Modern Woodcrafts was looking for better efficiency, better overall performance, and lower noise levels. The project heated up quickly when one of the existing vane pumps failed. This focus on continuous improvement led Modern Woodcrafts to upgrade its vacuum production with a pair of Atlas Copco’s intelligent vacuum pumps, with Variable Speed Drive (VSD).
Now, one model GHS 1300 VSD+ and one GHS 730 VSD+ work cooperatively to provide the required pressure, in real time. Both feature groundbreaking technology including Atlas Copco’s patented inlet valve that provides modulating vacuum control working in conjunction with VSD vacuum production. The result is a leap forward in energy efficiency compared to oil-sealed and dry vane vacuum pumps.
In addition to this, the Atlas Copco pumps are much quieter. Vacuum is now delivered to the router tables through a piping network and held at constant pressure right up to a control valve. When the valve opens, vacuum production instantly ramps up to meet the need. When a production cycle is done, the valve is closed and the pumps turn down or even shut down completely, according to demand.
Reduced sound levels provided an additional benefit. “We’re always taking steps to reduce noise pollution in our work environment,” says Scott Thibodeau, Production Manager for Modern Woodcrafts. “The Atlas Copco pumps are much quieter than the vane pumps to begin with, and because we centralized our vacuum system we were able to locate them in a dedicated room, directly adjacent to sawdust producing machines. That keeps our work environment quieter and our vacuum equipment cleaner."
Legere emphasizes that the vacuum project is part of an ongoing effort at Modern Woodcrafts to achieve greater control over the flow of automated production. “All around the world we are seeing the growth of small, focused, smart factories with systems connected through the Internet of Things. Customers define their needs and manufacturers build to demand, quickly and to a very high standard of quality. The systems we’re integrating today, including our Atlas Copco vacuum pumps, are moving us farther in that direction.”
- State-of-the-art vacuum technology with Variable Speed Drive (VSD+)
- Innovative inlet control valve for a leap forward in energy efficiency (around 50%)
- Set-point control to deliver lowest possible flow to match the required vacuum level or speed
- Proven reliability and performance of Atlas Copco’s rotary
screw element - Superior performance against benchmarked oil-sealed and dry vane vacuum pumps
- Noise levels far below competing technologies
- Reduced environmental impact through ultra-high oil retention at all operating pressures
- Integrated system in a single, compact enclosure with plug-and-play installation
- ISO 50001/14001 compliance for energy management and environmental commitments
Atlas Copco’s GHS VSD+ Series vacuum pumps are a new generation of intelligent, oil-sealed, rotary screw vacuum pumps with unrivaled performance capabilities
