The Q-drive, the centrifugal compression assembly, consumes significantly less power than conventional technologies. The Quantima compressor and the incorporation of the Vacon variable speed AC drive is the result of six years of research, design and extensive field-testing. Photo: Courtesy of CompAir
Revolutionary high-speed compressor run by Vacon AC drive
Compressed air is an essential utility in many processes and manufacturing operations. However, generating the high volumes of air required can have a significant environmental impact. Since energy costs account for 80-90 % of a compressor's total cost over its lifetime, energy consumption is a real focus for product development. In close collaboration with CompAir, Vacon has been instrumental in the development of Quantima, a revolution in oil-free centrifugal compressor design.
In contrast to conventional compressors, Quantima's patented Q-drive compression and motor assembly has just one moving part, the rotor shaft, and operates with the rotor spinning in a magnetic field at up to 60,000 rpm.
Put simply, Quantima is special for what it doesn't have. It has no gearbox, no oil, no contact and no wear. The Quantima unit has a much lower environmental impact than conventional compressors on the market. On the launch of Quantima in April 2008, CompAir Chief Executive Nick Sanders said: "It is very rare that you can develop a product that will fundamentally change the way an industry thinks."
CompAir has a long-standing reputation for leading product innovation. The Quantima compressor and the incorporation of the Vacon variable speed AC drive is the result of six years of research, design and extensive field-testing.
Design features with tangible benefits
The Vacon variable speed AC drive is a standard, key component in the innovative centrifugal compression assembly of Quantima. Centrifugal compressors require high speeds in order for their aero components to be highly efficient - and they have always achieved these speeds via a gearbox. The Vacon AC drive forms an electronic gearbox for the Quantima and in conjunction with the high-speed motor allows the Quantima to attain these speeds without the need for a mechanical gearbox. No gearbox means no oil, which is an additional fantastic benefit for customers looking for oil-free compression. No gearbox and the very compact size of the Q-drive also means that the package is approximately half the weight and physical size of equivalent compressors, so it can be easily sited in existing plant rooms.
Variable speed drive as standard to cut energy costs
The Vacon AC drive allows the compressor to run at variable speeds, which is unique for a centrifugal compressor. Variable speed operation allows the compressor to match output to demand and hence minimize off load running, which in turn saves energy.
Quantima's Q-drive compression assembly has only one moving part, with no contact that can result in significantly reduced energy losses. When compared to standard compressor technologies with wearing parts, Quantima has no degradation in performance over the life of the compressor, contributing to total energy savings of up to 25 %.
Over a ten-year period compared to conventional screw technologies, a 300-kW Quantima unit reduces the amount of CO2 produced by 1920 tonnes. That offsets the total emissions from 75 family cars or is equal to planting 16,000 trees*.
Low noise level
Other 300-kW compressors typically have noise levels around 74 dB (A) and above, whereas Quantima is housed in a modular acoustic canopy, resulting in the lowest noise levels in its class at just 69 dB (A). This allows the compressor to be installed at the point of use and not in a separate building and enables operators to work comfortably without any ear protection.
Wide application range
CompAir is now successfully selling the Quantima range to a worldwide market with many blue chip customers across a broad range of industries — food & beverage, pharmaceutical, automotive technology, power generation, steel, and many others.
For more information on Vacon, please see www.vacon.com
CompAir in brief: CompAir is a leading global manufacturer of compressed air and gas systems. Its range of products and services include the most efficient range of compressors on the market today.
* http://www.smmtco2.co.uk The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd
www.unep.org United Nations Environment Programme
