Atlas Copco Power Technique and authorised distributor, ATCO Pneumatics, have, through their dynamic partnership, introduced the new Atlas Copco XATS 1200PACE air compressor into marine pipeline cleaning, marking a strategic entry into a new sector and application.
Over the past six years, ATCO Pneumatics’ customer, Wilmar Processing SA, a leading food processing specialist based in Richards Bay, has been successfully operating an Atlas Copco XAHS 400PACE compressor to clean single marine and edible oil pipelines. A surge in production volumes intensified the need to clean two pipelines simultaneously. Requiring a higher-capacity machine to meet this growing demand, Wilmar Processing SA turned to Atlas Copco’s rental division, securing a XATS 1200PACE compressor.
With operating pressures of 5-10 bar (72-150 psi) and flows between 34.6 and 31.5 m³/min, the XATS has the muscle needed to clean multiple oil pipelines simultaneously boosting productivity, increasing output and sharply reducing turnaround times. The effectiveness of the compressor soon became evident, prompting Wilmar Processing SA’s strategic decision to purchase a XATS 1200PACE from ATCO Pneumatics.
The pipelines transfer oil directly from ships to the processing plant and cleaning them with a specialised Pigging System is vital for sustaining efficiency, safeguarding product integrity and reducing downtime in a high‑demand production environment. ATCO Pneumatics Director, Sarah Sclanders, describes the system: ‘It consists of a Pig Launcher, where the Pig is placed into a sealed, pressurised chamber before being propelled down the pipeline. Designed to fit snugly against the pipe walls, the Pig scrapes away build‑up and pushes debris forward as it travels through the pipeline. Compressed air is at the heart of the process, generating the critical pressure required to propel the Pig along the pipeline.’”
“The XATS compressor range was specifically developed by Atlas Copco to cover a multitude of applications,” emphasises Johnathan Cassell, APE Sales Engineer at Atlas Copco Power Technique. “We scientifically designed these air compressors around the principles of pressure and flow, with the focus on how these two variables interact. The compressor is engineered to identify the optimal combination for each application, improving efficiency by reducing both time spent and fuel consumed. This intelligent capability is made possible through Atlas Copco’s pioneering PACE™ (Pressure Adjusted through Cognitive Electronics) Technology, which delivers the widest operating pressure range within a single compressor.”
Johnathan goes on to explain: “An electronic regulation system, programmed via a digital controller, allows multiple pressure and flow settings so users can match air output precisely to their application needs. By incorporating an electronically controlled pressure‑regulating valve, the intuitive PACE™ system extends both pressure and FAD (Free Air Delivery) ranges. Thanks to this innovation, users gain the versatility of three machines in one package, with more options and greater flexibility from a single compressor. In addition to fuel efficiencies of up to 15% delivered by the Cummins G3/Stage IIIA engine, the compressor adds further financial value by eliminating the need for additional machines.”
The XATS 1200PACE compressor was supplied, installed and commissioned by ATCO Pneumatics at the end-user site in mid-January 2026 and Sarah confirms that the machine is ready to be put through its paces once the next marine oil shipment arrives. Project management is led by ATCO Manager / Pressure Vessel Inspector, Gawie Stoltz, who will oversee execution when the compressor goes into operation. Sarah adds that under Gawie’s experienced leadership the transition from commissioning to full performance will be seamless.
Compressor operators who were on site when the unit delivered, dedicated between one and two hours to demonstrate the start and stop procedures as well as the required prestart inspection to Wilmar Processing SA technicians.
ATCO Pneumatics is responsible for the after-service and repairs of all Atlas Copco units sold in their region, a role supported by their technicians who complete online training on every unit. “Through this training, they familiarise themselves with our PACE technology and build the technical expertise required to deliver reliable after-service support and repairs,” notes Johnathan.
The partnership between Atlas Copco and ATCO Pneumatics in supplying the XATS 1200PACE to support Pigging Systems has been truly groundbreaking. “Beyond opening new markets and opportunities in the oil & gas sector, the introduction of this air compressor into the marine and edible oil pipeline segment, which is a relatively new application area for us, underscores the versatility of Atlas Copco’s machines,” states Johnathan. “It showcases how our compressed air solutions, long proven in construction and mining, are now being successfully extended into a wide range of processing applications across diverse sectors.”
“Most importantly, this successful implementation illustrates the synergy between Atlas Copco and our valued distributor, ATCO Pneumatics, proving that together we have the technology and expertise to empower customers to tackle demanding new challenges, drive greater productivity and unlock opportunities for growth and innovation well into the future,” concludes Johnathan.
ATCO Pneumatics, appointed in 2012 as an authorised Atlas Copco Power Technique distributor, is headquartered in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, and proudly upholds a Level 2 B-BBEE status.
