Choosing the Right Atlas Copco Vacuum Pump: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
Vacuum systems are critical to countless industrial processes—from food packaging to pharmaceutical manufacturing, plastics extrusion, semiconductor fabrication, and more. Choosing the right vacuum pump isn’t just about picking the most powerful option—it’s about selecting the pump that matches your process demands, energy goals, environmental requirements, and long-term operational strategy.
Atlas Copco offers one of the widest, most innovative selections of industrial vacuum pumps available today. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a vacuum pump and explain how Industrial Air Services can help you design a solution optimized for success.
📞 Need expert help selecting the right vacuum system? Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 for assistance across Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
Why Selecting the Right Vacuum Pump Matters
Installing the wrong vacuum system can lead to
Wasted energy and inflated operating costs
Frequent maintenance and unexpected downtime
Inconsistent process quality and product defects
Overpaying for capacity you don’t need—or under-specifying and falling short
Choosing the right pump ensures
Lower total cost of ownership (TCO)
Stable, reliable process performance
Reduced energy consumption and carbon footprint
Simplified maintenance and better system longevity
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vacuum Pump
Process Requirements
Start by understanding your process vacuum needs. Key parameters include
Required operating pressure (mbar or Torr)
Gas flow rate (ACFM or m³/h)
Gas type (clean air, vapor-laden, corrosive, or particulate)
Duty cycle (continuous, intermittent, heavy load variations)
Special conditions (explosive atmospheres, cleanroom standards)
Atlas Copco offers solutions that cover rough, medium, and high vacuum applications across all these conditions.
Pump Technology Options
Atlas Copco manufactures several types of vacuum pumps, including
Oil-Sealed Rotary Screw (GHS VSD⁺ Series)
High efficiency for continuous duty applications like bottling, plastics, woodworking, and packaging
Dry Screw (DWS VSD⁺ Series)
Oil-free, contamination-free solution ideal for food, pharma, and semiconductor applications
Dry Claw (DZS Series)
Low maintenance, energy-efficient, compact pumps for plastics, CNC machining, and pneumatic conveying
Liquid Ring (AWL, AWS, AWD Series)
Best suited for wet, vapor-heavy, or corrosive gas processes like chemical production, wastewater treatment, and power generation
Each technology offers specific advantages depending on the process.
Energy Efficiency Goals
Atlas Copco’s VSD⁺ (Variable Speed Drive) technology allows pumps to automatically adjust motor speed based on real-time demand—saving up to 50% on energy costs compared to fixed-speed alternatives.
If energy efficiency is a priority, prioritize pumps like the GHS VSD⁺, DWS VSD⁺, and LRP VSD⁺ Series models.
Maintenance Requirements
Consider how much time and labor you can allocate to system maintenance.
Dry claw and dry screw pumps offer lower maintenance needs compared to oil-sealed pumps, which require regular oil changes and filter replacements.
Smart monitoring options like GENIUS Instant Insights™ can further simplify maintenance by providing predictive alerts and performance dashboards.
Space Constraints and Installation Flexibility
If floor space is tight or if you need mobile, modular setups, choose compact systems like the DZS dry claw series or skid-mounted multi-pump systems.
Custom layouts from Atlas Copco’s Systems + Solutions team can optimize centralized vacuum plant installations for even the most challenging facilities.
Environmental or Safety Compliance
Industries like pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and food production often require oil-free, clean vacuum systems to comply with ISO, FDA, EHEDG, or GMP standards.
Facilities handling flammable vapors or working in hazardous zones may require explosion-proof pumps, which Atlas Copco can provide across several product lines.
Popular Atlas Copco Vacuum Pump Options
GHS VSD⁺ Series
Oil-sealed rotary screw pumps with VSD⁺ energy-saving technology
Excellent for plastics, packaging, woodworking, and bottling industries
Highly efficient with low lifecycle costs
DWS VSD⁺ Series
Dry screw vacuum pumps with oil-free operation
Ideal for semiconductor, food, and pharmaceutical applications
Handles vapors and condensables with ease
DZS Dry Claw Series
Compact, low-maintenance claw pumps
Perfect for industrial processes like CNC support, conveying, and thermoforming
Simple to maintain and operate
LRP VSD⁺ Series
Liquid ring vacuum pumps built for wet and vapor-heavy conditions
Excellent in chemical, wastewater, and power applications
Built for rugged environments with maximum reliability
AWL, AWS, AWD Liquid Ring Series
Heavy-duty liquid ring solutions for highly corrosive or saturated gas environments
Designed for long life even in aggressive processes
How Industrial Air Services Helps You Select the Right Pump
Industrial Air Services offers a structured approach to vacuum system selection, including
On-site process evaluations and data logging
Vacuum demand profiling and application engineering
Energy savings calculations and lifecycle cost modeling
Custom system design, installation, and commissioning
Preventive maintenance programs and 24/7 emergency support
We combine Atlas Copco’s world-class technology with local, hands-on expertise to ensure you get the perfect vacuum solution—built to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth.
📞 Ready to start your vacuum system evaluation? Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 today.
Real-World Example: Medical Device Manufacturer in Chattanooga
A medical device manufacturer needed to replace outdated oil-sealed pumps in a cleanroom environment. Contamination risk was high, and downtime penalties were severe.
They switched to Atlas Copco DWS VSD⁺ dry screw pumps with GENIUS remote monitoring.
Results included
Zero product contamination from oil or particles
Energy savings of 36% compared to legacy equipment
Real-time performance monitoring reduced maintenance needs
Faster ramp-up times and more consistent process control
Today, the facility runs a fully oil-free, efficient vacuum system aligned with ISO 14644-1 cleanroom standards.
Key Tips for a Successful Vacuum System Purchase
Always evaluate actual process needs instead of oversizing "just in case."
Consider lifecycle costs, not just upfront equipment price.
Think long-term about maintenance, serviceability, and scalability.
Leverage digital tools like HEX@™ and GENIUS for smarter, more efficient operations.
Work with a trusted, experienced partner like Industrial Air Services.
Conclusion
Selecting the right vacuum pump is about more than specifications—it’s about understanding your full operational landscape and choosing a solution that improves efficiency, reliability, and profitability. Whether you need oil-free dry vacuum, rugged liquid ring performance, or energy-saving rotary screw technology, Atlas Copco and Industrial Air Services can deliver a vacuum system perfectly matched to your business.
Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 today to schedule a site consultation or start designing your ideal vacuum solution across Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
