Air compressors are critical to many operations and applications, so much so they are used in 70% of manufacturing in the United States. A wide variety of industries utilize compressed air, from oil and gas companies that use air to propel gas through pipelines; agricultural equipment such as sprayers and crop conveyors are powered by air compressors; pharmaceutical and food and beverage production companies use oil-free compressed air to help reduce contamination in packaging, and more.

Different uses of compressed air require the air stream to have different dimensions.[1] The most critical of these dimensions are air pressure, air flow and air quality. While all compressor types follow the same basic air compression process, some steps in that process differ for each type. Those differences can limit the practical values for some of the dimensions of the air stream they create, so the type of compressor you need depends to some degree on the use you’re putting your compressed air to.

hat’s the best compressor for your operation?

If you’re like many, you may respond to that question with the size of your compressor – a 100 horsepower unit! Or perhaps with the compressor type: rotary screw, piston or maybe even centrifugal. And some may answer based upon the air quality needed, such as oil free. If you’re in construction you may say a 185, or a 1600 or a high-pressure unit.

And while all these answers are correct, we often forget the most important way to describe the best compressor for your operation.

A working compressor.

Some of the most enduring images of the COVID-19 pandemic will be the photos of empty supermarket shelves, plastered across social media, as lockdown anxiety took hold. Fear became tangible through those images, giving us a stark reminder that the things we take for granted can be taken away in an instant.

Those scenes were particularly powerful to those in the commercial food and beverage manufacturing industry. Not only for the unprecedented demand that required a quick response, but as a red flag to operations managers. The margins of error have all but vanished now; the pandemic response has shown us we can never be too prepared, and that any failure or disruption to operations can be catastrophic.

In summer, your compressor will need some extra love and attention as you really don’t want them to take that surprise vacation possibly leading to costs in the thousands of pounds/dollars/euros, whatever your currency may be. We know the rising summer temperatures can make for challenging working conditions for your equipment and that includes air compressors. Compressed air systems are relied upon for numerous processes but often forgotten about until it breaks down and your operation comes to a halt. To prevent your compressor from taking a ‘surprise vacation’ this summer, you can keep them working with some preventive maintenance, saving you the ‘unplanned downtime’ later in the season.

Portable air compressors, no matter the size or size of your company, are a major purchase. It is important to consider your options carefully before investing in such a vital and integral part of your operation. To help guide your decision-making, below are five tips to help you make the most of your portable purchase.

Consistent and correctly performed maintenance will ensure the compressor’s performance and extend its operational life. Following is a set frequency preventative maintenance plan for a 185 cfm portable diesel air compressor. Set frequency maintenance plans can vary based on engine manufacturer, compressor size, climate and day-to-day operating conditions.

Many industrial processes require clean, dry air – air free of moisture. The presence of water, dust, bacteria, microorganisms and industrial acids can ruin products and foul processes. For instance, food and beverage manufacturers often use air in their packaging processes. By retaining moisture, the shelf life of the food items will be diminished. This is only one example, but by removing moisture and contaminants, it will help protect your downstream equipment and reduce maintenance costs and downtime.

An oil flooded rotary screw air compressor is a lot like the human body. It requires routine upkeep and regular checkups to make sure it’s functioning as it’s supposed to. To avoid any problems, Sullair recommends the following best practices to maintain the longevity of your industrial air compressor.

When we hear about the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas or the Dubai Fountain at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai the first thing that comes to mind is likely the grandeur of the fountains and their choreographed performances set to lights and music. But beneath the surface of these world-famous attractions is a thoughtfully engineered design that aims to meet the same key drivers sought in any manufacturing setting: cost, energy savings and system functionality. Traditional fountains use pumps and pipes, but for displays of such size and power an air compressor has many benefits.