In Portugal’s Alentejo region, Solubema Quarry faces some harsh operational challenges. Extreme temperatures and pervasive dust are met with Atlas Copco’s E-Air H250 VSD portable air compressors, prioritizing efficiency, reliability and mobility in marble extraction.
Portugal's largest marble quarry at the heart of the Alentejo region. Image Credit: Atlas Copco
Situated in Vila Viçosa, at the heart of the Alentejo region, Solubema Quarry is Portugal’s largest marble quarry and a key supplier of premium stone to global markets. Operating in an unforgiving environment where summer temperatures soar to 45 °C and winter chills dip as low as -4 °C, the quarry also contends with relentless dust from its daily operations. In these tough conditions, maintaining efficiency and productivity is a significant challenge. To overcome these hurdles, Solubema Quarry has deployed five Atlas Copco E-Air H250 VSD portable air compressors, designed to excel in the toughest environments.
The environment here tests every piece of equipment. The extreme heat, the cold, and the constant dust require machinery that can handle any challenge it is faced with. With Atlas Copco’s E-Air portable compressors, we’ve found a solution that is both reliable and efficient, even in these hard conditions.
Tiago Gonçalves, Operations Manager, Solubema Quarry
Prioritizing Productivity and Efficiency
The E-Air H250 VSD portable air compressors have become essential to the daily operations at Solubema Quarry. The electric units power critical equipment, including stone-cutting machines, drilling rigs, and pneumatic hammers, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of compressed air. The electric drive eliminates the need for an internal combustion engine, ensuring a consistent supply of emission-free air. Because the units produce no local emissions, they can safely operate near the marble stone and site operators without causing any harm. This feature aligns perfectly with the company’s commitment to enhancing working conditions and reducing emissions.
The portable compressors’ Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology optimizes energy use, adapting to the specific demands of each application. By replacing older, less efficient diesel units, the electric mobile compressors have significantly reduced the quarry’s operational costs while maintaining high productivity.
Atlas Copco’s E-Air units have delivered transformative results. Their efficiency has lowered our energy usage, while their robustness has reduced the time and cost associated with maintenance.
Tiago Gonçalves, Operations Manager, Solubema Quarry
A Partnership Built On Trust
Beyond the performance of the equipment itself, Solubema Quarry has benefited from Atlas Copco’s extensive customer service. With a robust global support network and quick access to spare parts, the quarry has experienced minimal downtime, ensuring operations continue without disruption.
Atlas Copco’s team is always available to support us, and their equipment consistently performs at the highest level. This partnership has been instrumental in helping us meet our productivity goals.
Tiago Gonçalves, Operations Manager, Solubema Quarry
Setting the Standard for Quarry Operations
In a region where environmental conditions are as demanding as the work itself, Solubema Quarry continues to push the boundaries of operational efficiency. With Atlas Copco’s electric E-Air H250 VSD portable air compressors at the heart of its operations, the quarry demonstrates how reliable machines can transform the toughest conditions into opportunities for growth and success.