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Compressor container for mobile nitrogen pressure testing
SCC air compressors has published several application reports from Italy in recent years – from production plants and workshops to specialized industrial solutions. Compressor containers and other container-based compressed air solutions are now also part of the company’s wealth of experience: in Austria, for example, SCC air compressors has implemented a container solution with three STORM 30 compressors together with its partner ADLER Kompressoren. This experience with mobile container installations forms the basis for another innovative project – this time for an Italian customer in the valve and fittings testing sector.
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 heart of this system is a STRONG 11 VARIO from SCC air compressors – a speed-controlled 11 kW screw compressor that serves as the centerpiece of a complete nitrogen generation and high-pressure testing system. The container has already been used successfully in demanding climatic zones such as Tunisia and reliably supplies compressed air for test pressures of 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 have to be tested for leaks at extremely high pressures – in this case at 250 bar with nitrogen. However, setting up a stationary testing system involves high investment costs, long planning phases and a considerable amount of space. What’s more, 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 are active, there is a great need for flexible, mobile testing solutions. The alternative – external testing service providers – means logistical effort, deadline dependency 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 supplier has developed a fully equipped compressed air container that contains all the components for nitrogen generation and high-pressure testing. At the center 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
- Nominal 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-regulated control (VSD) is crucial for this application: the nitrogen generator and the downstream high-pressure booster require a constant, stable supply of compressed air. In a modern
The IE4 permanent magnet motor with direct drive ensures a consistently high level of 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 the partial load range. The direct drive eliminates losses through belts or gears and contributes to a compact, low-maintenance design.
The robust construction of the STRONG series is specially designed for continuous industrial operation. The generously dimensioned compressor stage operates at low speeds, which minimizes wear and increases the service life. The solid piping instead of hoses and the high-quality oil separation guarantee reliable compressed air quality – important for downstream components such as nitrogen generators and filters.
Other components in the container:
- Complete compressed air treatment: Dryers, filters and oil separators ensure dry, clean compressed air – a prerequisite for the reliable operation of the nitrogen generator.
- Nitrogen generator: Generates high-purity nitrogen from the compressed air, which is used for the leak test.
- High-pressure booster (300 bar maximum pressure): Compresses the nitrogen to the required 250 bar test pressure.
- Air conditioning: Protects the electronics and keeps the operating temperature stable even in hot regions (e.g. Tunisia).
The entire system is designed in such a way that it can be returned to the rental company once the tests have been completed and prepared for the next customer. This flexibility is only possible thanks 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 valve manufacturers a number of concrete advantages that go beyond pure 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 rent – only for the period in which they actually need the system.
Mobile and flexible in use: The container can be delivered by truck and set up at a suitable outdoor location. This saves hall space and allows it to be used directly at the customer’s production site or even at the end customer’s premises.
Fast commissioning, low installation effort: all components are pre-assembled, wired and tested at the factory. All the customer has to do is connect power and – if required – 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 supplies the required amount of air, even under load. The VSD control ensures stable pressures and prevents drops in performance during critical test phases.
Energy-efficient VSD control reduces operating costs: Compared to unregulated compressors, speed-regulated control can significantly reduce energy consumption depending on the load profile. In a typical test operation with changing demand peaks, this is noticeable in the electricity bill.
Can also be used in hot climates: The integrated air conditioning system protects the controls and electronics from overheating. The container has already been used successfully 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 the necessary components for nitrogen generation and high-pressure testing in a mobile, weatherproof unit. This eliminates the need for building infrastructure, shortens the commissioning time and enables flexible use at different locations. The container solution is ideal for service providers who rent out testing technology: the system can be quickly transported to different customers and returned once the work has been completed. The customer benefits from professional technology without any capital investment.
Why speed-controlled screw compressors in mobile systems?
Speed-controlled screw compressors (VSD) automatically adjust their output to the demand. This is particularly important in mobile test systems: the compressed air requirement fluctuates depending on the test phase – high demand during pressure build-up, lower demand during the holding time. An unregulated compressor would constantly switch between full load and idling, which wastes energy and increases wear. VSD control lowers energy consumption, reduces 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 variable speed control delivers consistent compressed air without fluctuations, which optimizes 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 construction is designed for continuous operation and demanding environments – the container has already been used successfully 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 power range.
What are the advantages of outsourcing nitrogen testing by container?
Companies that only occasionally carry out high-pressure tests avoid high investments in their own infrastructure with the container solution. The rental is flexible in terms of time and can be planned – the container comes when it is needed and leaves when the tests are complete. This saves capital, maintenance costs and hall space. The customer also benefits from technology that is always up to date: the landlord takes care of maintenance, servicing and regular inspections of the system. The risk of breakdowns or bad investments lies with the service provider. At the same time, the customer receives state-of-the-art professional testing technology – 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. With the STRONG series, SCC air compressors provides the technical basis for reliable, energy-efficient container solutions – both for compressed air and for specialized 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 – underlines the reliability and flexibility of the technology.
For valve manufacturers, testing service providers and engineering companies, the container solution offers an economical, flexible alternative to setting up their own testing infrastructure. The investment in professional technology remains with the lessor, while the benefits go directly to the customer: fast 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 – be it for nitrogen generation, pressure testing or other applications that require mobility, efficiency and reliability. Our STRONG range offers capacities from 7.5 to 250 kW – all with variable speed control, 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.
