Atlas Copco GHS Oil-Lubricated Screw Vacuum Pumps - Models GHS 060 to GHS 1700 - High-Performance Industrial Vacuum Solutions
Atlas Copco GHS oil-lubricated screw vacuum pumps are powerful high-vacuum pumps featuring intermeshing screw rotors designed for demanding industrial applications. With pumping speeds ranging from 60 to 1700 m³/h and ultimate vacuum capability down to 0.01 mbar (10⁻² mbar), they provide a highly cost-effective alternative to premium brands for chemical, pharmaceutical, and industrial vacuum processes.
Unlike dry-running screw pumps, the GHS series utilizes oil-lubricated rotor technology, delivering superior compression ratios, enhanced sealing efficiency, more effective cooling, and increased reliability when handling challenging process gases and condensable vapors. This makes GHS pumps the ideal choice for budget-conscious operations requiring robust high-vacuum performance without compromising on quality.
Technical Performance Specifications:
- Pumping Speed Range: 60 to 1700 m³/h at 50 Hz
- Ultimate Vacuum: 0.01 to 0.1 mbar (10⁻² to 10⁻¹ mbar)
- Motor Power: 3 to 75 kW depending on model
- Operating Speed: 1450 to 2900 RPM
- Construction: Compact, robust, industrial-grade design
- Cooling System: Water-cooled (standard) or air-cooled (optional)
- Operating Temperature: +5°C to +40°C ambient
Complete GHS Model Range:
All available models: GHS 060, GHS 110, GHS 200, GHS 350, GHS 450, GHS 650, GHS 850, GHS 1050, GHS 1250, GHS 1700
Small to Medium Applications (60-350 m³/h):
- GHS 060: 60 m³/h, ideal for pilot plants and laboratory scale-up operations
- GHS 110: 110 m³/h, compact for small production facilities
- GHS 200: 200 m³/h, versatile for research and development applications
- GHS 350: 350 m³/h, small distillation and batch processing
Medium Industrial Applications (450-850 m³/h):
- GHS 450: 450 m³/h, medium distillation columns and production processes
- GHS 650: 650 m³/h, chemical production and pharmaceutical manufacturing
- GHS 850: 850 m³/h, polymerization and continuous production operations
Large Industrial Plants (1050-1700 m³/h):
- GHS 1050: 1050 m³/h, large distillation columns and industrial plants
- GHS 1250: 1250 m³/h, petrochemical and large-scale production
- GHS 1700: 1700 m³/h, maximum capacity for refineries and mega-plants
Oil-Lubricated Screw Technology Operating Principle:
GHS screw pumps operate with two intermeshing screw rotors rotating within a cylindrical housing. Gas is transported axially from the inlet to the discharge side while being continuously compressed. The screw rotors are synchronized by an external gear drive. Unlike dry-running screw pumps, these rotors are oil-lubricated, providing several critical advantages:
- Higher Compression: Oil sealing enables greater pressure ratios per stage
- Superior Sealing: Oil fills clearances between rotors and housing for better vacuum performance
- Enhanced Cooling: Oil absorbs compression heat more effectively than air cooling
- Increased Reliability: Reduced mechanical wear and protection against process gas corrosion
- Vapor Handling: Oil binds moisture and condensable vapors preventing internal condensation
Key Technical Advantages:
- ✓ Exceptional Price-Performance Ratio: 40-60% lower cost than premium brands
- ✓ Deep Vacuum Capability: Down to 0.01 mbar without backing pump
- ✓ High Pumping Speed: Consistent performance across wide pressure range
- ✓ Oil-Lubricated Design: Better sealing and cooling than dry-running alternatives
- ✓ Robust Construction: Engineered for demanding 24/7 industrial processes
- ✓ Low Maintenance: Extended service intervals reduce operating costs
- ✓ Energy Efficient: Optimized rotor geometry for high volumetric efficiency
- ✓ Chemical Resistant: Suitable for handling aggressive gases and vapors
- ✓ Particle Tolerant: Oil lubrication protects against dust contamination
- ✓ Condensate Compatible: Oil binds moisture effectively preventing damage
- ✓ Versatile Application: Adaptable to diverse industrial vacuum processes
- ✓ Low Operating Costs: Compatible with cost-effective industrial screw oils
Primary Industrial Applications:
Chemical Industry: Distillation and rectification columns, vacuum drying processes, chemical reactors, polymerization plants, crystallization systems, solvent recovery, evaporation systems, degassing operations
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, freeze drying (lyophilization), crystallization processes, vacuum drying chambers, tablet coating systems, sterile filtration, distillation under vacuum
Food & Beverage Processing: Vacuum drying of foods, freeze concentration, vacuum evaporation, degassing of liquids, juice concentration, edible oil refining and deodorization, sugar refining, confectionery production
Plastics & Polymer Industry: Polymerization reactors, extrusion degassing, polymer devolatilization, monomer recovery, plastic compounding, resin production
Petrochemical Refining: Crude oil distillation, solvent recovery systems, refinery vacuum distillation, desalination processes, lube oil manufacturing
Paper & Pulp Industry: Vacuum dewatering sections, evaporation plants, black liquor concentration, pulp washing systems
Coating Technology: Large-area metallization (as backing pump), vacuum coating chambers, plasma treatment systems, sputtering applications
Metallurgy: Vacuum melting furnaces, degassing of molten metals, heat treatment under vacuum, sintering processes
Environmental Technology: Exhaust gas treatment, solvent recovery from contaminated air, soil remediation vacuum extraction, landfill gas handling
Refrigeration & Cooling: Vacuum cooling systems, ice production, freeze concentration
Power Generation: Steam condenser evacuation, turbine vacuum systems, degassing equipment
Research & Development: Pilot plant operations, laboratory scale-up, experimental vacuum systems
Oil-Lubricated vs. Dry-Running Comparison:
| Criterion | GHS (Oil-Lubricated) | Dry-Running (e.g., SCREWLINE) |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Vacuum | ✓ 0.01 mbar (excellent) | ✓ 0.01 mbar (equal) |
| Oil-Free Operation | ✗ Oil-lubricated (backstreaming possible) | ✓✓ 100% oil-free |
| Compression Ratio | ✓✓ Higher due to oil sealing | ✓ Good |
| Condensate Tolerance | ✓✓ Excellent (oil binds moisture) | ○ Limited |
| Maintenance | ○ Oil changes required | ✓ Lower maintenance |
| Initial Cost | ✓✓ More economical | ○ Significantly higher |
| Operating Costs | ○ Oil costs | ✓ Lower |
| Ideal For | Chemistry, distillation, wet processes | Semiconductor, pharma (oil-free critical) |
GHS vs. Premium Brands Cost Comparison:
| Feature | GHS Screw Pumps | Premium Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | ✓✓ Very economical (40-60% less) | ○ Significantly higher |
| Ultimate Vacuum | ✓ 0.01 mbar (sufficient) | ✓ 0.01 mbar (equal) |
| Technology | ✓ Proven, standardized | ✓✓ Premium, optimized |
| Quality | ✓ Good for industrial processes | ✓✓ Premium grade |
| Spare Parts | ✓ Available, affordable | ✓ Available, more expensive |
| Service Life | ✓ Good with regular maintenance | ✓✓ Excellent |
| ROI | ✓✓ Very fast payback | ○ Slower |
| Best For | Budget-conscious industrial applications | Critical processes, high-precision requirements |
Economic Analysis Example:
Cost Comparison for 350 m³/h Distillation Plant (5-Year Total Cost of Ownership):
| Cost Category | GHS 350 | Premium Brand | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Purchase | € 15,000 | € 35,000 | € 20,000 |
| Oil Costs (5 years) | € 2,000 | € 3,000 | € 1,000 |
| Maintenance (5 years) | € 3,000 | € 3,000 | € 0 |
| Total 5-Year TCO | € 20,000 | € 41,000 | € 21,000 |
Over 50% savings with comparable performance!
Operating Parameters & Maintenance:
- Screw Oil Type: Special screw compressor oils (ISO VG 100-150 viscosity grade)
- Oil Change Interval: Approximately 4,000-8,000 operating hours (process-dependent)
- Oil Filter: Regular replacement required according to maintenance schedule
- Ambient Temperature: +5°C to +40°C operating range
- Cooling: Water-cooled (standard) or air-cooled (optional for smaller models)
- Cooling Water Demand: Approximately 10-30 liters/minute depending on model size
- Noise Level: Approximately 70-85 dB(A) depending on model
- Maintenance Schedule: Regular servicing with standardized procedures
When Are GHS Screw Pumps the Right Choice?
GHS screw pumps are ideal when the following criteria apply:
- ✓ High throughput required: 60-1700 m³/h pumping capacity needed
- ✓ Vacuum to 0.01 mbar sufficient: Ultra-high vacuum not required
- ✓ Budget constraints: Cost-effective high-vacuum solution essential
- ✓ Condensable vapors present: Oil effectively binds moisture
- ✓ Chemical processes: Distillation, drying, polymerization applications
- ✓ Oil backstreaming acceptable: Process tolerates trace oil contamination
- ✓ Continuous operation: 24/7 production environment
- ✓ Fast availability: Short delivery times important
Available Configurations & Options:
- Standard Version: 400V, 50 Hz, water-cooled configuration
- Air-Cooled: Optional for smaller models where cooling water unavailable
- With Gas Ballast: Enhanced vapor handling capacity for wet processes
- With Oil Separator: Reduces oil consumption and emissions
- Variable Frequency Drive (VFD): Variable speed control for energy optimization
- ATEX Configuration: Explosion-proof version for hazardous areas
- Special Materials: Stainless steel construction for corrosive gases (on request)
- Custom Connections: Flanges and ports according to customer specifications
Selection Guide - Key Questions:
- What ultimate vacuum is required? (mbar absolute pressure)
- What volume flow rate is needed? (m³/h at which pressure)
- What gases/vapors will be pumped? (chemicals, solvents, steam)
- Gas loads: How much vapor/gas continuously generated?
- Is oil-free operation critical? (if yes → consider dry-running pump)
- Operating mode: Continuous or batch process?
- Cooling water available? (quality, temperature, flow rate)
- Budget priority: How important is initial cost vs. operating cost?
Comprehensive Service Portfolio for GHS Screw Pumps:
- Sales: New GHS screw pumps from stock with immediate availability
- Consultation & Sizing: Technical dimensioning and process analysis for your applications
- Commissioning: Professional installation and startup at customer site
- Spare Parts: Rotors, bearings, seals, gears available at competitive prices
- Screw Oils: Quality oils optimized for GHS pumps at economical pricing
- Accessories: Oil filters, oil separators, coolers, frequency inverters
- Preventive Maintenance: Regular inspections and scheduled oil changes
- Repair & Overhaul: Professional refurbishment restoring like-new performance
- On-Site Service: Fast troubleshooting and emergency repairs at customer facilities
- Exchange Program: Rental units available during repair periods (subject to availability)
- System Integration: Complete vacuum systems with control and automation
- Training: Operator training for safe and efficient pump operation
Why Choose GHS Screw Vacuum Pumps?
- Economical: 40-60% lower cost than premium brands
- High Performance: Pumping speeds up to 1700 m³/h
- Deep Vacuum: Down to 0.01 mbar without backing pump
- Robust: Engineered for industrial 24/7 processes
- Condensate Tolerant: Oil effectively binds moisture
- Available: Short delivery times from stock
- Complete Service: Full support from experienced team
- Fast ROI: Very rapid payback period
Perfect Applications:
- ✓ Chemical industry with distillation and drying plants
- ✓ Pharmaceutical production facilities
- ✓ Food processing with vacuum drying
- ✓ Plastics and polymer production
- ✓ Petrochemical and refinery operations
- ✓ Processes with condensable vapors
- ✓ Budget-conscious industrial operations
Technical Support & Expertise:
Our experienced vacuum technology team provides comprehensive support including process analysis and pump sizing calculations, comparative studies vs. premium brands with TCO analysis, energy efficiency optimization recommendations, cooling system design and integration, oil selection guidance for specific applications, troubleshooting and performance diagnostics, retrofit engineering for existing installations, and complete documentation in multiple languages.
Contact us for a no-obligation quotation! We are happy to advise you on selecting the optimal GHS screw pump for your industrial vacuum application – including technical sizing, process analysis, and economic comparison. Save up to 60% compared to premium brands!