Built for the Pressure: Atlas Copco’s DrillAir Portable Air Compressors and High-pressure Boosters Support Pipeline Integrity in Romania

To test the limits of a pipeline, you need to trust the machines behind the pressure. On the shores of the Black Sea, Atlas Copco’s portable air solutions prove their strength in one of Romania’s most important infrastructure projects. Atlas Copco’s DrillAir portable air compressors and boosters are designed for demanding environments. With working pressures up to 90 bar, they’re ideal for rigorous pipeline testing and inspection.

Constanta, a busy seaport city with a rich heritage, plays a growing role in the region’s energy future. Its coastal location makes it a natural hub for large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing pipeline testing program currently underway.

This project, which began in 2023 and is expected to wrap up by 2026, involves testing and securing between 20 and 40 kilometres of pipeline. It’s managed by SC Gazpet Instal Srl (“Gazpet Instal”), a specialist in gas pipe testing and welding. The company needed robust and reliable equipment to meet the environmental challenges of the area—including salt air, humidity, dust, and freezing temperatures.

To meet the tough demands of the environment and the rigorous testing procedures, Gazpet Instal turned to Atlas Copco’s DrillAir V28 portable air compressor and B18TT high-pressure booster.

 

A test of integrity: Built for pressure and performance

Pipeline testing, whether hydrostatic testing or pneumatic pressure checks, relies on a steady and powerful flow of high-pressure air. That’s where the DrillAir V28 portable air compressor and B18TT booster come in. They offer several key features that make them ideal for this project:

• High-pressure capability: The B18TT booster increases the system’s working pressure to 90 bar, essential for thorough integrity testing.
• Durability: With a robust build, both units are built to handle harsh outdoor conditions, from dust and corrosion to extreme heat and cold.
• Stage V engine compliance: The DrillAir V28’s engine meets the latest emission standards while delivering strong, reliable performance.
• Operational efficiency: With low fuel use and minimal maintenance needs, these machines help maximize uptime on site.

 

Tough solutions for tough challenges

This project highlights the strong collaboration between Atlas Copco Power Technique and Gazpet Instal in Romani. The machines were delivered directly by Atlas Copco’s local customer centre, ensuring quick support and a smooth integration into pipeline testing operations.

“Gazpet Instal knew exactly what they needed—reliable, high-performance machines that can handle tough pressure testing day in and day out,” says Cristian Tocu, Sales Engineer at Atlas Copco Power Technique Romania. “The DrillAir V28 and B18TT booster were a perfect fit. This project really showcases how our portable air solutions are designed for demanding applications like pipeline services.”

“In environments like Constanta, you need machines that don’t flinch,” says Razvan Trusu, Engineer and Executive Director at Gazpet Instal. “We’ve pushed the DrillAir V28 and B18TT to their limits—and they’ve delivered every time. From cold mornings to hot afternoons, their performance stays consistent. That kind of reliability helps us meet safety standards and stay on schedule.”

Supporting the future of gas infrastructure

As energy needs continue to grow, reliable equipment plays a key role in keeping gas infrastructure safe and efficient. The successful deployment of Atlas Copco’s portable compressor and booster in Romania is a strong example of how modern air solutions can deliver real results in the field.

 

About Atlas Copco Group 

Atlas Copco Group enables technology that transforms the future. They innovate to develop products, services and solutions that are key to their customers’ success. Atlas Copco four business areas offer compressed air and vacuum solutions, energy solutions, dewatering and industrial pumps, industrial power tools, and assembly and machine vision solutions. In 2023, the Group had revenues of BSEK 173, and at year end about 53 000 employees. www.atlascopcogroup.com

 

Power Technique 

Power Technique is a business area within Atlas Copco Group. They transform the future together with their customers with leading edge technology in portable air, energy solutions, dewatering and industrial pumps. Power Technique innovates to develop products, services and solutions that are key to their customers’ success.

 

Portable Air

Portable Air is a division within Atlas Copco Group, and part of the Power Technique Business Area. They design, manufacture and market mobile compressors, high pressure boosters and light demolition handheld tools for tough industries all over the world and under various brands. Portable Air is headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, with production in Brazil, China, India and the United States and a global sales organization.