Service plans for compressed air systems

The adoption of a comprehensive service plan delivered by an original-equipment manufacturer (OEM) helps improve overall compressor performance, efficiency, reliability and ensures a longer life cycle, says air and gas compressor supplier Atlas Copco Compressor Technique.

The company notes that the efficient performance of compressed air systems enables seamless production processes and sustainable business. It asserts that its comprehensive maintenance and service plan selections help curb operational costs and maximise uptime and production, thereby reducing the total cost of ownership. 

Atlas Copco Compressor Technique says its suite of seven service plans focuses on proactive maintenance, transparent pricing, parts management and service reports, and each has been specially designed to save costs, reduce energy bills and enhance operational efficiency.

The service plans range from a basic preventive maintenance plan to all-inclusive offers providing compressor maintenance solutions that best suit individual customer needs and budgets. 

“Irrespective of what service level a customer selects, they can always count on fast professional service delivered by our skilled technicians, using the right tools and genuine Atlas Copco parts, ensuring the integrity of their air systems,” states Atlas Copco Compressor Technique sales manager Ashley Sathabridge, adding that regular service reports keep customers informed about the status of their systems.

Sathabridge explains that the ‘Parts Plan’ simplifies spare parts management, providing genuine parts for customers’ compressor specifications on a need-to-have basis. The plan aims to eliminate the need to keep stock of consumable compressor components, which helps to reduce costs and the need for storage space.

“Failure to replace compressor parts timeously can undermine a compressor’s efficiency and reliability, making regular inspection crucial to sustained operational efficiency,” stresses Sathabridge. “We offer an Inspection Plan that provides a thorough assessment of a customer’s compressed air system.”

A certified technician audits the compressor installation and delivers a detailed report outlining the system's status and suggestions for maintenance. This helps customers to pre-plan major interventions in alignment with scheduled plant stops or shutdowns, ensuring optimum productivity.

The company’s Preventive Maintenance plan offers on-time, scheduled services tailored to a customer’s installation and site circumstances for a fixed period and fee. If a potential issue is identified, technicians will address it as part of routine maintenance and propose additional actions to prevent unexpected breakdowns and subsequent costly downtime.

The ‘Total Care’ package is a full-service compressor maintenance plan offering a range of benefits, including the services of the technicians to address all maintenance requirements and any related challenges to ensure that compressed air equipment runs in peak condition and to maintain peak compressor outputs. The plan provides customers with comprehensive service coverage, including troubleshooting, access to genuine parts, expert service and repairs, as well as breakdown cover, including the replacement of compromised components.

Atlas Copco outlines its all-inclusive Total Responsibility Service Plan which is said to combine elements of the other plans, giving customers access to maintenance, upgrades, repairs and drive line overhauls at an all-inclusive price. The plan covers comprehensive monitoring of compressor data, repairs and scheduled service visits as well as the supply of genuine parts, priority emergency support and access to the latest improvements. “If necessary, engineers can also retrofit compressors with the latest improvements resulting from ongoing research and development,” notes Sathabridge.

AIRPlan is the company’s ‘pay-as-you-use’ model, allowing customers to only pay for the compressed air they use. Atlas Copco Compressor Technique will own, maintain, and monitor compressed air equipment to ensure optimal operating conditions throughout the contract period. The plan offers customers the benefit of access to new compressed air technology without purchasing new equipment.  

The company also offers an Extended Warranty+ plan with an additional five years extended coverage for all Atlas Copco compressors, dryers, and ancillary equipment and includes a preventive maintenance package.

Compressors are all remotely monitored using SMARTLINK, providing real-time insights into energy efficiency and performance, with the option for remote diagnostics to mitigate potential problems.