Complete Atlas Copco portable compressor range now Stage IIIB compliant

The Atlas Copco portable compressor range is now fully Stage IIIB compliant, the company’s Portable Energy division announced today at Bauma. In addition to the environmental benefits, compliance with the emission regulation opens up business opportunities for European customers, as projects in specific countries and locations require Stage IIIB compressors.

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The European Stage IIIB emission standards, which went into effect on January 2011 for all 130-560 kW off-road diesel engines, required a redesign for portable compressors. Atlas Copco Stage IIIB compliant compressors offer the same high level of reliability and performance, with limited or no impact in terms of footprint.

The Stage IIIB regulations (known as Tier 4A in the US) aim to lower the emission of particulate matter by 90% and NOx emissions by 50% compared to the previous Stage IIIA levels.

In order to meet the requirements of Stage IIIB, Atlas Copco compressors incorporate a new engine, a new cooling system and a new exhaust after-treatment system. A four-step exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) process combined with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) ensures Stage IIIB compliance. Cooled EGR reduces the formation of NOx by lowering the peak combustion temperature. Particulate matter generated by this process is eliminated by the DPF.

Companies using Stage IIIB compliant compressors have a competitive advantage in the European market as these compressors are mandatory for projects in certain countries, such as Norway and Switzerland, and on certain job sites, including tunnels and indoors.

“Our customers’ first concern was whether Stage IIIB requirements would change the Atlas Copco compressors they know and trust. That is why it was crucial for us to be able to give them compliance without compromising on footprint and performance,” said Dmitry Karablinov, Product Manager Large Compressors with Atlas Copco Portable Energy. “We are confident that this quality assurance, in combination with the competitive advantages of working with Stage IIIB equipment, will motivate European customers to make the switch.”