Atlas Copco ZR 200 VSD (iMD VSD⁺) Oil-free Air Compressor

The Atlas Copco ZR 200 VSD is the water-cooled, two-stage oil-free screw compressor in the 200 kW (268 hp) class of the ZR/ZT 160-315 (VSD) range. One article covers the whole family: the current Pack build, the FF (iMD) build with its integrated heat-of-compression dryer, and the ZR 200 VSD+ branch in Pack and FF (iMD) forms. The NEOS inverter synthesizes its own motor frequency, so the published performance applies to 50 Hz and 60 Hz plants in a single table per build. Inside the package, air crosses the filtration stage, the first compression element, the intercooler with its moisture separation, and the second stage that lifts the pressure to the final value.

Class 0 oil-free air is the reason food, pharmaceutical, textile, and electronics plants specify the ZR line. The variable speed drive follows the demand curve instead of cycling between load and unload, and splitting the pressure ratio across two stages keeps compression temperatures low and efficiency high.

Turn-down shapes the daily value of the ZR 200 VSD. On the 8.6 bar(e) variant the flow modulates from 644 l/s at full speed down to 284 l/s at the top pressure setting, so a plant whose air demand swings between shifts never pays for blow-off losses. The network pressure band stays narrow, downstream equipment receives a steady supply, and the safety margin sites normally reserve against fluctuation can be reduced.

Especificaciones técnicas

Performance follows ISO 1217, Annex E, Edition 4 (2009), with FAD measured at the effective working pressure of each setting. The Pack table lists the two factory variants, 8.6 and 10.4 bar(e), each shown at its minimum, effective, and maximum pressure setting.

The Pack build measures 3116 mm long, 1757 mm wide, and 2152 mm high, and both variants read 70 dB(A) at the work station. The same 200 kW (268 hp) permanent magnet motor serves the two variants, so the choice between 8.6 and 10.4 bar(e) follows the network pressure alone. A blow off valve and two pressure relief valves after the moisture separator safeguard the package across the envelope.

The FF (iMD) Build with Integrated Dryer

The FF (iMD) build carries a heat-of-compression adsorption dryer inside the same canopy. Roughly sixty percent of the flow crosses the aftercooler while the hot remaining share regenerates the adsorption drum, and dry air leaves the outlet flange with no separate dryer row in the room. Because the dryer needs a minimum circuit pressure to regenerate, the FF tables start at 6 bar(e) on the minimum setting.

The integrated dryer lengthens the frame to 4486 mm while width and height stay at 1757 and 2152 mm, and packaged weight rises to 6988 kg. Wiring and piping between compressor and dryer are completed and tested in the factory, which removes field plumbing, cuts connection pressure drop, and frees floor space beside the machine.

The ZR 200 VSD+ Branch

The ZR 200 VSD+ build takes its own Pack form on a shorter frame and comes only as a 10.4 bar(e) variant. Its noise level reads 72 dB(A), and the Pack enclosure measures 3044 mm long, 1760 mm wide, and 2150 mm high.

The ZR 200 VSD+ FF (iMD) form adds the integrated dryer to that platform: 209 to 652 l/s at the 7 bar(e) effective setting, the same 72 dB(A) level, and 6687 kg of packaged weight on a 4414 by 1760 by 2183 mm footprint. Buyers weighing the two branches should balance the wider turn-down of the VSD+ build against the current machine’s cooler package and its two-variant pressure choice.

Inside the Package

Two next-generation compression elements with superior rotor coating divide the pressure between the stages, and the gear drive between motor and elements runs in filtered, temperature-controlled oil. The NEOS inverter adjusts motor speed continuously for energy savings of up to 35 percent against fixed speed operation, and the permanent magnet motor holds its efficiency class across that speed range.

The Elektronikon Mk5 Touch controller supervises the package with warning indications, maintenance scheduling, and online condition visualization. A bearing life monitor runs independently of compressor speed, the IP54 cubicle keeps dust out of the electrical section, and stainless steel coolers with a highly efficient water separator hold performance over the service life. Energy recovery can capture up to 94 percent of the electrical input as hot water for processes or space heating.

The air path inside the ZR 200 VSD is arranged for minimal pressure drop: intake air crosses the air filter and inlet valve, passes the pulsation dampener into the first stage, and flows through the intercooler with its moisture separation system and automated drains before the second stage. Zero-loss drains clear condensate without wasting compressed air, the soundproof canopy with optimized internal ducting keeps the work station quiet, and grouped service items shorten every maintenance stop.

Where the ZR 200 VSD Fits

Sites with a dependable water circuit and a shifting demand profile gain the most: the drive rides filling cycles, batch changes, and seasonal swings without unload blow-off. Plants that order air treatment separately keep the Pack build and pipe a standalone dryer, while turnkey projects take the FF (iMD) build and connect a single air main. For a step up in capacity on the same water-cooled platform, the Atlas Copco ZR 250 VSD Oil-free Air Compressor extends the envelope to 774 l/s in the adjacent 250 kW class.

Engineering teams that stage their capacity also fit the ZR 200 VSD into a multi-machine room: the central controller groups the package with existing fixed speed units, trims the average pressure band, and hands the trim duty to the variable speed machine while base machines run at their efficient full-load point. Options such as a silicone-free rotor, high ambient versions, and witnessed performance testing adapt the package to demanding sites.

ZR 200 VSD FAQ

What does the Pack build include?

The Pack form carries the compressor, motor, inverter, coolers, and Elektronikon control as one tested unit, with plant-side equipment handling the air treatment.

How wide is the capacity envelope?

The 8.6 bar(e) variant spans 284 to 644 l/s (602 to 1364 cfm) across its settings, and the 10.4 bar(e) variant covers 267 to 568 l/s.

Why does the FF (iMD) table start at 6 bar(e)?

The heat-of-compression dryer needs a minimum circuit pressure to regenerate its adsorption drum, so the minimum setting rises from 4 to 6 bar(e) on the integrated build.

What separates the ZR 200 VSD+ from the current build?

The VSD+ branch comes as a single 10.4 bar(e) variant with a shorter 3044 mm Pack frame, 72 dB(A), and a turn-down that reaches 210 l/s at the bottom of its envelope.

Does the machine need cooling water?

Yes, the ZR is the water-cooled line, and recirculated water carries the intercooler, aftercooler, and oil cooler duty; the ZT counterpart rejects its heat to ambient air.

Which industries specify this compressor?

Food and beverage, pharmaceutical, textile, chemical, and electronics plants take the Class 0 oil-free air for direct product contact and instrument duty.