In recent years, SCC air compressors has published several application reports from Italy – ranging from production facilities to workshops and specialised industrial solutions. Compressor containers and other container-based compressed air solutions are now also part of the company’s experience: in Austria, for example, SCC air compressors, together with its partner ADLER Kompressoren, implemented a container solution with three STORM 30 compressors. This experience with mobile container installations forms the basis for another innovative project – this time for an Italian customer in valve and fittings testing.

An anonymous Italian service provider has developed a mobile test container that is rented out to manufacturers of stainless steel high-pressure fittings and valves. At the core of this system is an SCC air compressors STRONG 11 VARIO – a speed-controlled 11 kW screw compressor that serves as the heart of a complete nitrogen generation and high-pressure testing system. The container has already been successfully deployed in demanding climatic zones such as Tunisia and reliably supplies compressed air for test pressures up to 250 bar.

Problem – Mobile testing infrastructure for high-pressure valve manufacturers

Manufacturers of stainless steel high-pressure fittings and valves face an operational challenge: their products must be tested for leaks at extremely high pressures – in this case, 250 bar with nitrogen. However, setting up a stationary testing system involves high investment costs, long planning phases, and a considerable amount of space. Furthermore, many companies only need the testing capacity for specific projects rather than on a permanent basis.

The classic hurdles in the installation of fixed test systems include:

• High capital requirements for infrastructure, nitrogen supply, high-pressure booster and compressor technology
• Long approval procedures and construction measures
• Limited flexibility in fluctuating order situations
• Costly maintenance and operating costs even with low capacity utilization

Especially in the fittings industry, where many small and medium-sized companies operate, there is a great need for flexible, mobile testing solutions. The alternative – external testing service providers – means logistical effort, dependence on deadlines, and loss of process control. A container-based rental solution offers the ideal middle ground here: professional technology, ready for immediate use, without investment risk.

Solution – Compressor container with STRONG 11 VARIO for nitrogen production

The Italian provider has developed a fully equipped compressed air container that contains all components for nitrogen generation and high-pressure testing. At the centre of the system is the STRONG 11 VARIO from SCC air compressors – a speed-controlled screw compressor with 11 kW drive power.

Technical data of the STRONG 11 VARIO

• Rated power: 11 kW
• Volume flow: 0.78-1.85 m³/min at 8 bar, 0.76-1.63 m³/min at 10 bar
• Motor: IE4 permanent magnet motor
• Drive: Direct drive
• Control: Speed-controlled (VSD – Variable Speed Drive)
• Pressure range: 7-10 bar (optionally up to 13 bar)
• Dimensions: 1,232 × 800 × 1,215 mm
• Weight: 350 kg
• Sound level: 65 ±3 dB(A)
• Standard: ISO 1217 Annexe E

The speed-controlled drive (VSD) is crucial for this application: the nitrogen generator and the downstream high-pressure booster require a consistent, stable compressed air supply. In a modern compressor container, the STRONG 11 VARIO automatically adjusts its output to the current demand, avoiding pressure fluctuations typical of start-stop compressors. At the same time, VSD technology significantly reduces energy consumption – a major advantage for a system that often operates for several hours.

The IE4 permanent magnet motor with direct drive ensures consistently high efficiency across the entire control range. Compared to conventional asynchronous motors, the IE4 motor continuously saves energy, regardless of whether the compressor is operating at full load or in partial load. The direct drive eliminates losses from belts or gears and contributes to a compact, low-maintenance design.

The robust design of the STRONG series is specifically engineered for continuous industrial operation. The generously sized compressor stage operates at low speeds, which minimises wear and increases service life. Solid piping instead of hoses, along with high-quality oil separation, guarantee reliable compressed air quality – important for downstream components such as the nitrogen generator and filters.

Further components in the container:

• Complete compressed air treatment: Dryer, filters, and oil separator ensure dry, clean compressed air – a prerequisite for the reliable function of the nitrogen generator.
• Nitrogen generator: Produces high-purity nitrogen from compressed air, which is used for leak testing.
• High-pressure booster (300 bar maximum pressure): Compresses the nitrogen to the required 250 bar test pressure.
• Air conditioning: Protects the electronics and maintains operating temperature even in hot regions (e.g., Tunisia).

The complete system is designed to be returned to the rental provider after testing is complete and prepared for the next customer. This flexibility is only possible due to the container-based design: the container is weatherproof, transportable, and ready for use within a short time – a decisive advantage over stationary solutions.

Advantages of the compressed air container for the customer

The compressor container solution offers fittings manufacturers a range of concrete benefits that go beyond mere cost savings:

No investment in own testing infrastructure: The customer saves the acquisition costs for the compressor, nitrogen generator, booster, and auxiliary units. Instead of a high one-off investment, they pay a calculable rental fee – only for the period in which they actually need the system.

Mobile and flexible deployment: The container can be delivered by lorry and set up at a suitable outdoor location. This saves hall space and enables deployment directly at the customer’s production site or even at end-customer locations.

Quick commissioning, minimal installation effort: All components are pre-assembled, wired, and tested at the factory. The customer only needs to connect power and – if desired – a data connection. The system is ready for operation within a few hours.

Reliable compressed air supply for test cycles up to 250 bar: The STRONG 11 VARIO continuously delivers the required air volume, even under load. The VSD control ensures stable pressures and prevents performance drops during critical testing phases.

Energy-efficient VSD control reduces operating costs: Compared to uncontrolled compressors, speed-controlled drive can significantly reduce energy consumption depending on the load profile. In a typical testing operation with fluctuating demand peaks, this becomes noticeable in the electricity bill.

Operational even in hot climates: The integrated air conditioning protects the control system and electronics from overheating. The container has already been successfully deployed in Tunisia – proof of its reliability even under extreme environmental conditions.

These advantages make the container solution the ideal choice for companies that need to meet high testing standards without having to invest in their own infrastructure in the long term.

FAQ – Compressor containers for nitrogen production

Why is a compressor container useful for nitrogen production?
A compressor container combines all necessary components for nitrogen generation and high-pressure testing in a mobile, weatherproof unit. This eliminates the need for building infrastructure, shortens commissioning time, and enables flexible deployment at changing locations. For service providers who rent out testing technology, the container solution is ideal: the system can be quickly transported to various customers and retrieved after the work is completed. The customer benefits from professional technology without capital investment.

Why speed-controlled screw compressors in mobile systems?
Speed-controlled screw compressors (VSD) automatically adjust their output to demand. This is particularly important in mobile testing systems: compressed air demand fluctuates depending on the test phase – high demand during pressure build-up, lower demand during the holding time. An uncontrolled compressor would constantly switch between full load and idle, which wastes energy and increases wear. VSD control reduces energy consumption, lessens mechanical stress, and ensures constant pressure conditions – this improves the efficiency of the entire nitrogen system.

What makes the STRONG 11 VARIO suitable for this application?
The STRONG 11 VARIO combines several features that are crucial for container-based nitrogen systems: its speed-controlled drive delivers consistent compressed air without fluctuations, optimising the efficiency of the nitrogen generator. The IE4 permanent magnet motor with direct drive ensures high efficiency across the entire control range and reduces operating costs. The robust design is built for continuous operation and demanding environments – the container has already been successfully deployed in hot climates such as Tunisia. With a volume flow of up to 1.85 m³/min at 8 bar, the compressor is optimally matched to common nitrogen generators in the medium performance range.

What are the advantages of outsourcing nitrogen testing via container?
Companies that only occasionally perform high-pressure tests avoid high investments in their own infrastructure through the container solution. The rental is flexible and plannable – the container arrives when needed and leaves when testing is complete. This saves capital, maintenance effort, and hall space. In addition, the customer benefits from always up-to-date technology: the rental provider takes care of maintenance, upkeep, and regular inspections of the system. The risk of failures or misguided investments lies with the service provider. At the same time, the customer receives professional testing technology at the latest standard – including documentation and certification.

Conclusion – Energy-efficient mobile nitrogen supply with SCC air compressors

The mobile test container with STRONG 11 VARIO impressively demonstrates how modern compressor technology and clever system integration enable new business models. SCC air compressors provides the technical foundation for reliable, energy-efficient container solutions with the STRONG series – both for compressed air and for specialised applications such as nitrogen generation.

The combination of speed-controlled drive, IE4 motor efficiency, and robust design makes the STRONG 11 VARIO the ideal choice for mobile, container-based systems. SCC air compressors’ experience with container installations in various countries – from Italy to Austria and North Africa – underscores the reliability and flexibility of the technology.

For fittings manufacturers, testing service providers, and engineering companies, the container solution offers an economical, flexible alternative to building their own testing infrastructure. The investment in professional technology remains with the rental provider, while the benefits directly reach the customer: quick availability, reliable test results, calculable costs.

Are you planning a mobile testing or production system?

SCC air compressors supports you in selecting the right compressor for your container-based solution – whether for nitrogen generation, pressure testing, or other applications that require mobility, efficiency, and reliability. Our STRONG series offers capacities from 7.5 to 250 kW – all with speed-controlled drive, direct drive, and IE4 permanent magnet motors.

Let our experts advise you and find the right solution for your requirements. Whether for rental projects, mobile production facilities, or temporary infrastructure – SCC air compressors stands for technology that works.