5 reasons to choose a GA FLX dual-speed compressor
The GA FLX from Atlas Copco is the world’s first dual-speed compressor. Positioned between fixed-speed compressors and those with variable speed drives (VSD), the GA FLX gives compressed air users a third option.
Like the name indicates, fixed-speed compressors have one speed. You turn them on, and they run at maximum motor speed until they switch off. However, that is a very inefficient way of generating air. Few applications require the maximum amount of air their compressor can produce all the time. As a result, fixed-speed compressors waste a lot of energy.
Units with VSD, on the other hand, are the most efficient compressors around. That's because their motor speed adapts to the compressed air demand at any time.
The GA FLX is something in between. It offers two different motor speeds. It has a maximum speed for optimal air demand. But it can also modulate down to a minimum speed for when demand lowers and the compressor goes into unload. Because of this dual-speed technology, the GA FLX offers a variety of benefits compared to a fixed-speed model.
The new benefits of a dual-speed compressor
Nowadays, most operations benefit the most from investing in a VSD compressor. Their unmatched efficiency, outstanding reliability and innovative connectivity features, make them the gold standard of the industry and the most cost-efficient compressor solution.
However, until now, many compressed air users still preferred a traditional fixed-speed model. While their total cost of ownership is higher, their purchase price is lower. As a result, they were often the preferred choice for operations looking to limit their capital expenses.
The GA FLX dual-speed compressor now offers a superior solution to fixed-speed. Here are just five reasons to choose a GA FLX as your next compressor.
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This is the big one. That’s because compressing air consumes a lot of energy. In fact, energy constitutes about 80% of the cost of owning and operating a compressor. That means an efficient compressor can greatly reduce this total cost of ownership. Compared to a fixed-speed compressor, the GA FLX offers a 20% reduction in energy use. These savings quickly add up. In addition, they can help contribute to reaching your sustainability goals.
Unlike fixed-speed compressors, the GA FLX gives you the freedom to select any pressure without compromising the air flow or FAD. It works optimally at any pressure setting. And it possibly allows you to size down compared to a fixed-speed, which can reduce your investment and operational costs.
The compressors of the FLX series do not take up a lot of space. In fact, they are 50% smaller than their fixed-speed GA counterpart. This gives you greater flexibility in terms of where you want to install yours. In addition, the GA FLX comes in a Full Feature version with fully integrated air treatment equipment to save on floorspace.
The GA FLX comes with a wide range of options that allow you to tailor your unit’s performance to your environment, your application, and your operational goals. These include a tropical thermostat, filters, and energy recovery. With the latter, you can save even more on energy costs by re-using almost all of the waste heat your compressor produces.
Powered by the state-of-the-art Elektronikon Touch operating system, the GA FLX offers a host of connectivity features to optimize compressor performance as well as your production. This includes the SMARTLINK app for remote monitoring and performance insights. Built-in EQ central compressor control and OPC UA operational integration are available as options.
In this article, we gave you 5 reasons why the Atlas Copco GA FLX will benefit your operation and your bottom line. If you would like to find out more about the GA FLX, contact us today. Our experts are always happy to help.
The complete guide to dual-speed compressors & the GA FLX