Atlas Copco GLS - Rotary Piston Vacuum Pumps for Heavy-Duty Industrial Applications
Atlas Copco GLS – Rotary Piston Vacuum Pumps for Toughest Conditions
Atlas Copco GLS rotary piston vacuum pumps are the ultimate solution for demanding industrial applications with high contamination levels. These oil-sealed rotary piston pumps are characterized by exceptional robustness and contamination tolerance, making them ideal for processes with dust, particles, or aggressive gases.
GLS Product Range:
The GLS series offers three robust models for various performance requirements:
| Model | Pumping Speed (m³/h) | Pumping Speed (CFM) | Ultimate Vacuum | Motor Power | Speed | Weight (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLS 212 J | 234 | 138 | 5.5 kW450 kg | |||
| GLS 412 J | 442 | 260 | 10 kW750 kg | |||
| GLS 612 J | 884 | 520 | 2 × 11 kW1,200 kg |
Operating Principle of Rotary Piston Pumps:
In rotary piston vacuum pumps, one or more pistons move reciprocally in cylinders, similar to a combustion engine. During the intake stroke, gas is drawn in through an inlet valve; during the compression stroke, it is compressed and expelled through an outlet valve. Oil serves for sealing, lubrication, and cooling of all moving parts. The low operating speed (
Technical Advantages of GLS Pumps:
- ✓ Ultimate Vacuum - Deep vacuum capability (<1x10⁻² Torr /
- ✓ Robust Cast Iron Construction - Built for decades of operation
- ✓ High Contamination Tolerance - Ideal for dusty and dirty processes
- ✓ Particle Insensitive - Dust and particles are flushed out with oil
- ✓ Low Speed - Minimal wear, extremely long service life
- ✓ Space-Saving Design - Saves up to 50% floor space compared to conventional piston pumps
- ✓ Hardened Replaceable Shaft Bushing - High wear resistance
- ✓ Automatic Lubrication System - Ensures optimal oil flow to all components
- ✓ Unique Valve Construction - Reduces maintenance and noise
- ✓ Heat and Corrosion-Resistant Sealing - For demanding conditions
- ✓ Integrated Gas Ballast - For condensable vapors
Main Application Areas:
- Automotive Industry: Paint shops, thermochemical treatment, testing equipment, assembly lines
- Chemical Processes: Reactors, distillation, drying with aggressive chemicals
- Vacuum Heat Treatment: Hardening, tempering, nitriding, carburizing
- Leak Detection: Large-scale leak testing, helium leak detection systems
- Metallurgy: Vacuum melting, degassing, casting processes
- PET Processing: Polyethylene terephthalate production and processing
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Drying, filtration, freeze-drying with contamination
- Transformer Drying: Electrical equipment degassing and drying
- Vacuum Coating: PVD, CVD, evaporation (as backing pump)
- Induction Vacuum Melting: Metal melting under vacuum conditions
- Wood Industry: Impregnation, wood drying, autoclave processes
- Foundries: Degassing, mold venting, dust extraction
When Are GLS Piston Pumps the Best Choice?
Atlas Copco GLS piston pumps are ideal when:
- ✓ High dust or particle load in the process
- ✓ Aggressive or corrosive gases present
- ✓ Frequent condensable vapors (with gas ballast)
- ✓ Extremely robust pump required for harsh conditions
- ✓ Long service life more important than low maintenance frequency
- ✓ Harsh industrial environment with contamination
- ✓ Continuous operation under tough conditions needed
- ✓ Deep ultimate vacuum despite contamination required
Piston Pumps vs. Rotary Vane Pumps:
| Criterion | Piston Pump (GLS) | Rotary Vane Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Contamination Tolerance | ✓✓ Very high | ○ Low (vane wear) |
| Particle Resistance | ✓✓ Excellent | ✗ Problematic |
| Aggressive Gases | ✓ Very good | ○ Conditionally |
| Durability | ✓✓ Extremely durable (decades) | ✓ Good |
| Ultimate Vacuum | ✓✓ 0.5 mbar (single-stage) | |
| Maintenance Frequency | ○ More complex, less frequent | ✓ Simpler, more frequent |
| Noise Level | ○ Higher (pulsation) | ✓ Quieter |
| Vibration | ○ Higher (requires foundation) | ✓ Lower |
| Speed | ✓ Very low (○ Higher (1,450-2,900 rpm) | |
| Service Life | ✓✓ 30+ years typical | ✓ 15-20 years |
Design Features - Space-Saving Innovation:
- ✓ Compact Vertical Design - Up to 50% less floor space than conventional horizontal piston pumps
- ✓ Steel and Ductile Iron Construction - Maximum strength and durability
- ✓ Hardened Shaft Bushing - Replaceable for extended service life
- ✓ Automatic Lubrication - Ensures optimal oil distribution
- ✓ Optimized Valve Design - Reduces noise and maintenance
- ✓ Integrated Cooling System - Air or water-cooled options
Operating Parameters and Maintenance:
- Vacuum Oil: Special high-viscosity piston pump oils
- Oil Change Intervals: 1,000-2,000 operating hours (depending on contamination)
- Valve Inspection: Every 3,000-5,000 operating hours
- Piston Rings: Replacement every 15,000-25,000 operating hours
- General Overhaul: After 30,000-50,000 operating hours
- Service Life: 30+ years with proper maintenance
- Ambient Temperature: +5°C to +40°C
- Noise Level: 78-85 dB(A) depending on model
- Foundation: Concrete foundation or vibration dampers recommended
Available Configurations:
- Standard Design: For normal industrial applications
- With Gas Ballast: For condensable vapors and moisture (standard)
- With Oil Separator: For reduced oil mist emissions
- ATEX Design: Explosion-proof for hazardous areas
- Corrosion-Resistant: Special materials for aggressive gases
- Water-Cooled: For high ambient temperatures or continuous heavy-duty operation
- Air-Cooled: Standard version for normal conditions
- Different Voltages: 400V three-phase standard, custom voltages available
Our Complete Service for Atlas Copco GLS Pumps:
- ✓ Sales: New piston pumps of GLS series
- ✓ Consulting: Application engineering and system design
- ✓ Spare Parts: Pistons, piston rings, valves, bearings, seals in stock
- ✓ Vacuum Oils: Special piston pump oils for optimal performance
- ✓ Accessories: Intake filters, oil separators, silencers, pressure gauges
- ✓ Maintenance: Regular inspections and preventive maintenance on-site
- ✓ Repair & Overhaul: Professional general overhaul in our workshop
- ✓ On-Site Service: Installation, commissioning, foundation design support
- ✓ Rental Service: Rental pumps for bridging repair times
- ✓ Technical Support: 24/7 telephone and email support
Selection Guide - Important Questions:
- What pumping speed is required? (m³/h at operating pressure)
- What ultimate vacuum is needed? (Torr or mbar absolute)
- What is the contamination level? (clean air, dust, particles, aggressive gases)
- Operating mode: Continuous or intermittent operation?
- Process gases: What is being pumped? Vapors present?
- Environment: Normal or hazardous area (ATEX)?
- Foundation: Can concrete foundation be provided?
- Cooling: Air or water cooling available?
Why Atlas Copco GLS Piston Vacuum Pumps?
- ✓ Industry Workhorse - Proven in toughest applications for decades
- ✓ Unmatched Robustness - Built to last 30+ years
- ✓ Highest Contamination Tolerance - Where other pumps fail
- ✓ Low Speed = Long Life -
- ✓ Space-Saving Design - 50% less floor space than conventional
- ✓ Swedish Engineering - Atlas Copco quality and reliability
- ✓ Global Support - Worldwide service network
- ✓ Low Total Cost - Exceptional long-term value
Quality and Standards:
Atlas Copco GLS pumps meet the highest quality standards and are certified according to international norms. The pumps are manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001 and comply with CE directives and relevant safety standards.
Return on Investment:
While GLS piston pumps have higher initial investment than rotary vane pumps, they offer:
- ✓ Significantly longer service life (30+ vs. 15-20 years)
- ✓ Lower replacement costs due to contamination tolerance
- ✓ Reduced downtime in harsh environments
- ✓ Lower long-term total cost of ownership
- ✓ Ability to operate where other pumps cannot