Containerized compressor stations for the resource industry
Reliable compressed air, wherever your site is
In the resource industry, access to a steady, dependable supply of compressed air is not a nice-to-have; it’s a baseline requirement to keep operations running. Whether supporting a mine in the Australian Outback, an oil rig in Russia, or a logging site in a South American jungle, compressed air systems need to deliver consistent performance under pressure. However, traditional indoor compressor rooms are often not viable in these locations.
Instead, containerized compressor stations, such as Atlas Copco’s AIRCUBE, offer a more practical, transportable, and robust solution where infrastructure is limited or conditions are extreme.
For remote job sites:
- Outdoor-rated air compressor stations can be shipped just about anywhere
- No complex setup - just plug in the container and it’s ready to go
- They can be moved from site to site with relative ease
Why containerized compressor stations are the industry standard
In the resource industry, extreme environmental conditions combined with complex logistics create a narrow margin between operational success and costly setbacks. Equipment downtime or inefficient installations can quickly translate into substantial financial loss. That’s why selecting the right air compressor solution is key.
By aligning with the practical realities of resource industry operations, AIRCUBE containerized compressor rooms offer a fully customizable containerized compressor station designed to meet site-specific demands.
Key benefits for remote operations include:
- Fully modular design allows businesses to configure compressor rooms precisely to their operational requirements
- Easy deployment with no need for permanent infrastructure, enabling rapid site setup
- Transportability so units can be relocated as project phases evolve or sites change
- Plug-and-play functionality for quick startup with minimal installation downtime
- Robust construction engineered to withstand harsh climates and extreme conditions
Atlas Copco – Trusted partner of the resource industry
For decades, Atlas Copco has worked closely with mining, energy, and forestry sectors to develop compressed air solutions that function reliably in extreme and unpredictable environments. From desert climates to sub-zero conditions, we understand what’s required to keep remote operations moving.
Introducing the AIRCUBE - Tough equipment built for tough conditions
The resource sector generally operates in some of the most inaccessible and inhospitable places on earth. These exceptional circumstances pose unique challenges for all pieces of equipment. Any tools used in the resource sector must be able to withstand extremely harsh conditions.
In particular, this applies to containerized compressor rooms, which must keep the other equipment running. Because you may be able to overcome a malfunctioning drill, but if your compressor fails, the entire operation stops.
To meet the demands of remote and extreme sites, the AIRCUBE is engineered for operational stability across a wide range of temperatures and environments.
| Feature | Details |
Base container format |
20-foot or 40-foot ISO-certified sea container |
Standard operating temperature |
0°C to 45°C |
Optional low-temperature design |
Down to -40°C |
Custom low-temperature upgrade |
Down to -50°C (upon request) |
Custom high-temperature upgrade |
Up to 50°C (upon request) |
Outdoor rated compressor units
AIRCUBE is purpose-built for outdoor use. Each containerized compressor station is fully enclosed and equipped to operate in exposed environments, removing the need for a separate air compressor outdoor enclosure or outdoor air compressor shed. These units are certified for rugged conditions, making them true outdoor-rated air compressors that can be placed directly on-site—no additional housing required.
Whether you’re operating in a hot, dusty desert or a remote windy forest, your outdoor compressor unit is protected from the elements. That translates to faster deployment, lower infrastructure costs, and more reliable compressed air wherever your operations go.
Flexible transport options: Road, rail and air delivery
AIRCUBE’s ISO-certified containers are designed for easy transport across road, rail, and air. For mining companies operating in remote areas, aerial transport for mining companies is possible, enabling quick delivery where roads don’t reach. This ensures compressed air systems can be deployed or relocated swiftly.
Built to perform, inside and out
In addition to a tough exterior, the quality of the contents of the container is equally important. To accommodate their individual requirements, Atlas Copco customers can assemble their own AIRCUBE by choosing from a wide range of compressors and other compressed air equipment. All of these components are part of Atlas Copco’s product portfolio, which means they are CE-certified and have been thoroughly tested.
That not only allows us to build an AIRCUBE quickly, it also makes it the perfect plug-and-play solution. In addition, because all of the equipment comes from a single, trusted source, it increases the dependability of the AIRCUBE even further. And that is especially important for remote work sites where it may take days to get a spare part, and downtime costs grow exponentially.
Quality air supply matters even more in remote sites
Higher quality air means that all downstream equipment is better protected and will last longer. That is the reason why the AIRCUBE offers a range of air quality options, including dryers and filters. The longer the service life of your equipment, the lower your total cost of ownership.
Smart add-ons to fit your operation
After selecting the Atlas Copco products they want to install in their AIRCUBE, customers can also pick from a wide range of additional options to further tailor their containerized compressor room to their needs. The containers already come with standard features, such as ventilation, internal power distribution, CE certification and lighting, but, upon request, we will add others.
| Add-on options | When to consider |
|---|---|
| Fire detection system | For remote or high-temperature environments |
| UD/QDT filtration systems | When high-purity air is critical to application quality |
| EQ control panels | For multi-unit systems or where remote control is required |
| Electronic water drain | To automate condensate removal and reduce manual maintenance |
| Dryer bypass arrangement | When uninterrupted air supply is needed during dryer maintenance |
| Aluminium tear plate flooring | For enhanced durability and safety in high-traffic or rugged environments |
| Witnessed FAT of package | When customer validation and compliance assurance are required before shipment |
Start building your AIRCUBE
Need compressed air in a remote, rugged, or temporary setup? Let’s configure an AIRCUBE that matches your environment, budget, and technical needs.
