COMPETITIVE

UPDATE Communications

To: All Rotary Screw Compressor Distributors From: Chris Downs

Subject: Competitive Update #133 Date: 10/20/04

Kaeser Sigma Frequency Control SFC Series

Kaeser markets themselves as being the most energy efficient compressor manufacturer in
the world. The SFC Series performance does look attractive on the surface. However, when
you dig into the package you will find a slightly different story.

Variable Speed Drive compressors offer improved energy efficiency at reduced capacities by
slowing down the motor and airend. Another major advantage of a VSD is that the inlet valve
has been removed. By removing the inlet valve, the compression ratio remains constant at all
loads. The VSD does not idle or blowdown, it simply stops at the minimum speed/cfm. This
statement is true of every VSD compressor manufacturer in the world, except Kaeser.

Kaeser does a clever job of masking the fact that they indeed have an inlet valve. You will not
see it in a cut-a-way or read about it in their literature, but it’s there. The only phrase that
hints to its existence is on page 4 of their brochure “If the air demand falls below the
minimum flow output, the compressor idles for a minimum period of time before it
shuts down”. The word “idle” reveals their little secret. So you ask why is this important? It’s
important because while the compressor is “idling” it is consuming power. Variable Speed
Drive compressors should never idle. It defeats the purpose of integrating a VSD with the
compressor in the first place.

100 psig Air Cooled

Comparison
Maximum Max Minimum Min Package %
Manufacturer M/N cfm Package kW cfm kW Turndown
Quincy QGV-50 238 45.3 48 12.33 80%
Kaeser SFC37 234 44.6 55 12.4 76%

Quincy QGV-75 380 69.97 76 17.31 80%

Kaeser SFC55 371 71.4 82 17.4 78%

Quincy QGV-100 470 90.9 94 21.4 80%

Kaeser SFC75 517 92 132 29 74%

Quincy QGV-150 772 141 138 30.2 82%

Kaeser SFC110 692 123 151 33 78%

Quincy QGV-200 1015 184.7 175 42.3 83%

Kaeser SFC160 1001 183 213 42 79%

The above table illustrates our superior performance in terms of top and bottom-end cfm,
package kW and turndown capability. Remember, you purchase a VSD compressor for its
entire performance range. Don’t get misled by “idle” promises!

Happy Selling!