Running an industrial operation in the UK means dealing with rising energy costs.
It’s also about knowing that having reliable operations is not optional – and a big part of that is having a reliable air compressor system.
An air compressor system usually makes up a big chunk of your facility’s energy use.
Optimising that system is a smart way to improve profitability. Atlas Copco has been innovating for over 150 years. They have designed and built compressors to directly tackle challenges like these.
Atlas Copco’s primary focus is on sustainable productivity with an eye on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), not just the upfront price. As much as 80% of the cost of a compressor over its life is energy and maintenance costs, and their technology is engineered to optimise these.
As an Atlas Copco Premier Distributor, J Ll Leach provides the expertise and nationwide support needed to keep systems efficient and compliant, from initial design through to long-term maintenance.
The Technology Behind the Air
Atlas Copco’s compressor range is huge and varied, meaning that there will always be a compressor to fit the task at hand. Whether it’s for smaller workshops or the heavy-duty industrial sites, these compressors are built to suit the needs of every business.
Choosing a rotary screw or piston compressor will be a matter of what your application and duty cycle requirements are.
Key Compressor Types
- Rotary Screw Compressors: These are very commonly used – and in almost every industry. They’re suitable for all types of medium-to-heavy continuous duty. Rotary screw compressors are incredibly reliable, efficient, and form the bulk of most factory and workshop air compressor choices today.
- Piston Compressors: Perfect for non-continuous or “as needed” air compressor uses, piston compressors are a favourite in any well-run garage, workshop or industrial setting and a cost-effective solution to many air-powered needs.
- Oil-Free Compressors: When processes call for absolutely contaminant-free air or oil, oil-free compressors are certified to the industrial standard ISO 8573-1 Class 0, which denotes 100% contaminant-free, oil-free air. Used in sensitive processes for a variety of industries, including food & beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment manufacturing and electronics manufacturing.
- Centrifugal Compressors: Perfect for high-flow, high-speed, continuous air volume applications, centrifugal air compressors are most often used in large-scale process industries such as mining, power generation, and cement production.”
Innovations Driving Efficiency
Atlas Copco’s modern compressed air solutions offer much more than an advanced machine. They are a smart solution that can help lower running costs and increase reliability.
- VSD Technology: Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology automatically changes the motor speed to match the real time air demand. By using less energy when air demand is low, VSD air compressors use up to 50% less energy than traditional fixed-speed compressors.
- VSD+: Building on VSD, but with a vertical footprint and an interior Permanent Magnet (iPM) motor, to drive even greater energy savings and up to 55% smaller physical footprint.
- Energy Recovery Systems: Capture as much as 90% of the heat created during compression. That energy doesn’t have to be wasted – it can be reused for space heating or hot water. The result is significant savings.
- Intelligent Control: Elektronikon® Nano controllers and the Compressor Connectivity platform offer real-time monitoring. They also enable predictive maintenance and over-the-air updates for smarter compressed air. Monitor performance and locate costly air leaks or receive new functionality delivered over the air.
Key Benefits for UK Businesses
Atlas Copco’s solutions are developed to provide specific, quantifiable benefits that you can use to increase business productivity and ensure compliance in the UK.
- Energy Efficient Compressed Air Supply: Up to 80% of a compressor’s lifetime cost comes from energy use. That’s huge. VSD technology and energy recovery systems change the picture. They cut bills, lower emissions, and shrink your carbon footprint. They also help meet targets under schemes like ESOS.
- Reliability & Uptime: Atlas Copco compressors are built for round-the-clock use. Rugged design. Smart monitoring. The result is more uptime and fewer costly production stops.
- Compliance & Quality: All our products are designed to meet UK and international quality and compliance standards, including ISO 8573-1 Class 0 compliance for oil free compressed air for industries that need the highest air purity. Atlas Copco equipment meets the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR 2000), providing safe operation of pressure systems. The company also has oil-water separators for effective and environmentally compliant disposal of condensate.
Addressing Common Compressed Air Challenges
Businesses face a range of challenges, from spiralling energy bills to unexpected downtime. Atlas Copco technology and the expert services from J Ll Leach provide practical solutions to these issues.
- High energy bills: Opt for a VSD+ compressor and integrate a heat recovery system to make the best of the heat that would otherwise be wasted, for space or water heating.
- Air quality compliance: Use oil-free Class 0 compressors with certified dryers and filters. This setup keeps you in line with ISO 8573-1 – as well as protects sensitive products from damage.
- Equipment downtime: Prevent breakdowns before they happen. A preventive maintenance plan plus SMARTLINK remote monitoring lets you spot issues early and fix them fast.
How J Ll Leach Supports UK Businesses
Choosing the right compressor is just the first step. The long-term performance and reliability of your system depend on expert support, and that’s where J Ll Leach excels.
With strategically located depots in Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, and Shrewsbury, our team of Atlas Copco-trained engineers provides nationwide coverage.
Our services are designed to give you peace of mind and ensure your system runs efficiently for its entire lifespan:
- Equipment Hire: We offer flexible air compressor hire solutions for short-term needs or as emergency cover to prevent costly downtime.
- System Design & Installation: We offer fully customised system design and professional installation of complete compressed air systems, including efficient AIRnet aluminium piping solutions.
- Maintenance & Repair: Our service offerings include regular maintenance and servicing, emergency breakdown assistance, and genuine OEM parts to maintain the integrity and warranty of your compressor from Atlas Copco and others.
- Specialist Services: We conduct breathing air quality testing, air leak surveys, and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis to help you reduce air compressor costs and optimise your system.
Conclusion
Atlas Copco’s legacy of innovation and commitment to sustainability directly addresses the financial and operational challenges faced by UK businesses today.
As an Atlas Copco Premier Distributor, J Ll Leach provides the expertise and nationwide support needed to keep systems efficient and compliant.
From the first consultation through the full life cycle of your equipment, we provide the services and expertise you need. Our support helps keep your compressed air system running at its best – efficient, reliable, and productive.
Find out how Atlas Copco can meet your business requirements. Contact J Ll Leach for a consultation or air audit.