Securing round-the-clock glass production with Atlas Copco’s E-Air V1100 VSD compressor

To secure a stable and reliable air supply for this demanding environment, the production facility turned to Atlas Copco’s E-Air V1100 VSD electric compressor. 

Continuous operation in a demanding production environment 

Saint‑Gobain Glass Italia develops and produces high‑performance glass solutions for the construction sector, with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. The Pisa plant operates at full capacity around the clock, relying on compressed air to support critical processes across the entire facility.  

One of the key applications is the pneumatic conveying of raw materials. Compressed air at low pressure, around 4 bar, is used to transport raw materials from delivery trucks to storage silos, ensuring a continuous and efficient material flow into the production process. For this, an uninterrupted and stable air supply is essential. 

From emergency backup to permanent solution 

The Atlas Copco E-Air V1100 VSD was originally introduced as a rental unit. It was initially installed outdoors as an emergency backup compressor, ensuring continuity during a critical period. 

After several months of rental operation, the performance of the unit convinced Saint‑Gobain to make it a permanent part of the installation. The compressor was purchased and moved indoors into the compressor room. Installed with fixed piping and Atlas Copco filtration at the outlet, the electric E-Air V1100 VSD now operates as a stationary unit feeding one of the main compressed air lines of the plant. 

This transition highlights the versatility of the air compressor: designed as a portable compressor, yet fully capable of replacing stationary units in continuous industrial applications. 

Proven reliability under harsh conditions 

The compressor room at the Pisa plant presents challenging operating conditions. The glass production process generates significant airborne dust, which places additional strain on equipment and increases the risk of downtime. 

Despite these conditions, the E-Air compressor has accumulated around 4,000 hours of continuous operation without any unplanned stoppages. Its robust design and proven reliability have made it a dependable solution in an environment where downtime is not an option. The unit replaced an aging centrifugal compressor that could no longer reliably support the plant’s demanding operating schedule. 

Efficiency, control and lower total cost of ownership 

Beyond reliability, efficiency was a key factor in Saint‑Gobain’s satisfaction with the solution. The E-Air V1100 compressor is equipped with variable speed drive technology, allowing the compressor to adjust its output to actual air demand. This significantly reduces energy consumption, an important advantage in energy‑intensive industries such as glass manufacturing. 

Daily operation is simplified thanks to the intuitive control panel, while connectivity via Atlas Copco’s FleetLink system enables remote monitoring. This allows the service partner to follow machine status and operating hours and to plan maintenance proactively, reducing the risk of unexpected downtime and contributing to a lower total cost of ownership.

A flexible solution for critical industrial processes 

Today, Atlas Copco’s E-Air V1100 VSD compressor plays a key role in maintaining uninterrupted glass production at Saint‑Gobain Glass Italia in Pisa. What began as a temporary rental solution has become a permanently installed, mission‑critical asset. 

By combining robustness, energy efficiency and flexibility, the air  compressor demonstrates how it can successfully support stationary applications in demanding industrial environments. For Saint‑Gobain, it delivers exactly what matters most: reliable compressed air, continuous production and peace of mind. 

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