Atlas Copco’s stage V compliant air compressors optimise fuel efficiency and increase performance

In response to the upcoming regulation, Atlas Copco has upgraded its popular 8 Series of air compressors to meet the most stringent emission norms for construction and road equipment, making it the cleanest range on the market. In addition to greener operation, the compressors now feature innovative new technologies that help cut operating costs and improve productivity, with 25 percent less fuel consumption.

The updated 8 Series includes eleven models, some with inbuilt generators, ranging from the XAS 38-7 with free air delivery of 2m3/min to the XAS 88-7 with air delivery of 5m3/min. This 8 Series range features a corrosion-free, durable, and strong HardHat® PE hood. Thanks to Atlas Copco’s pioneering Air Element design, most compressors weigh under 750kg and have approximately 10 percent smaller footprint than other similar models. Crucially, the lightweight means that they can be towed behind a normal passenger car without any special driving license, simplifying operation, and reducing cost.

Some of the compressors are also now equipped with advanced control panels to simplify management and improve efficiency. Six models in this range have either a XC1004 controller or an even more sophisticated XC2003 controller. The basic XC1004 controller introduces an electronic controller for models that otherwise only have gauges. The XC1004 controller allows for an easy, smooth and safe operation while avoiding downtime as service requirements are clearly visualised. The XC2003 controller introduces applications as PACE and ECO-mode. PACE (which stands for Pressure Adjusted Through Cognitive Electronics) allows users to easily select the pressure from a wide range, while the flow adjusts automatically to your application’s need. The XAS 68-12 PACE can handle a pressure range from 5 up to 12 bar: one mobile compressor that can cover a range of applications from paint spraying to drilling.

To help operators revolutionise fuel efficiency, the models that feature the XC2003 controller now offer a new feature called ECO-mode. The innovative technology helps reduce the cost associated with running compressors on idling mode during downtime, for example, when changing parts in machinery or moving equipment to new locations on the site. Traditionally, while on idling mode, the compressors switch to no-load mode: even though no air is required, the compressors are still running and consuming fuel. However, when ECO-mode is activated, the 8 Series compressors automatically switch from a no-load to unload mode, reducing fuel consumption by a further 50 percent. This translates to significant savings, as fuel consumption typically accounts for around 80 percent of the operating costs of a compressor. Importantly, utilising ECO-mode does not delay productivity. Once the work is ready to resume, the compressor is back up and running in seconds.

Despite their lightweight and compact design, the air compressors are designed to operate reliably in the harshest environments. Atlas Copco’s patented HardHat® canopy protects the compressor against the elements, and its plastic casing is resistant to corrosion and cracks, enabling it to endure tough use on site.

Finally, to further enhance uptime, the compressors have a service interval of 1000 hours and can be serviced in under 60 minutes, without any special tools.

“We wanted to take this opportunity to engineer further efficiencies into this range to help our customers meet the upcoming regulation and improve their operation in the process,” said Rodolfo Reimberg, VP Marketing Portable Compressors and Tools Atlas Copco. “The updated range allows construction managers to comply with Stage V regulations while keeping the known benefits of our 8 Series such as lightweight, integrated generators, and HardHat® PE hood. Additionally, this range gives users better control over their energy consumption, helping them achieve a more cost-efficient, sustainable, and productive way of working.”

To find out more about the 8 Series, visit https://www.atlascopco.com/en-uk/construction-equipment/news/small-air-compressors-stage-v-compliant