When people hear about compressed air systems, they think about independent industrial applications and businesses. However, compressed air systems are also used in most college or university settings. While these settings don’t typically come to mind as often as other industrial operations, the use of compressed air is no less important to those who utilize it within a university setting, whether students working in a lab or university employees performing maintenance around the campus. Here are a few different ways air compression systems are used for applications found at universities or colleges.
Work in Labs
Many different colleges and universities are known for their involvement with research and science in one way or another. Schools with well-known and high-performing science labs often utilize compressed air for certain aspects of their lab work. Oil-free compressed air systems are popular for labs located within colleges or universities. These compressors offer reliable sources of compressed air without the risk of contaminants or oils making their way into the products being created by the lab. This makes oil-free compressors an ideal option for university laboratories working with pharmaceutical materials or other products requiring a high level of air purity for health or safety purposes.
Maintenance Work
Air compressors are utilized by more than students on college or university campuses. In fact, maintenance workers are one of the most common occupations that require the use of an air compressor within a university campus. Maintenance work on college campuses is constantly being done, with efficiency and reliability of the utmost importance to keep the campus clean and running smoothly for students and other faculty. Maintenance workers use compressed air for various tasks, including blowing dust and other debris out of important equipment, inflating tires for vehicles used on the campus, and powering and pneumatic tools they need to use to complete their jobs appropriately. Both rotary screw and piston air compressors are ideal for maintenance work on collegiate campuses.
Powering Pneumatic Tools or Machines
One of the most common uses for air compressors, whether on university campuses or for independent industrial businesses, is the operation of pneumatic tools or machines. Pneumatic tools and equipment rely on compressed air to operate properly, making a reliable air compressor a must-have for any application using this type of machinery. Universities and colleges with production or manufacturing programs regularly utilize pneumatic tools throughout the manufacturing process. Without air compressors, the efficiency of the manufacturing process can take a significant hit, with production time increasing while product standards decrease. This puts the entire manufacturing process at risk, so having a reliable and easy-to-maintain air compressor is important, as it can make or break the entire production process.
Backup Power Sources
With so many students and faculty members relying on universities for their education and livelihood, the chance of power outages creating issues for attendees and staff has to be appropriately addressed by the college, ensuring that classes and programs are able to take place as scheduled. Otherwise, weather or other power-related issues, particularly in states where inclement weather and natural disasters are a common risk, can cause delays in classes, shut down programs or laboratories, and impact manufacturing processes until power is restored. Air compressors can serve as auxiliary power sources for schools or colleges in a pinch and can provide power sources to back up buildings or important equipment in the case of an emergency.
Education and Research
Air compressors are also a source of study at some colleges and universities. Compressors used for educational purposes need to be properly maintained and work appropriately to educate students on their operation, studying their efficiency as a system, and discussing the applications in which they may be used. While these air compressors aren’t necessarily relied upon for their performance at a certain task, they need to be in proper working condition to allow students to study them for various educational purposes.
Other Specific Applications
While we have gone over a number of the most common uses for compressed air systems within universities, there are also a wide variety of other specific applications that may use compressed air on campuses. For instance, universities that offer farming classes or educational programs may use air compressors. In fact, colleges and universities that provide educational programs in any industry that typically uses compressed air are likely to have their own air compressors for research or training purposes.
Contact ESA Today for Your College Compressor Needs
Our trained technicians are no strangers to providing university campuses with the air compressors they need to carry out maintenance and education. With decades of experience, we help schools get the products they need while also saving them money. Our experts are dedicated to developing client relationships, providing our customers access to a wealth of knowledge and experience. If you or your school need your own air compressor, contact ESA today to learn how we can help you find what you need!