Compressed air equipment is used widely throughout numerous industries, including manufacturing and non-manufacturing. Nearly every industrial setting, from small machine shops to huge manufacturing plants, needs some kind of compressed air system. Compressed air equipment is so important for many facilities that they simply cannot operate without it.
Compressed Air System Applications by Industry
Industrial compressed air equipment is used in a wide range of applications across numerous industries. A compressed air system is designed to compress and store air, which can then be used to power various industrial tools and equipment.
Some of the industries that use compressed air equipment include the following:
Agriculture
Farming is no longer an industry that is operated by hand. Instead, heavy equipment and machinery are required these days – including air compression equipment. Sprayers, pumps, tractors, crop conveyors, milking machines, and many other types of agricultural equipment are powered by air compressors. Also, in the agriculture industry, compressed air is used to properly distribute ventilation and clean air in greenhouses and dairy farms and to winterize irrigation systems and pipes in cold climates.
Construction
In the construction industry, a seemingly endless number of tools are used for all kinds of construction projects and jobs. Many of these tools use compressed air to operate. For example, nail guns, jackhammers, compactors, drills, lifting equipment, and more are all supported by air compressors. Additionally, air compressors are used in construction areas like road building, infrastructure development, and demolition work.
Energy
The energy industry requires dependable power that is low maintenance and flexible. Some of the ways air compression equipment helps with that include the following:
- Controlling valves in coolant and steam circuits
- Powering pneumatic equipment and tools
- Ventilating boiler houses
- Motion compensation on oil rigs when turbulent ocean conditions exist
The oil and gas industry uses air compressors for:
- Pipeline transportation – Compressed air is used to transport gas through pipelines.
- Petroleum refining – Pressurized processed gas is the catalyst in the refining process.
- Gas injection – Increased oil injections and gas pressures help recover crude oil.
- Petrochemical synthesis – Specific air pressurization in the manufacturing process affects petrochemicals, including ethylene glycol, ethylene, urea, methanol, and ammonia.
Food and Beverage
The food and beverage industry relies heavily on the use of compressed air equipment. This is an industry that must have consistent and contaminant-free compressed air to ensure the safety and quality of its products. Air compressors are used for:
- Filling foods – Filling foods like pastries, pies, and cakes is done using compressed air.
- Pumping fluid – Pumps use compressed air to move and fill products.
- Mixing foods – Compressed air helps regulate the efficiency of mixers used to combine ingredients.
- Packaging – Compressors are the main type of equipment used to package and tightly seal produce. Compressed air is also used for sprayers, presses, and conveyor belts.
- Air knives – Compressed air controls the peeling and cutting of foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
- Nitrogen generation – Using nitrogen for packaging usually requires a powerful compressor to produce filtered air.
Mining
In mining, compressed air systems are instrumental in providing an efficient way of resource extraction. For example, air compressors are used in the production of watertight chambers in mining, and compressed air with a pressurized caisson is used to help prevent water and mud from entering workspaces.
The creation of compressed air rock drills allows miners to tunnel much faster. And most importantly, compressed air equipment provides ventilation to underground workers with breathable air and a cooler environment.
Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical plants use air compression in various tasks, including mixing, shaping, hardening, and coating tablets and pills. Additionally, air compressors are used to power tools that ensure the specific formulation and balance of medication ingredients. Air compression systems also help purify medications of contaminants and allow for the proper portioning, distribution, and packaging of products.
Transportation
In automobile production, car parts and components are propelled through an assembly line that is powered by air compressors. From the construction to the installation of parts using robotic arms, many tools are air powered, making the process more efficient as well as safer. Aside from vehicle manufacturing, air compression equipment is used for inflating tires, cleaning, and painting cars. Mechanics and body shops frequently utilize compressors when repairing vehicles.
Train and subway operations also use compressed air systems, allowing trains to stop safely, open and close train doors, and in controlling suspension.
Want to Know More about Compressed Air Systems?
Whether your industry requires rotary screw, oil-free, or a reciprocating air compressor, we are dedicated to providing customers with the tools and technologies they need to operate efficiently and effectively.
If you have questions about air compressor purchasing, renting, or performing routine maintenance, we’re here to help. Contact one of our ESA professionals to discuss your specific needs. We offer a range of solutions, including turn-key installations, custom installations, system audits, and reporting to minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations.
