Júlio Tomé is the divisional product marketing manager of generators for Atlas Copco, a world-leading provider of compressors, vacuum solutions and air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools, and assembly systems. He spoke with Modern Pumping Today about the group’s recent release of its redesigned QAS 60 portable generator, a new option for on-site power demands.
Modern Pumping Today: The transportation and overhead costs for generators can be prohibitively expensive for some equipment users. How have Atlas Copco’s rental options made generators more attractive for these clients?
Júlio Tomé: Transportation is one of the five key benefits of our QAS range within our “Predictable Power” core value—and indeed a key design driver during all product development. Rental operations are by definition a frequent movement activity for equipment and all aspects of handling needs to be considering: size, weight, lifting, safety, and robustness.
All in all, for generators, a good design considers the standard dimensions of a truck in order to accommodate the maximum number of units, lifting strength and central point of gravity, and a very solid and wider base frame. At the end all this results in lower transportation, repair, and handling costs which are an important part on keeping overhead costs under control, with limited surprises. This is in fact a very important topic.
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MPT: What were some of the concerns you were hearing regarding transportation efficiency that led to the redesign of the QAS 60 generator?
Júlio Tomé: The QAS 60 used to be in the same box as QAS 80 and QAS 100 and following our Predictable Power design guidelines we decided to invest in the redesign based on a smaller box and footprint. The outcome is a unit that can be transported transversal on a truck lorry allowing up to 12 units on a 45-foot truck lorry—so lower costs and better operation!
MPT: How does its performance compare to earlier models?
Is it suitable for hazardous conditions?
Júlio Tomé: We kept exactly the same engine and alternator as before. This means the same power and similar cooling performance, which is a difficult and remarkable engineering achievement. On other side we lost a bit on noise, but it is still very much within a reasonable range (LWA90), and on fuel autonomy due to size constraints but still ensuring a minimum of one shift (8h) at full load.
Also, the QAS 60 designs fall in the versatility of the QAS range and very well appreciated by rental sector. It is ready to operate in the most diverse applications and critical areas.
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MPT: Improved monitoring and efficiency are key attributes generator users are looking for. What are some of the options available for the QAS 60?
Júlio Tomé: That’s correct. We took the opportunity to include the new Qc1103 controller that replaces the old Qc1002. This is the first model to change and it will be followed by the complete QAS range in Europe.
The new Qc1103 is able to monitor and log the current in all three phases allowing a better monitoring not only on current, voltage and frequency but also on active and reactive power.
A full option list is available for the new QAS 60. AMF controller (Qc2003), battery charger, coolant heater, dual frequency, dual voltage, larger fuel tank (24h), external tank connections (3 way valve), on-road undercarriage, refinery package, customized colors. ■
 
MODERN PUMPING TODAY, October 2014
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