Atlas Copco GA 250 Oil-injected Air Compressor

The Atlas Copco GA 250 is the largest fixed-speed model in the Atlas Copco GA 160+-250 series of oil-injected rotary screw compressors. It delivers between 575 and 923 l/s of free air delivery, depending on the pressure version, with 250 kW of installed motor power at 50 Hz. Smaller plants in the same family are served by the Atlas Copco GA90-160 (VSD⁺) Oil-injected Air Compressors.

Every unit arrives as an all-in-one package. The compressor element, gear-driven transmission, coolers, motor, and Elektronikon controller are mounted on a structural skid inside a silenced canopy. An oil-containing frame comes as standard, so the machine does not need a separate foundation, and ducting connections can be arranged with flexibility on site.

GA 250 Technical Specifications

50 Hz versions:

60 Hz versions:

Capacity FAD is measured according to ISO 1217, Annex C and E, Edition 4 (2009), at absolute inlet pressure of 1 bar (14.5 psi) and an intake air temperature of 20°C (68°F). Each version is measured at its rated working pressure minus 0.5 bar: the 5.5 bar version at 5 bar, the 7.5 bar version at 7 bar, the 8.5 bar version at 8 bar, the 10 bar version at 9.5 bar, and the 14 bar version at 13.5 bar. The noise level is the A-weighted emission sound pressure level at the work station, determined according to ISO 2151 and ISO 9614, with an uncertainty of 3 dB.

Dimensions and Weight

The footprint above covers air-cooled and water-cooled machines alike, since the enclosure dimensions are shared across the GA 160+-250 range. Weight of the GA 250 moves between 4954 kg and 5168 kg (10922 lb to 11393 lb) depending on the pressure version and the supply frequency. The medium voltage version extends the length to 3700 mm to house the additional electrical equipment.

Core Design Features

High-efficiency motor

The GA 250 uses a totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) motor with IP55 protection and Class F insulation with class B temperature rise. This enclosure keeps dust and chemicals away from the windings, which matters on dusty industrial sites. The motor allows continuous operation in ambient temperatures up to 46°C (115°F). Low voltage machines start through a Star-Delta starter.

Screw element and gear-driven transmission

Inside the element, a patented asymmetric rotor profile works with carefully selected bearings to keep wear low over the machine’s life. The transmission is gear-driven, totally enclosed, and protected against dirt and dust, and it holds the screw element in its optimal working range. A Bowex coupling absorbs the thrust load, which adds reliability where the compressor runs around the clock.

Cooling module

Oil cooler and aftercooler are separated for higher cooling efficiency. Axial cooling fans are driven by their own TEFC electric motors with IP55 protection, and noise stays low. Water-cooled versions carry stainless steel tubing in the cooling circuit, which resists corrosion over long service years.

Air Quality and the GA 250 FF

A superior air intake filter removes 99.9% of dirt particles larger than 3 μm before they reach the element. This cuts the dust load on the fine filter and doubles the filter element lifetime without reducing filter efficiency. An integrated water separator with electronic drain removes 100% of the condensate, and the drain works without loss of compressed air.

The GA 250 FF variant

The GA 250 FF combines the compressor with an integrated refrigerant dryer inside the same canopy. At reference conditions, the pressure dew point of the integrated dryer is 2°C to 3°C (36°F to 37°F), so the FF delivers dried compressed air straight from the package. On the 60 Hz supply, the published capacity covers both the Standard and the Full Feature configuration.

Service access

All service parts sit behind large opening doors, and a unique sliding system gives access to the oil coolers. Consumables are selected for long lifetime, so service intervals stretch and servicing stays simple. Roto-Xtend Duty fluid with an 8000h change interval is available as an option for sites that want fewer stops.

Control and Monitoring

The Elektronikon controller manages the machine in every version. Its high resolution color display shows running conditions in plain readings, and clear icons make navigation fast. The controller handles warning indications, maintenance scheduling, and online visualization of the machine status, with support for 31 different languages. Built-in remote functions work over Ethernet, and SMARTLINK is available for sites that want their compressor data collected and measured centrally.

An optimized loading/unloading valve keeps system pressure constant, which converts directly into energy savings. The valve setup is simple and maintenance-free, with few moving parts and accurate control through a solenoid valve. For multi-compressor rooms, Atlas Copco ES system controllers can manage the whole GA 250 installation from one point, with dual pressure set-points and Delayed Second Stop to cut idle motor hours.

Where the GA 250 Works

Mining operations run the Atlas Copco GA 250 for its reliability in harsh conditions, backed by a global support network that assists 24/7 even in remote locations. Energy industry sites use it to protect downstream equipment and extend component lifetime, with the integrated water separator handling condensate before it travels into the network.

Metal industry plants value quick installation and flexible ducting, together with low servicing demands from accessible components and long service intervals. In general industry, this compressor covers machinery operation, plant maintenance, cleaning, pneumatic tools and controls, and sand- and shot-blasting, where a stable 14 bar version also serves high pressure tasks.

Energy Recovery

Compression heat normally escapes through the coolers, but an integrated energy recovery system can return up to 94% of the compressor shaft power as useful heat. The recovered energy leaves the package as hot water at 85°C to 90°C (185°F to 194°F), ready for space heating, showers, steam boilers, or process use. The main heat exchanger module is built into the compressor, so linking it to an existing water circuit takes modest investment. Warm air heat recovery through ducting offers a simpler route for workshops and warehouses, with motorized louver flaps available to control the airflow across seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pressure versions does the GA 250 come in?

At 50 Hz, the GA 250 is available in 5.5, 7.5, 8.5, 10, and 14 bar versions. At 60 Hz, it comes in 100, 125, 150, and 200 psi versions, which correspond to 7.4 to 14 bar(e). Capacity FAD ranges from 575 l/s at the highest pressure to 923 l/s at the lowest.

What is the difference between the GA 250 and the GA 250 FF?

The Atlas Copco GA 250 is the standard packaged compressor. The Atlas Copco GA 250 FF adds an integrated refrigerant dryer and the same water separator package, and it delivers air at a pressure dew point of 2°C to 3°C (36°F to 37°F) at reference conditions.

What kind of motor does the GA 250 use?

It uses a TEFC IP55 electric motor with Class F insulation and class B temperature rise, in IE3 efficiency class. The motor supports continuous operation in ambient temperatures up to 46°C (115°F), and low voltage machines start through a Star-Delta starter.

How loud is the GA 250?

The A-weighted sound pressure level at the work station is 78 dB(A) on 50 Hz machines. On 60 Hz versions it is 79 dB(A) at 100 psi and 78 dB(A) on the higher pressure versions, with a measurement uncertainty of 3 dB.

Does the GA 250 need a special foundation?

No. The machine sits on a structural skid with flexible vibration dampers, and the oil-containing frame is standard, so no separate foundation is required. The all-in-one package means no extra devices need to be installed before startup.

How much heat can the energy recovery system return?

Recovery can reach up to 94% of the compressor shaft power. The heat is delivered as hot water at 85°C to 90°C (185°F to 194°F), which suits space heating, process water, showers, and steam boilers.