Atlas Copco Helping to Breathe Life into Prague’s Šítkóv Weir
In the heart of Prague, where cobbled streets and gothic spires whisper tales of centuries past, a silent titan of Czech engineering quietly endures: the Šítkóv Weir. Built in the 16th century, this historic dam has long shaped the flow of the Vltava River, supporting everything from riverside mills to commercial waterways. But time, as it does, has taken its toll.
Today, the Šítkóv Weir is undergoing a remarkable transformation. With modern machinery and skilled hands, the restoration project blends heritage preservation with cutting-edge technology. And at the centre of it all is an Atlas Copco’s XAS 88-7 portable air compressor, breathing new life into an ancient marvel.
A 16th-century legacy worth preserving
Spanning 280 metres with a central spillway, the Šítkóv Weir isn’t just a structure; it’s a cultural landmark. For over 400 years, it’s helped define the rhythm of Prague’s development, steering both water and industry through the city. Though the last significant repairs took place in the 1950s, the decades since have left their mark. Constant exposure to the elements has slowly eroded the weir’s strength, making its renovation not just necessary but urgent.
Now, under the watchful gaze of Prague’s skyline and the careful coordination of construction firm Nowastav, efforts are underway to preserve the weir’s structural and historical integrity for generations to come. And the technology aiding that task is as robust as the structure it supports.
Powering progress
At the core of the restoration work is the XAS 88-7 portable air compressor from Atlas Copco – a piece of kit that’s small in size but mighty in output. Perched on a custom-built floating platform mid-river, the XAS 88-7 powers two demolition hammers and a compressed air blow gun, making it the beating heart of the operation.
This isn’t just about power, though. It’s about efficiency and reliability in a high-stakes environment. Martin Voščepinec of Nowastav put it simply: “Atlas Copco’s portable XAS 88-7 compressor handles all the necessary tasks on this unique construction site with remarkable efficiency, compactness, and reliability.”
It’s this versatility that sets the XAS 88-7 apart. By simultaneously powering multiple tools without missing a beat, it allows for precision restoration work without compromise. From chipping away at worn concrete to blowing away debris, this air compressor delivers exactly what’s needed – when it’s needed.
Built tough for tough environments
One of the standout advantages of the XAS 88-7 is its portability – and that’s not just a bonus, it’s essential. Weighing in at just 649kg and under two metres in length, this compact unit was designed for mobility. In a setting like the Šítkóv Weir restoration, where access is limited and space is tight, that nimbleness makes all the difference.
The unit’s durability also comes into play. Its corrosion-resistant frame and weather-proof construction mean it can withstand the challenges of being stationed on a river platform surrounded by cold water and unpredictable weather. That means less downtime and more productivity.
Add to that Atlas Copco’s advanced engine speed regulation technology, which delivers air only when required, and you’ve got a machine that not only performs under pressure but does so efficiently. The result? Extended operating times and reduced fuel consumption – an eco-conscious win in a world ever more focused on sustainability.
Navigating logistical hurdles with ease
Restoring a centuries-old weir in the middle of a river is no walk in the park, with logistics a major headache from day one. Accessing the platform meant crossing water – not ideal when you’re dealing with heavy machinery. That’s where the XAS 88-7’s lightweight design came into its own.
Transported via boat, the compressor was manoeuvred with ease onto its floating perch, saving the team time, effort, and unnecessary complexity. Once on site, it performed flawlessly, ticking all the boxes for flexibility, safety, and power.
The rugged build, combined with the lower cost of ownership thanks to Atlas Copco’s smart regulation tech, made the XAS 88-7 an economical and logistical asset for the project. It’s a clear example of how the right equipment can simplify even the most complicated restoration efforts.
Fusing history with innovation
What makes the restoration of the Šítkóv Weir truly special is the marriage of old and new. Traditional techniques are being enhanced with contemporary engineering to protect a piece of Prague’s soul. Atlas Copco’s involvement shows that preserving the past doesn’t mean shunning innovation – quite the opposite.
In fact, the XAS 88-7 serves as a model of how modern tools can adapt to the intricacies of heritage sites. From energy efficiency to transportability, it’s built to meet the demands of construction professionals tasked with delicate, high-stakes projects.
The broader mission
Atlas Copco isn’t new to pushing boundaries. As a global leader in industrial solutions, the company has built a reputation for delivering technology that enables transformation. In 2023 alone, the group generated revenues of BSEK 173 and employed around 53,000 people worldwide.
Its Power Technique division is leading the charge when it comes to mobile and efficient air solutions. With a footprint that spans Belgium, Brazil, China, India, and the US, and a focus on mobile compressors, boosters, and light demolition tools, the Portable Air division sits at the intersection of performance and portability – precisely what the Prague project needed.
Preserving the past, one breath at a time
In a city that wears its history on every corner, the Šítkóv Weir represents the delicate balance between yesterday and tomorrow. The use of Atlas Copco’s XAS 88-7 portable air compressor in its restoration proves that when history and innovation collide, the results can be spectacular.
From powering critical tools on a floating platform to overcoming logistical nightmares with ease, the XAS 88-7 has earned its place in this remarkable story. As Prague continues to preserve its landmarks for future generations, it’s clear that smart engineering solutions like this will be instrumental.
