XRHS 650 (PACE) Diesel Mobile Air Compressor

The Atlas Copco XRHS 650 (PACE) is a high-pressure mobile diesel air compressor built for work that 194 kW (260 hp), 14-20 bar (203-300 psi) , delivers 656-758 cfm (18.6-21.7 m³/min).

Product Introduction

The Atlas Copco XRHS 650 is a high-pressure mobile diesel air compressor built for work that a standard 7–10 bar portable machine cannot reach. Where most job-site compressors stop at 10 bar, the XRHS 650 operates at 20 bar (300 psi), XRHS 650 PACE operates at 14-20 bar (203-390 psi), a pressure class that matches the inlet requirements of down-the-hole (DTH) hammers for water-well and mineral exploration drilling, the test-pressure envelope of medium-pressure pipelines, and high-pressure blasting rigs where nozzle pressure directly sets material removal rate. The XRHS 650 comes in two builds: a fixed-pressure standard version and a PACE version with electronically adjustable pressure, both driven by a Cummins DCEC QSB6.7-C260 Tier 3 diesel rated at 194 kW (260 hp).

Technical specifications

What the 14-20 Bar Output of the XRHS 650 and XRHS 650 PACE Means

Its pressure performance sets the XRHS 650 apart from conventional portable air compressors. Typical construction‑grade compressors generate 7‑10 bar pressure — sufficient power for rock breakers and hand drills, yet inadequate for down‑the‑hole (DTH) hammer operations or pipeline pressure testing. The standard‑spec XRHS 650 delivers a constant 20 bar (300 psi) alongside 671 cfm free air output. This output can sustain a mid‑size DTH hammer for water‑well drilling and mineral exploration boreholes, while simultaneously powering foam or mist injection pumps on the same air circuit. This operating pressure also falls within the required test‑pressure window for medium‑pressure pipelines: pipelines designed for 12‑16 bar service normally require hydrostatic testing at 15‑24 bar, a requirement that 10‑bar compressors cannot fulfil.

The PACE variant of the XRHS 650 retains the original engine and 290 L fuel capacity, but replaces fixed mechanical pressure limitation with controller‑driven adjustable pressure. Via the Xc2004 controller, operators can select any working set‑point between 5 bar and 20 bar. Its two key marketed operating points produce 758 cfm at 14 bar and 656 cfm at 20 bar. This performance flexibility delivers tangible benefits for blasting and surface‑coating removal work. Within a single work shift, crews can run 14 bar for general‑purpose cleaning or thin‑material substrates, then increase pressure to 20 bar for heavy‑duty mill‑scale and rust removal. No regulator reconfiguration or secondary compressor unit is needed. Across the full adjustment range, air output varies inversely with set pressure: lower pressure settings yield higher air volume from the compressor element.

XRHS 650 (PACE) Diesel Mobile Air Compressor Applications

Water‑well and Mineral Exploration Drilling

For DTH hammer drills, penetration rates in hard rock depend heavily on inlet pressure rather than air volume alone. The XRHS 650’s 14‑20 bar output is well‑matched to small‑to‑medium DTH hammers with 4‑6‑inch bore diameters. Its 671 cfm air supply supports both hammer operation and auxiliary foam or mist injection from one single unit. For drill rigs working across variable depths or rock formations, the PACE configuration offers extra operational flexibility: operators can raise pressure to tackle harder rock formations without halting drilling operations.

Pipeline Pressure Testing and Drying

Hydrostatic pressure testing for welded steel pipelines requires pressurising the line to 1.25‑1.5 times its design working pressure. For medium‑pressure pipelines, this equates to 15‑24 bar — beyond the maximum output of standard portable compressors. Running at 20 bar, the XRHS 650 directly covers this test‑pressure range. Its large‑capacity 290 L fuel tank enables the extended, continuous run times required for field‑based pressure tests. Once testing is complete, the same compressor provides high‑pressure compressed air to dry and purge pipeline interiors.

High‑Pressure Abrasive Blasting and Coating Removal

Blasting nozzle pressure governs the kinetic energy of the abrasive media stream. Operating at 14‑20 bar, the XRHS 650 drives 3/8‑inch to 1/2‑inch blast nozzles. Compared with equivalent air volumes at 7‑10 bar, this higher pressure removes mill scale, aged coatings and corrosion at significantly faster rates. The PACE version is particularly practical for surface‑preparation contractors. Operators can reduce pressure during the same shift when working on thin‑gauge steel or aluminium workpieces, preventing substrate damage while keeping the compressor in continuous service.

XRHS 650 Operating Envelope and Maintenance

Without aftercooler fitted, the XRHS 650 is approved for continuous operation in ambient temperatures ranging from ‑10 °C up to +50 °C. With aftercooler installed, the upper ambient operating limit reduces to +45 °C. An integrated cold‑start aid lowers the minimum starting temperature to ‑25 °C, supporting winter‑site drilling operations.

Routine maintenance is designed for ease of service:
– The 17.8 L engine oil sump and 60 L compressor oil circuit sit behind easily‑accessible service panels. Spin‑on filter cartridges are fully compatible with standard Cummins service kits.
– Under full‑load 20‑bar operation, the 290 L fuel tank delivers approximately six to nine hours of continuous runtime. Actual endurance varies according to ambient temperature and aftercooler activation status.

For transport: the standalone compressor unit measures 3167 × 1470 × 1400 mm with a dry weight of 2800 kg. Mounted on its single‑axle towable chassis, overall dimensions become 4858 × 2010 × 2313 mm and total weight reaches 3000 kg. This towed‑package specification stays within the towing capacity of most mid‑size utility trucks across global markets。

Brochure Download

For more detailed product information, performance curves, and dimension drawings for Atlas Copco XRHS 650 (PACE) Diesel Mobile Air Compressor , please refer to the following brochure:

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