufacturers will benefit significantly from energy savings through replacing the conventional lobe with the leading screw technology.
Many industries use air blowers for their processes and will benefit from the energy efficiency of screw air blowers. Those that will have a major benefit are the municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, where air blowers typically represent up to 70 percent of the total electricity costs. Here, millions of bacteria feed on organic waste, breaking it up into carbon dioxide, nitrogen gas and water. Because the bacteria need oxygen, large amounts of air are blown in the aeration tanks. By reducing the energy usage of their aeration blower system, these plants will decrease their energy costs while operating in a more environmentally friendly manner.
The performance of the new ZS screw blower was tested against a tri-lobe blower by the independent Technische Überwachungs-Verein (German Technical Monitoring Association, or TÜV), according to the international standard ISO 1217, edition 4.
It was proven that the ZS is 23.8 percent more energy-efficient than a tri-lobe blower at 0.5 bar(e)/7psig, and 39.7 percent at 0.9 bar(e)/13psig.
The world-class efficiency of the ZS is mainly attributed to the superior screw technology. Other important features that secure increased efficiency and reliability are the integrated gearbox, the oil system and the innovative design that integrates all individual components into a plug-and-run solution.

Enquiries: Eddie Mills
                 Atlas Copco