Compressor

Recorded inside the headframe of the mine Gröndalsgruvan in the Klackberg mining fields.
This Atlas compressor provided compressed air to drilling equipment and the compressed air train which were used in the mine. The compressor and the hoist were operated by a machinist.
The pressure tank is not inspected so the air is not compressed during this recording.
With a compressor tank the sound would change and more sound like a diesel engine on low speed like a big ship engine.

A headframe, also known as a gallows frame, winding tower, hoist frame, pit frame, shafthead frame, headgear, headstock or poppethead, is the structural frame above an underground mine shaft. This headframe is unique because it’s built by slag stones from a charcoal heated blast furnace.

Manufacturer: Atlas, Sweden
Installed 1904 and in use to 1966 when the mine was closed.
The compressor is powered by a 125 kW ASEA electric engine from 1904.

Sound recordist: Torsten Nilsson
Photographer: Torsten Nilsson
Video recordist: Torsten Nilsson