Atlas Copco launches ZGH rotary screw booster for PET

Atlas Copco has introduced the ZGH 100–200 VSD+ at Drinktec India 2026, marking an industry-first by bringing standard oil-free rotary screw booster technology to high-pressure PET blow-molding applications. As advances in bottle design and molding technology lower the operating pressure requirements on modern production lines, this new rotary screw platform offers a highly efficient alternative to the piston boosters that have traditionally dominated the 30-bar compression segment in the beverage industry.

Decentralized compression at the point of use
Traditionally, PET manufacturers rely on centralized high-pressure compression systems, where noisy, heavy piston boosters are isolated in dedicated compressor rooms, forcing compressed air to travel through extensive and costly piping networks. The ZGH 100–200 VSD+ disrupts this architecture by boosting clean, dry air from a medium-pressure 10 barg network up to 30 barg directly at the point of use. Thanks to its compact footprint and low-noise operation, the booster can be installed right next to the blow-molding machine. This decentralized approach eliminates significant pressure drops along extended pipe runs, frees up valuable production space, and allows plants to seamlessly leverage their existing medium-pressure infrastructure.

Sustainable beverage manufacturing
Alongside the new booster, Atlas Copco is utilizing Drinktec India to showcase a broader portfolio tailored for sustainable beverage production. This includes on-site nitrogen generation, advanced CO₂ recovery systems, and specialized blower solutions for pneumatic conveying and wastewater treatment. By integrating these technologies, plant operators can simultaneously address rising production demands, optimize energy consumption, and meet strict water conservation and product quality targets.

Additional Context: Rotary screw limits, pulsation, and VSD+ efficiency
This section details thermodynamic compression principles and fluid dynamics not included in the original press release.

Rotary screw compressors rely on two meshing helical rotors to trap and continuously compress air. Traditionally, these machines have been limited to medium pressures (typically around 10 to 15 bar) due to the thermodynamic challenges of heat generation and internal air leakage (blow-by) at higher pressure differentials. Reaching 30 bar usually required reciprocating (piston) compressors. However, piston machines generate significant low-frequency pulsation, heavy vibrations, and high noise levels, necessitating their placement on massive concrete foundations within isolated acoustic rooms. By engineering a rotary screw booster capable of 30 bar, the ZGH eliminates these intense vibrations and delivers a continuous, pulsation-free air stream, allowing the unit to be placed directly on the factory floor. Furthermore, the integration of VSD+ (Variable Speed Drive) technology utilizing a permanent magnet motor allows the compressor to continuously adjust its rotational speed to precisely match the fluctuating air demand of the PET line, drastically reducing the massive energy spikes and idling losses associated with traditional fixed-speed equipment.

Edited by an industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas, with AI assistance.

www.atlascopco.com