Reviving history: Atlas Copco’s portable air compressor powers restoration of Prague’s Šítkov Weir
March 19, 2025
For centuries, the Šítkov Weir, an historic dam altering the flow of the Vltava river, has stood as a silent witness to Prague’s rich evolving history. Now, this 16th-century landmark is undergoing a transformative restoration powered by Atlas Copco’s XAS 88-7 portable air compressor, seamlessly merging heritage preservation with modern engineering.
Renovation of the historical Šítkov Weir with Atlas Copco's portable XAS 88-7 air compressor
Set against the timeless charm of Prague’s historic skyline, the Šítkov Weir has stood resilient against the currents of the Vltava River for over four centuries. Once a critical energy source powering riverside mills, the iconic structure is now undergoing meticulous restoration to safeguard its historical and functional legacy for future generations.
Dating back to the 16th century, the Šítkov Weir has been integral to Prague’s development. Over the years, it has adapted to meet the city’s evolving needs; supporting commerce, industry, and navigation along the Vltava. The last major repairs in the 1950s bolstered its structure, but decades of wear and exposure to the elements have taken their toll. Spanning 280 meters with a central spillway, the restoration is vital to preserving this cultural treasure and sustaining the Vltava as a crucial artery for transport and tourism.
Atlas Copco’s XAS 88-7 powering multiple tools
Central to the restoration effort is Atlas Copco’s XAS 88-7 portable air compressor, a compact yet powerful solution renowned for its reliability and efficiency. Positioned on a custom-built platform in the middle of the Vltava River, the portable air compressor powers two demolition hammers and a compressed air blow gun, ensuring the weir’s structural integrity is maintained during the renovation process.
The portable XAS 88-7 compressor’s ability to support multiple tools simultaneously has proven essential for tasks requiring precision and consistency.
Atlas Copco’s portable XAS 88-7 compressor handles all the necessary tasks on this unique construction site with remarkable efficiency, compactness, and reliability.
Ease of use meets durability
Atlas Copco’s XAS 88-7 compressor offers a blend of versatility, reliability, and practicality, making it a highly effective solution for demanding restoration projects like the Šítkov Weir. Thanks to Atlas Copco’s engine speed regulation technology, the unit delivers compressed air in an efficient way and only when demanded. The technology extends the working time of the portable air compressor, making it extra reliable.
Meeting logistical challenges
The restoration site, surrounded by water, introduced unique logistical hurdles. Accessing the site required specialized equipment and careful planning to ensure the portable air compressor could be transported safely. The team had to devise strategies to move the compressor across the water, which involved using boats to navigate towards the custom-built platform in the middle of the river. The compressor's robust design facilitated its transport to the challenging location and ensured it continued to perform effectively, playing a pivotal role in the success of the restoration project. This robust design, combined with the ease of use and enhanced availability thanks to Atlas Copco’s engine speed regulation technology, significantly lowers the total cost of ownership, allowing Nowastav to save money.
The Šítkov Weir restoration project highlights how advanced technology can play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage while addressing the intricate demands of modern construction. By seamlessly integrating contemporary solutions with traditional restoration techniques, Atlas Copco’s XAS 88-7 compressor exemplifies how innovation can support the delicate balance between historical conservation and present-day engineering requirements
The more than 400 years old Šítkov Weir is being renovated with an Atlas Copco XAS 88-7 portable air compressor
