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 V28 portable air compressor and B18TT high-pressure booster are proving their mettle in Romania, supporting one of the region’s most demanding pipeline testing projects on the shores of the Black Sea.
Managed by gas infrastructure specialist Gazpet Instal, the project is located in Constanța—a bustling seaport city that’s emerging as a key node in the energy supply chain. With up to 40km of pipeline undergoing integrity testing between 2023 and 2026, the job requires machines that can endure punishing conditions while delivering high-pressure performance every day.
“Gazpet Instal knew exactly what they needed: reliable, high-performance machines that can handle tough pressure testing day in and day out,” said Cristian Tocu, Sales Engineer at Atlas Copco Power Technique Eastern Europe. “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.”
The DrillAir V28 compressor, paired with the B18TT booster, delivers working pressures of up to 90 bar—crucial for the hydrostatic and pneumatic testing being carried out. Together, they offer a combination of high-pressure capability, low fuel consumption, and Stage V emissions compliance, making them a sustainable yet powerful choice for pipeline testing.
Durability has been a major factor in the project’s success. Operating in a coastal environment, the machines must contend with salt-laden air, dust, humidity, and freezing temperatures. Their robust design has enabled round-the-clock operations through Romania’s shifting weather conditions—something Gazpet Instal considers critical to staying on schedule.
“In environments like Constanța, you need machines that don’t flinch,” said 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.”
The compressors were delivered through Atlas Copco’s local customer centre, ensuring hands-on service and fast mobilisation. The success of this deployment highlights the synergy between robust product design and strong local partnerships; key ingredients in any high-stakes infrastructure project.
As the global energy sector demands higher efficiency and lower emissions, portable air solutions like these are playing a vital role in maintaining the safety and performance of critical infrastructure. In Constanța, Atlas Copco’s machines are not just keeping the pressure up — they’re helping to set new standards for resilience and reliability in the field.
