A range of air compressors designed to include an intuitive electronic pressure regulation system is said to deliver unrivalled performance, efficiency, reliability, versatility and serviceability for blast hole and water well drilling applications in the mining and quarrying sectors.

The XRHS 650 Pressure Adjusted through Cognitive Electronics (PACE) system is part of Atlas Copco’s XAS boX range. The optimised size-to-flow XAS boX air compressors are said to deliver a size, flow and fuel efficiency trio that is unequalled in the market.

The company explains that the intuitive electronic pressure regulation system is programmed by means of a digital controller, designed to offer a wider operating pressure range and allowing for multiple pressure and flow combinations within a single compressor, to further optimise compressor efficiency, especially at partial load or idle status.

“This smart PACE technology enables customers to cost-efficiently cover the application needs of, on average, three fixed pressure compressors with only one machine, subsequently increasing utilisation, improving fuel economy as well as autonomy,” emphasises Atlas Copco Power Technique business line manager David Stanford. “Furthermore, the versatility of three machines in one package reduces both capex and opex, delivering lowest overall total cost of ownership to end customers.”

In addition to the XRHS 650, PACE is also available on the XAHS 400, XAVS 600, XAHS700 and XATS850 machines in the XAS boX range. The machines boast a rugged design, featuring a standard operating temperature range of -10° to 50°C, efficient operation at high altitudes of up to 4 500 m and in dusty, hot or cold environments.

Machine serviceability is another feature of the system, with a service interval of 1 000 hours for the compressor and 500 hours for the engine. In addition, simple vessel covers and easy-to-reach components also facilitate servicing and maintenance, helping to keep downtime to a minimum.

The compact XRHS 650 PACE is designed to be easy to transport and manoeuvre around a job site, further boosting uptime and productivity.