Air compressors for tough drilling applications
Atlas Copco has expanded its DrillAir portfolio of portable air compressors with the launch of a solution designed for demanding drilling applications in Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Central and South America, the Middle East, and South East Asia.
The X-Air 900-20 portable air compressor is engineered to combine advanced compressor control, a compact footprint, and a robust design that makes it versatile and fuel-efficient, suitable for a range of applications in the mining and construction sectors.
The solution features PACE technology, which allows operators to set working pressure between 14 bar and 20 bar. This flexibility enables a single compressor to support different drilling applications, which reduces the need for multiple machines on site.
In mining, the X-Air 900-20 is particularly well suited for blast hole drilling and dimension stone quarry drilling, where consistent air delivery and adaptability are key requirements.
In construction, the compressor supports applications such as slope anchoring, down-the-hole solar piling, and ground engineering drilling. By matching pressure to application needs, operators can avoid excessive fuel consumption and component wear.
The compressor features ECO mode which is said to deliver fuel savings of up to 50% during unload conditions. By switching from idle to no‑load operation, the compressor minimises fuel use, helping lower total cost of ownership while supporting longer component life and efficient, easy operation. FuelXpert technology continuously manages fuel consumption throughout operation, further supporting fuel efficiency.
The compressor is equipped with the Xc2004 smart air controller which provides operators with machine information, intuitive control, and ease of monitoring. The controller supports efficient operation, machine protection, and built-in alarms, helping operators manage the compressor in demanding environments. Connectivity features further enable transparent, data-driven insight into machine performance and value in use.
The rugged construction includes strong metal bodywork and a corrosion‑protected canopy, to support durability in demanding environments, while the compact footprint facilitates ease of transport, position, and deployment on site. Maintenance is supported through large service doors, a new vessel design, and long service intervals, helping reduce downtime. Built‑in monitoring features support timely maintenance and help protect key components.
A range of optional packages, including high-ambient, high-altitude, and cold climate configurations, allows the X-Air 900-20 to be adapted to local operating conditions and customer requirements.
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