Belgium-based Atlas Copco Portable Air Division – a leading manufacturer and marketer of portable oil-injected and oil-free air compressors and portable and stationary gensets – has recently expanded its product offering with the addition of the compact-build QAX 30 and the new top-of-the-range QAS 325 generating sets.

“The new QAX 30 generating set with a new compact build extends the QAX range from 12 to 30 kVA. The new set, rated at 30 kVA, has been designed to meet the basic electrical demands of rental fleet, construction applications and public utility sectors,” says Lee Yudhira, product manager of Atlas Copco Portable Air Division.
“Its compact build, featuring a Deutz turbo diesel engine, means that it fits inside the same Series 7 compressor canopy as the smaller-rated 20 kVA model. The Deutz BF3M2011, three-cylinder diesel engine complies with noise and emissions legislation meeting EC stage two and TA Luft,” he adds.
Housed in an acoustically-treated, weatherproof canopy, the QAX 30 has been developed to operate without causing disturbance, fully complying with the latest European Outdoor Noise Directive (OND), which makes the new set ideal for residential areas and even suitable for using at night in noise-sensitive locations, he points out.
“The canopy is Zincor-treated with a powder coat paint that gives excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. Atlas Copco’s QAX range therefore look good for longer helping to ensure high residual values,” Yudhira says.

Control panel
The set’s control panel is conveniently located at the rear of the generating set package, with all controls grouped on a single panel. The control system has been designed for ease of use and standard instrumentation includes an ammeter, a voltmeter and hours run counter. An emergency stop button with a key is fitted as standard, as is a local/remote start switch.
Other standard features include earth leakage protection for a 16A domestic socket and an earth terminal to connect to the earth rod.
“The need for refuelling mid-task is avoided, as the standard high-capacity, transparent fuel tank is large enough to ensure at least a full shift of operation at full load. It also offers excellent access for servicing with a wide opening canopy and removable side panels,” he says.
The QAX range of generating sets is optionally available as a trailer-mounted version with a variety of tow-bars and support to ensure easy transportation and manoeuvrability on-site.
Meanwhile, the new ‘top-of-the-range’ QAS 325 generating set, which extends the QAS range with outputs of 150 kVA to 325 kVA, has been designed to meet critical power demands of global and national rental companies, construction applications, public utility sectors and the events industry.
“The new QAS 325 sets the benchmark for future models. It offers a high performance-to-power ratio along with numerous technical benefits, reducing the total cost of ownership for the customer,” adds Yudhira.
The new set features a prime power rating of 325 kVA at 50 Hz, making it suitable for site critical applications. It is standard available for dual frequency 50/60 Hz and for dual voltage operation as an option. The QAS 325 accepts high levels of single load steps that allow the set to be specified in applications that previously required a higher kVA rating, he says.
The new set has also been designed to produce a stable and surge-free power generation, allowing safe operation of sensitive and critical equipment.

Rough handling
The QAS 325 is mounted on a rugged skid that enables the unit to be placed on rough, poorly prepared surfaces. The set’s canopy is produced from durable high-grade Zincor-coated steel, which is resistant to extreme weather conditions and also provides protection from third party interference with high security locks on the access doors.
Compactly built, the QAS 325 is purpose engineered for easy transportation. The rigid body structure allows the QAS 325 to be raised by crane via a single lifting eye, whilst the integrated frame skid has forklift slots for safe and secure handling.

Qc1001 control module
“The Qc1001 control module enables all key operating functions to be supervised without opening the canopy. Protected by a tough transparent cover, it provides easy start up, control and monitoring of the generating set, and can also be connected to Atlas Copco’s new Cosmos Global Management Service System to provide remote control and monitoring, unit localisation and real-time messaging.
“Atlas Copco’s Qc4001 and PMS control system is also optionally available for automatic main failure functions, manual paralleling, synchronisation between sets, and with the mains energy Power Management system to optimize the utilisation of generators when used in paralleling,” points out Yudhira.

High performance filters
The new set is protected by heavy-duty, high-volume two-stage air filters. Before fuel reaches the main fuel filter, it has to pass through a pre-filter with a water separator. In line with 500-hour engine oil drain periods, the oil filter is purpose developed for a long service life with no compromise on its filtration ability, he indicates.

Ease of servicing
Yudhira continues: “There is excellent access for servicing, with all service components reached through large doors. The unit’s design also ensures personnel accessing the engine and alternator during operation are protected from both moving and hot components. Simplified service includes easy-to-change fan belts and oil levels can also be checked whilst the set is operating. To prevent any kind of oil, coolant or fuel pollution, spillage-free frames are optionally available on all Atlas Copco generating sets. They ensure that all fluids can be retained within the frame and removed easily, eliminating spillage problems. Fixed interval servicing at 500 hours allows service costs to be calculated in advance.”
Additional options available with the new QAS 325 include a coolant pre-heater to ensure cold starting temperatures down to –25 deg C and an external fuel tank connection to simplify the use of an external tank when augmenting the integral fuel supply.
Portable Air is a division within the business area Compressor Technique of the Sweden-based Atlas Copco Group with the main production centre located in Antwerp, Belgium.