Sometimes the biggest challenge with such a system lies not in the technology itself, but in the journey to get it there. For a project at Spectroplast in Munich, a complete compressed air station had to be built on the top floor, as no other suitable space was available in the building. The only access to the top floor was via a small staircase – making a regular transport route for the system impossible.

SCC partner VI-LO Kompressoren GmbH & Co. KG took over the installation, assembly, and coordination of the entire system on site. The heart of the new station is a STRONG 7 from SCC air compressors with 7.5 kW and 10 bar – an oil-injected screw compressor that the customer had already purchased before the relocation.

Initial Situation

For the new compressed air station at Spectroplast, only the top floor was available. As access was only possible via a small staircase, the installation over a height of around 30 metres had to be planned separately and precisely coordinated with the rest of the system assembly.

The central component of the new system is the STRONG screw compressor with 7.5 kW and 10 bar – an oil-injected unit with direct drive, IE4 permanent magnet motor, and speed control. The compressor was already owned by the client: they had purchased the machine shortly before the relocation and wanted to continue using it at the new site. VI-LO’s task was to install and assemble this existing STRONG compressor, along with piping, nitrogen generator, and compressed air receiver, in such a way that the complete system would function reliably on the top floor.

Challenge

The actual challenge lay less in the system technology itself than in the on-site logistics: an installation over a height of around 30 metres requires very precise planning, where each component must be positioned individually and in a controlled manner.

Added to this was time pressure: the client wanted to resume production as quickly as possible after the relocation. The STRONG compressor, piping, nitrogen generator, and compressed air receiver therefore not only had to function individually but also work together as a coordinated overall system from the outset.

Installation of the Compressed Air Station by VI-LO

This is precisely where VI-LO, as an SCC partner, stepped in: the installation over a height of around 30 metres was carefully planned and implemented in close consultation with the client.

Subsequently, VI-LO coordinated the assembly of the entire system – from connecting the piping to integrating the nitrogen generator and compressed air receiver. The installation of the existing STRONG compressor was straightforward. Thanks to VI-LO’s quick and precise work, the client was able to resume production swiftly at the new site.

Result and Benefits

Specific key figures for this project have not been published. However, the following results can be noted from the project progress:

• Functional compressed air station on the top floor despite difficult access.
• Straightforward installation of the existing STRONG compressor.
• Seamless interaction of compressor, piping, nitrogen generator, and compressed air receiver.
• Swift resumption of production after the relocation; the STRONG compressor has since been the main pressure generator for the station.

What other companies can learn from this

• In confined spaces, an early look at the installation process is worthwhile, not just the system itself.
• Even without a regular transport route, a compressed air station can be reliably installed if the lifting/positioning and assembly are carefully planned.
• If multiple systems such as compressor, nitrogen generator, and compressed air receiver need to work together, experienced on-site coordination pays off.

(Watch the video (in German) from our partner VI-LO on Instagram (External Link): Installation of the compressed air station at Spectroplast)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the compressed air station built on the top floor?

No other suitable space was available in the building. The top floor offered sufficient room for the compressor, piping, nitrogen generator, and compressed air receiver, even though access was only possible via a small staircase.

What was particularly challenging about the installation?

Because the existing staircase did not allow for a regular transport route, the installation over a height of around 30 metres had to be specifically planned. Each component had to be positioned individually and in a controlled manner.

What role did VI-LO play in the project?

VI-LO, as an SCC partner, took over the complete installation, setup, and coordination of the system on site – from positioning the STRONG compressor to integrating the piping, nitrogen generator, and compressed air receiver.

What data is important for a similar compressed air solution?

In addition to the compressor’s power and pressure level, the spatial situation, access routes for installation, and other systems such as piping, compressed air receiver, or nitrogen generator play a central role in planning.

When is a STRONG screw compressor suitable for such applications?

The STRONG screw compressor is suitable for applications requiring reliable, oil-injected, and speed-controlled compressed air generation – as in this project with 7.5 kW and 10 bar as the main pressure generator for the entire system.

Planning a Compressed Air Station with Difficult Installation

Are you planning a similar compressed air solution with difficult installation or limited space on site? Share with us the application, pressure level, air demand, and spatial situation – we will support you with technical classification together with our partner network.