Elgi Equipments Limited unveiled the next evolution of its AB Series Oil-Free Screw Air Compressors at drinktec India 2026, held from 28-30 October at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The evolved AB Series is presented under the proposition “Better Efficiency. Better Planet.” The AB Series also serves demanding applications including electronics, where compressed air is used in semiconductor manufacturing.
Compressed air in semiconductor manufacturing is essential, as even the smallest impurity can cause costly defects in micro and nano chip fabrication and precision electronics. The AB Series oil-free rotary screw air compressor solutions deliver 100% oil-free, contamination-free compressed air that meets ISO Class 0 standards for sensitive cleanroom environments. These compressors provide consistent pressure, stable airflow and precise temperature control for processes such as lithography, wafer handling and etching.
Better Efficiency refers to producing the required compressed air while using energy and operating resources more effectively, with effects on lifecycle economics and production reliability. Better Planet refers to resource utilisation through closed-loop water management, energy use, long-life components and related technologies across the compressor lifecycle.
The AB Series builds on earlier developments. In 2002, ELGi developed the world’s smallest screw air compressor. In 2019, it showcased the world’s smallest water-injected screw air compressor and received the Deming Prize for excellence in Total Quality Management, becoming the first globally established industrial air compressor manufacturer outside Japan to receive the recognition in over six decades. More recently, ELGi introduced its patented Demand=Match System, which matches compressed-air delivery to changing plant demand.
Under ELGi’s comparison conditions, the AB Series demonstrates 5-6% better Specific Power Consumption (SPC). Comparative assessment indicates up to 13% lifecycle-cost benefit over a 40,000-hour lifecycle assessment, considering acquisition, electricity and maintenance costs under the stated comparison assumptions. The compressors are engineered for energy efficiency and long-term reliability, reducing lifecycle costs and optimising uptime to support continuous production in high-demand environments. Features include advanced monitoring systems, low noise operation and minimal maintenance needs.
The evolved AB Series incorporates an indigenously developed ELGi Motor optimised across power ranges and operating conditions; the Neuron 4 Controller for compressor operation, sequencing and system management; Air~Alert, an IoT-enabled remote-monitoring solution for operating conditions, performance and maintenance requirements; and a five-year warranty on key components, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
At the core is closed-loop water-injected compression technology that uses water instead of oil in the compression chamber while delivering Class 0 oil-free compressed air. Water is circulated within the system, with condensate used for automatic replenishment. This design avoids continuous open-loop water supply and eliminates the requirement for an external RO system and external water pump associated with the closed-loop circuit.
The AB Series delivers ISO 8573 Class 0 oil-free compressed air. Supporting certifications and systems include ISO 8573 Class 0 certification; CE and UL certifications; CRN and DOSH certifications; and ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System certification for Elgi Equipments Limited. Advanced material selection and engineering measures support air quality, durability and operation.
Available across a power range of 11-110 kW / 15-150 hp, the AB Series delivers Free Air Delivery from 29-560 cfm / 0.82-15.85 m³/min, with operating pressures ranging from 4.5-12 bar / 65-174 psi. It serves electronics and semiconductor applications alongside pharmaceuticals, automotive, power, metals, oil and gas, textiles, food, beverage, dairy, brewery, bakery and confectionery sectors. The evolved AB Series will be available across ELGi markets globally, supported by the company’s sales and service network.
When the AB Series entered the global market in 2019, it was introduced under “Oil Free. Disrupted.” The current focus addresses how Class 0 oil-free compressed air can be produced efficiently, reliably and with resource utilisation over the equipment lifecycle, under the framework Better Engineering → Better Efficiency → Better Resource Utilisation → Better Planet.
Performance, efficiency and lifecycle-cost figures are based on ELGi’s stated comparison conditions and assumptions. Actual performance and savings may vary depending on compressor model, application, installation, operating profile and comparison baseline.
