Atlas Copco is one of the leading suppliers of industrial compressors in the global market. In Brazil, Atlas Copco is a well-established brand recognized for its innovation and quality. The company operates with several divisions and brands, offering solutions for different industrial sectors, some of the most common are:
- Automotive Industry: Uses compressors for assembly lines, painting and welding robots.
- Food and Beverage Industry: Needs oil-free compressed air to ensure product quality and safety.
- Chemical and Petrochemical Industry: Employs compressors in gas compression processes and pneumatic conveying systems.
- Metallurgical Industry: Uses compressors for cutting, welding, and other applications
In Latin America, where Atlas Copco’s presence is still strong, it competes with other major brands such as Siemens AG and Ebara Corporation, but has stood out for its technological innovations and energy-efficient solutions. The demand for compressors in Latin America is driven by sectors such as:
- Food Industry: Food production is one of the major industries in Latin America, with countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico leading the way in production.
- Mining Industry: Rich in mineral resources, the region uses compressors in mining operations in countries such as Chile, Peru, and Mexico.
- Automotive Industry: Brazil and Mexico are the leading automobile producers in the region, with major companies such as Volkswagen and General Motors.
- Textile Industry: The production of clothing and textiles is important in countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Mexico
In North America, Atlas Copco is one of the market leaders in the industrial compressor sector. The company is known for its technological innovations and the reliability of its products. In the United States, the air compressor market is expected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 5.36 billion by 2032. Atlas Copco’s strong presence in North America is reinforced by its ability to provide customized solutions and quality technical support. Here Atlas Copco compressors are widely used in industries such as oil & gas, food & beverage, manufacturing and construction.
The use of compressors in manufacturing industries
Compressors are essential in various industrial processes. In the automotive industry, they are used on assembly lines to power pneumatic tools such as drills and impact wrenches. They are also instrumental in paint booths, ensuring a uniform and high-quality finish, as well as being used in pneumatic welding tools for precise and efficient operations.
In the food and beverage industry, oil-free compressors are used in bottling and packaging processes to control valves and actuators in automated lines, preventing contamination. They are also employed in the pneumatic conveying of ingredients, such as cocoa powder and flours, ensuring safety and purity. In addition, they provide the oxygen needed for fermentation and cell cultivation processes, ensuring high-quality products.
In chemical and petrochemical industries, compressors are used to operate control valves and automation devices, regulating the flow of fluids and gases. They are also essential in mixing and stirring processes, promoting efficient chemical reactions, and in water and wastewater treatment, removing contaminants through processes such as aeration and oxidation.
In the metalworking industry, compressors power pneumatic tools used in cutting and drilling operations, such as drills and saws, allowing for precise operations. They are also used to clean parts and equipment, removing dust and metal residue, and in pneumatic tools for welding and shaping operations.
In mining industries, compressors feed pneumatic drills for rock excavation and fragmentation. They are used for mine ventilation and dust control during material transport, as well as supporting mineral flotation and separation processes.
Considering the textile industry, oil-free compressors are used in the treatment of yarns and fibers, ensuring dimensional stability and resistance. They are also employed in fabric dyeing, using considerable volumes of hot water heated by compressor energy recovery systems, and in packaging operations to inflate packages and apply labels to finished products.
Connectivity with Atlas Copco compressors
Atlas Copco compressors use a variety of communication protocols to ensure efficiency, safety and integration into industrial systems.
Atlas Copco’s Open Protocol is a TCP/IP-based communication specification designed to facilitate the integration of control tools and systems in industrial environments. This protocol enables communication between controllers and tools, ensuring that important data such as operating status and diagnostics are transmitted efficiently. Open Protocol is widely used in automotive assembly lines and other industrial applications where accuracy and reliability are crucial.
Another important protocol is OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture). This protocol is a universal language for machine-to-machine communication, developed for industrial automation. OPC UA offers several benefits, including enhanced security with multiple levels of encryption, platform independence, and extensibility for future technologies. It is widely adopted in various industries, such as automotive, chemical, petrochemical, and mining, due to its ability to facilitate interoperability between different systems and devices.
To efficiently and safely monitor compressor variables, a data collection and processing solution is required that is compatible with the communication protocols used. In addition, this compatibility allows the integration of data with the other machinery in the production chain.
The ST-One Solution technology allows you to connect industrial equipment to mobile devices, tablets and smartphones through a secure network. This facilitates remote monitoring, allowing operators to keep track of key performance and consumption parameters. Connectivity via ST-One Solution™ offers an efficient way to manage and optimize the use of compressors, ensuring that data is transmitted securely and reliably.