Descripción
The Atlas Copco GA 18 is the 18.5 kW / 25 hp screw compressor of the oil-injected range, the class step where a growing workshop leaves piston technology behind for good. The model exists in two branches: the GA 18 of the compact GA 11-26 series with five pressure versions from 7.5 to 16 bar(e), and the GA 18+ of the upgraded GA 11+-30 series with up to 57.2 l/s and an optional IE4 motor. The compact GA 18 weighs 431 kg as a Standard WorkPlace build, which makes it the lightest machine in its class, and both branches post 69 dB(A) and carry a 5-year factory warranty or 24,000 hours of operation, whichever comes first, after registration.
The two branches share the motor rating but differ in frame, flow and control generation, and the sections below keep them side by side. A plant that needs the widest pressure ladder and the smallest mass picks the compact branch; a plant that wants more flow per kilowatt and the IE4 motor option picks the plus branch.
Where the GA 18 Fits in the Oil-Injected Range
The GA 18 sits one step below the GA 22 in the compact GA 11-26 series, and the GA 18+ holds the matching position in the upgraded GA 11+-30 series below the GA 30. Plants choose it when the demand has outgrown the 15 kW class but does not yet justify the 22 kW step, or when a high-pressure line up to 16 bar needs its own dedicated supply. The compact branch maximizes economy and footprint, while the plus branch adds flow, the touchscreen controller and the 3 degrees Celsius dryer of the upgraded series.
Qué significan «Standard» y «FF»
The GA 18 comes as a Standard build with the element, gear drive, cooling system and controller inside the sound-proofed WorkPlace canopy, and as an FF build that adds the refrigerant dryer and the loss-free condensate drain inside the same enclosure. The FF build delivers dry air at a pressure dew point of 5 degrees Celsius and leaves the machine as a plug-and-play station that avoids the installation work of an external treatment chain.
The GA 18+ FF holds a pressure dew point of 3 degrees Celsius, and both FF builds accept built-in filter stages that polish the residual oil content down to 0.01 ppm.
Technical Specifications of the GA 18
La tabla siguiente resume las cifras más destacadas de ambas ramas:
| Parámetro | Valor |
|---|---|
| Potencia del motor instalado | 18.5 kW / 25 hp |
| Sucursales | GA 18 (GA 11-26 series); GA 18+ (GA 11+-30 series) |
| Versiones según la presión de trabajo | Compact branch: 7.5 / 8.5 / 10.5 / 13 / 16 bar(e); GA 18+: 7.5 / 8.5 / 10.5 / 13 bar(e) |
| Entrega gratuita por vía aérea | up to 52.3 l/s (compact branch); up to 57.2 l/s (GA 18+) |
| Nivel de ruido | 69 dB(A) on both branches |
| Peso | 431 / 495 kg (Standard / FF); 480 / 536 kg (GA 18+ Standard / FF) |
| Dimensiones | Compact branch: 1225 x 695 x 1475 mm; GA 18+: 1267 x 790 x 1590 mm |
| Conexión a la toma de corriente | «G1» |
GA 18 50 Hz Pressure Versions
Las prestaciones de la unidad de la rama compacta se especifican por versión de presión, indicando la presión máxima de trabajo de la versión estándar junto al valor reducido de la versión FF, cuyo secador absorbe una pequeña parte de la presión. Las condiciones de referencia son una presión absoluta de entrada de 1 bar y una temperatura del aire de admisión de 20 grados Celsius:
| Presión máxima de trabajo, estándar / FF | FAD (l/s) | FAD (m³/min) | FAD (cfm) | Potencia del motor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,5 bar(e) / 109 psig — FF 7,3 bar(e) / 105 psig | 52.3 | 3.14 | 110.9 | 18.5 kW / 25 hp |
| 8,5 bar(e) / 123 psig — FF 8,3 bar(e) / 120 psig | 50.2 | 3.01 | 106.3 | 18.5 kW / 25 hp |
| 10,5 bar(e) / 152 psig — FF 10,3 bar(e) / 149 psig | 44.0 | 2.64 | 93.2 | 18.5 kW / 25 hp |
| 13 bar(e) / 189 psig — FF 12,8 bar(e) / 185 psig | 38.8 | 2.33 | 82.3 | 18.5 kW / 25 hp |
| 16 bar(e) / 232 psig — FF 15,8 bar(e) / 229 psig | 35.5 | 2.13 | 75.2 | 18.5 kW / 25 hp |
GA 18+ 50 Hz Pressure Versions
La gama «plus» incorpora el circuito optimizado de la serie GA 11+-30 y ofrece su caudal nominal (FAD) en cuatro versiones de presión:
| Presión máxima de trabajo, estándar / FF | FAD (l/s) | FAD (m³/min) | FAD (cfm) | Potencia del motor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,5 bar(e) / 109 psig — FF 7,3 bar(e) / 105 psig | 57.2 | 3.43 | 121.1 | 18.5 kW / 25 hp |
| 8,5 bar(e) / 123 psig — FF 8,3 bar(e) / 120 psig | 52.3 | 3.14 | 110.9 | 18.5 kW / 25 hp |
| 10,5 bar(e) / 152 psig — FF 10,3 bar(e) / 149 psig | 47.0 | 2.82 | 99.6 | 18.5 kW / 25 hp |
| 13 bar(e) / 189 psig — FF 12,8 bar(e) / 185 psig | 38.5 | 2.31 | 81.6 | 18.5 kW / 25 hp |
The noise level of 69 dB(A) applies to every pressure version of both branches, determined as the A-weighted emission sound pressure level at the work station according to ISO 2151. That figure lets the GA 18 sit in the workshop corner beside the workbenches, and smaller plants keep the machine inside the production room instead of building a separate compressor bay.
Dimensiones y peso
The compact branch measures 1225 mm deep, 695 mm wide and 1475 mm high, and weighs 431 kg as a Standard build, with the FF build between 491 and 495 kg depending on the pressure version. The GA 18+ measures 1267 mm deep, 790 mm wide and 1590 mm high and weighs 480 kg as a Standard build and 536 kg as an FF build. Both branches leave the factory on a G1″ outlet connection, and the 431 kg Standard mass of the compact branch makes it the lightest machine of the class, which simplifies transport, placement and floor loading.
Sistema de transmisión y rotores
Rotores nuevos y motores IE2/IE3
The GA 18 works with new compression rotors paired with IE2 and IE3 high-efficiency motors, a combination built for robust daily duty. The drive is gear-driven, which transfers the motor power to the element with higher efficiency and easier serviceability than a belt-driven design, and the gear-driven system gives the machine its high reliability across the service life. The whole drive train sits totally enclosed inside the canopy, protected against dirt and dust.
The GA 18+ Motor, Cabinet and the IE4 Option
The GA 18+ carries the upgraded drive chain of the GA 11+-30 series with IE3 efficiency motors as the base specification, and an IE4 motor is available as a factory option on this branch, which places the machine at the top of the efficiency ladder for its power class. The motor bearings are grease-lubricated for life, which removes them from the maintenance schedule entirely.
The upgraded flow path of this series lifted the free air delivery noticeably against the previous generation, and the machine meets Grade 1 of the GB19153-2019 energy efficiency standard. The electrical cabinet is force-cooled to hold the component temperature down, and the innovative fan design cuts the fan power draw while controlling the noise emission of the machine.
Control y supervisión
Controlador de teclas deslizantes Elektronikon
The compact branch is operated from the Elektronikon Slide-Key controller, whose built-in intelligent algorithms optimize the system pressure and reduce the overall energy consumption of the installation. Remote start and stop, fault alarms and maintenance reminders are included, and the built-in SMARTLINK remote monitoring keeps the machine status visible in real time. The controller holds the header pressure inside a narrow band, which stabilizes the network and trims the energy bill at the same time.
Elektronikon Touch y control de varias unidades
The GA 18+ runs the Elektronikon touchscreen generation with smart algorithms, remote start and stop, alarm output, maintenance scheduling and network diagnostics, and SMARTLINK remote monitoring on board. The controller holds two pressure bands that can be switched manually or automatically, and the Delayed Second Stop function keeps the motor off until the pressure really calls for it, which removes unnecessary unloaded running from low-load hours. An optional integrated compressor controller coordinates installations of two, four or six machines, so a GA 18+ can anchor a small compressor room without an external sequencer.
Separación de aceite y calidad del aire
The vertical oil-air separator of the compact branch reduces the oil carryover and keeps the compressed air clean, and its optimized size minimizes the air loss during load and unload cycles. The independent cooling fan and the high-efficiency cooler hold the oil temperature in the right window across the duty cycle. The FF builds integrate the refrigerant dryer with a loss-free electronic drain valve, so the condensate leaves the machine without wasting compressed air, and the dryer uses the environmentally friendly R134a refrigerant. With the built-in Class 1 internal filter the delivered air reaches a residual oil content of 0.01 ppm, and optional filters complete the treatment chain for quality-critical applications.
Recuperación de energía y la garantía de 5 años
During compression up to 90 percent of the electrical input turns into heat, and the integrated energy recovery system returns up to 75 percent of that input power as hot water without any impact on the compressor operation. The recovered heat feeds auxiliary heating, industrial processes and sanitation facilities, which shortens the payback of the installation. On top of the energy side, the machine carries a 5-year factory warranty or 24,000 hours of actual operation, whichever comes first, once the machine is registered after installation and commissioning.
Applications of the GA 18
The GA 18 covers the daily duties of growing workshops and smaller production plants: job shops, plasma and laser cutting support, tire shops, laboratories and service businesses that draw compressed air all day. The 10.5 and 13 bar versions serve high-pressure users such as pressure testing benches and die cutting, and the 16 bar version of the compact branch covers dedicated high-pressure networks that no other model of this class reaches.
Plants that currently run a battery of piston compressors consolidate onto this machine for the rotary screw efficiency, the 69 dB(A) noise level and the sealed gear drive. Plants that outgrow the flow of the GA 18 stay in the same series logic and step into the GA 22, which posts the lowest noise figure of the class at 67 dB(A).
Service and Support Around the GA 18
The gear-driven transmission of the GA 18 makes the routine services a short planned stop, and the controller reports the maintenance reminders before a consumable reaches its limit, with SMARTLINK keeping the service organization informed remotely. Options such as the high-temperature model for 55 degrees Celsius as a Pack, food-grade oil, synthetic oil, a dryer bypass, a condensate separator with automatic drain and on-site witness testing adapt the machine to special environments and quality demands. Seadweer supports the GA 18 and both of its branches with original spare parts, service kits and technical documentation for every pressure version.
Preguntas frecuentes
Which pressure versions does the GA 18 offer?
The compact branch is available in 7.5, 8.5, 10.5, 13 and 16 bar(e) versions, and the GA 18+ in 7.5, 8.5, 10.5 and 13 bar(e) versions. The FF builds trade a small amount of maximum working pressure for the integrated dryer.
How much air does the GA 18 deliver?
The GA 18 delivers up to 52.3 l/s (110.9 cfm) at 7.5 bar and 35.5 l/s at 16 bar. The GA 18+ delivers up to 57.2 l/s (121.1 cfm) at 7.5 bar on the same 18.5 kW motor rating.
What is the difference between the GA 18 and the GA 18+?
Both branches share the 18.5 kW / 25 hp motor rating and the 69 dB(A) noise level. The GA 18 offers the five-version pressure ladder up to 16 bar(e) on the compact frame, while the GA 18+ adds the upgraded flow path with up to 57.2 l/s, the Elektronikon touchscreen generation, the 3 degrees Celsius dryer and the optional IE4 motor.
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre «Standard» y «FF»?
Standard is the complete compressor without integrated air treatment, while FF integrates the refrigerant dryer and the loss-free condensate drain inside the same canopy. The FF build delivers a pressure dew point of 5 degrees Celsius on the GA 18 and 3 degrees Celsius on the GA 18+.
How loud is the GA 18?
The sound pressure level at the work station is 69 dB(A) for every pressure version of both branches, determined according to ISO 2151. That level allows the machine to sit close to production and assembly areas.
How heavy is the GA 18?
The GA 18 weighs 431 kg as a Standard build and between 491 and 495 kg as an FF build. The GA 18+ weighs 480 kg as a Standard build and 536 kg as an FF build.
Marcelo Rivas –
Antes utilizábamos tres unidades de pistón en un sistema de rotación, y siempre había alguien realizando el mantenimiento de una de ellas. La GA 18, en su versión FF de 8,5 bar, ahora se encarga por sí sola de todo el taller, y el espacio que ha liberado permite colocar dos bancos de trabajo. La transmisión por engranajes funciona de forma silenciosa a 69 dB(A), el secador integrado mantiene en perfecto estado las cortadoras de plasma, y la opción del motor IE4 en el bastidor mejorado fue la razón por la que nos decantamos por esta gama. Seadweer nos explicó detalladamente la tabla de versiones antes de que tomáramos la decisión.