How to Make Your Air Compressor More Efficient

Compressed air is one of the most widely used forms of energy throughout many industries, with approximately 70% of manufacturers using a compressed air system.

Compressed air can be one of the most expensive forms of energy for manufacturing plants, often using more energy than other equipment. One horsepower of compressed air requires eight horsepower of electricity. With many air compressors running at efficiencies as low as 10%, there’s often plenty of room for improvement. Fortunately, 50% of compressed air systems at small- to medium-sized industrial facilities have opportunities for low-cost energy conservation.

Air Compressor Efficiency

What influences air compressor energy efficiency? Such factors include type, model, size, motor power rating, system design, control mechanisms, uses and maintenance schedule. The chief reason for inefficient air compression is the loss of heat generated from the increased temperature of pressurized air and from friction caused by the system’s many moving parts.

When it comes to air compressor efficiency, it’s important to examine the entire system, which includes not only the air compressor itself but supply lines, air storage tanks, air dryers, receivers and after-coolers. By making the right adjustments to your compressed air system, you can save significant amounts of energy and money.

What Factors Make Air Compressors Inefficient?

Many factors can contribute to an air compressor’s inefficiency. Air compressor performance may grow less efficient with time when any of the following factors are at work:

1. Poor quality air intake: An air compressor’s efficiency can be significantly reduced if the incoming air is too hot, contains impurities or has high humidity.
2. Inconsistent air pressure controls: The air compressor controls deliver an inconsistent or sustained high pressure. When air compressors run closer to the maximum pressure, they can put increased strain on the system and reduce efficiency.
3. Design system flaws: Flaws in the system design can cause an air compressor to become less efficient. Design flaws may include an improperly sized distribution system, lack of recovery system and increased heat waste, unnecessary bends in the pipes and unfixed leaks.
4. Mismatched air compressor: The air compressor doesn’t match or is poorly tuned to the compressed air needs of your devices. When air compressors are mismatched to the application, the compressor’s efficiency and overall performance are significantly reduced.
5. Decreased pressure: Pressure drops in your air compressor system can have a noticeable impact on your air compressor’s efficiency. A pressure drop may occur from improperly sized pipes, excess moisture, dirty filters or long air travel distances.
6. Irregular maintenance: Inconsistent maintenance will cause the system to wear prematurely and increase repair expenses. Due to the number of moving parts and the heavy usage of these systems, failure to set a regular maintenance schedule can make air compressors inefficient.

How to Maximize Compressor Efficiency

Maximizing air compressor efficiency usually starts with determining what factors are wearing the system down. Energy-efficient compressors depend on both the controls and the design to provide maximum efficiency.

The most efficient air compressor system will require properly tuned controls that run closer to the minimum pressure and a well-maintained system design that matches the application.

Improve your system’s efficiency with the following approaches:

• Improve the quality of the air intake.
• Match the air compressor controls.
• Improve system design.
• Consider compressed air needs.
• Minimize pressure drop.
• Maintain your compressor.

By maximizing compressor efficiency using these approaches, you can also boost air compressor performance and increase its lifespan.

 

Improve the Quality of the Air Intake

There are three components of the air compression system that influence performance:

1. Temperature: The temperature of the intake air determines the density of the air. Cool air requires less energy to compress, making it far more efficient to pump into the air compressor system. Avoid using hot air, which has a lower density, as it will significantly reduce your productivity.
2. Composition: Clean intake air ensures that compressed air can move more smoothly through the system. Dirt, dust or other impurities in the air will accumulate inside an air compressor. These contaminants can build up on vital parts and cause wear as well as reduced storage capacity.
3. Humidity: Moisture can be harmful to an air compression system since it accumulates inside the system, causing components to rust. This may lead to wear and tear as well as leaks and reduced storage capacity. Dry air is less likely to damage your air compression system and tools performing work at the point of use.

Match the Air Compressor Controls

Air compressor controls match the compressor output with the demands of the compressor system, which may consist of a single compressor or multiple compressors. Such controls are essential for air compressor system efficiency and well as high performance.

Compressed air systems are designed to maintain a certain range of pressure and to deliver a volume of air that varies with end-user demands. The control system decreases compressor output when the pressure reaches a certain level. If pressure drops, on the other hand, compressor output is increased.

The most precise control systems can maintain low average pressure without falling below system requirements. Falling below system requirements may cause equipment to malfunction. This is why it’s so important to match system controls with storage capacity.

The following controls can help increase the efficiency of single compressors:

• Start and stop controls turn compressors on and off depending on pressure.
• Load and unload functions unload the compressor to discharge pressure.
• Modulating controls manage flow need, while multistep controls allow compressors to operate at partially loaded conditions.
• Dual-Control and Auto-Dual controls allow the selection of either start/stop or load/unload.
• Variable displacement can operate in two or more partially loaded conditions.
• Variable speed drives continuously adjust drive motor speed to meet variable demand requirements.
• Systems with multiple compressors use system master controls to coordinate all the functions necessary to optimize compressed air.
• System master controls can coordinate compressed air systems when complexity exceeds the capabilities of local and network controls. Such controls can monitor system components and trend data to enhance maintenance functions.
• Pressure and flow controllers store higher pressure air, which can later be used to meet fluctuations in demand.

A well-designed system should use the following:

• Demand control
• Storage
• Compressor controls
• Good signal locations
• Overall control strategy

The primary goal of such a system is to deliver compressed air at the lowest stable pressure while supporting fluctuation with stored higher pressure compressed air.

For multiple compressors, sequencing controls can meet demand by running compressors to meet system loads while taking them offline when not needed. Network controls also help manage loads for the entire system.

Improve System Design

There are six ways to improve the design of your air compressor system.

1. Straighten the path. Narrow delivery lines or sharp bends in those delivery lines can cause increased friction and pressure drops in the system, which means less pressure reaching the point of use. A better design without so many bends and loops should produce more pressure using the same energy.
2. Save energy when needed. A storage tank, or receiver, can buffer short-term demand changes and reduce on/off cycling. A tank can also prevent system pressure from dropping below minimum pressure requirements when demand is at its highest. A pressure drop may cause the system pressure to increase, resulting in wasted air pressure. Tanks are sized depending on the power of the compressor. A 50 horsepower air compressor, for example, needs a 50-gallon air receiver tank.
3. Cool the intake air. Since the energy needed to compress cool air is less than the energy needed to compress warmer air, you can reduce the energy required for compression by moving the compressor intake into a shaded area outside. A reduction of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, can lower operating costs by almost 3.8%.
4. Use several small compressors. Oversized air compressors can be very inefficient because they use more energy per unit while operating with a partial load. Such systems may benefit from the use of many smaller compressors with sequencing controls, permitting portions of the system to be shut down merely by turning off some of the compressors.
5. Recover waste heat. Waste heat can be used for boiling water for space heating and heating water. A properly designed heat recovery unit can recover 50-90% of the electrical energy used in air compression.
6. Locate near areas of high demand. By locating air receivers near sources of high demand, it’s easier to meet demand with reduced overall compressor capacity.

 

Consider Compressed Air Needs

1. Examine the load profile. A properly designed compressed air system should consider the load profile. If there are wide variations in air demand, the system will need to work efficiently when it’s under part-load. Multiple compressors will provide more economical energy use when there are large fluctuations in demand.
2. Minimize artificial demand. Artificial demand is the excess air volume required for unregulated use when using higher pressure than necessary for applications. If an application requires 50 psi and receives 90 psi, the system is producing unused air. Pressure regulators at the end-use can minimize artificial demand.
3. Determine the correct pressure needed. Required pressure levels must consider system losses from filters, piping, separators and dryers. Raising discharge pressure will increase the demand for unregulated usages, such as leaks. In other words, pressure increases will generate increased inefficiency. For example, a 2-psi increase in header pressure will increase energy consumption by as much as 1% because of the consumption of unregulated air. To save energy, you should consider how to achieve high performance while reducing system pressure.
4. Examine proper supply and demand. Verify that air compressors are not too large for end-use. Consider all end-use, quantifying the volume of air needed for each application. A general assessment of your entire compressed air system should help investigate the distribution system for problems and minimize inappropriate uses of air.
5. Use block diagrams and pressure profiles. Block diagrams will help identify all components in an air compression system. A pressure profile reveals the pressure drops in the system, which should provide feedback for adjusting controls. To complete a pressure profile, you’ll need to take measurements of the inlet to the compressor, the differential across the air/lubricant separator and the interstage on multi-stage compressors. By data logging system pressures and airflow, you can determine system disruptions, intermittent loads, system changes and general conditions. Variations in pressure and airflow can be managed with system controls to minimize the impact on production.
6. Use compressed air storage. Storage can control demand events during demand peaks by reducing the rate of decay and the amount of pressure drop. It can also protect critical operations from other events in the system by turning off a compressor if necessary.

 

Minimize Pressure Drop

Pressure drops occur as compressed air travels through the distribution system. Excessive pressure drops may cause poor performance and elevated energy consumption. Pressure drops upstream from the compressor signal result in lower operating pressure for the end-user. This requires higher pressures to meet the compressor control settings. Before adding capacity or increasing system pressure, be sure to reduce pressure drops in the system. Compressed air equipment should be operated at the lowest efficient operating pressure for best results.

The following are ways to reduce pressure drops:

• Maintain proper system design. The most common reason for excessive pressure drop is the use of inadequate pipe size between the distribution header and the production equipment. This can happen if you choose piping based on the expected average compressed air demand without considering the maximum flow rate.
• Maintain air filtering and drying equipment to minimize moisture.
• Ensure filters are free of dirt that restricts airflow and causes pressure drops. Timely maintenance and replacement of filter elements are critical to reducing pressure drop.
• Choose separators, dryers, filters and aftercoolers with the lowest possible pressure drop. A typical pressure differential for a filter, hose and pressure regulator is 7 pounds per square inch differential (psid).
• Choose regulators, hoses, lubricators and connections offering the best performance at the lowest pressure differential.
• Reduce the distance air travels through the compressed air system.

Many tools can operate effectively with air supply of 80 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) or less. By reducing the air compressor discharge pressure, you can reduce leakage rates, improve capacity and save money. However, reductions in operating pressure may require modifications to pressure regulators, filters and storage size. Keep in mind that if system pressure falls below minimum requirements, equipment may no longer function properly.

Reducing pressure drops allows a system to operate more efficiently at lower pressures. For machinery that uses large amounts of compressed air, operating the equipment at lower pressure levels can provide significant energy savings. Components like larger air cylinders may be necessary to maintain proper functionality at lower pressure levels, but the energy savings should exceed the cost of additional equipment.

Maintain Your Compressor

Poorly maintained air compression systems can cause wasted energy and money. This makes it important to constantly check your systems for leaks, premature wear and tear and the accumulation of contaminants.

Fix Leaks

Wasted air is the leading cause of energy loss in air compression systems, wasting as much as 20 to 30% of a compressor’s output. Even small leaks can be very costly, leaking large amounts of air over time if left uncorrected. Keep in mind, the loss of air is proportional to the size of the leak and the amount of supply pressure in the system.

Leaks not only waste energy but also cause drops in system pressure that make air tools less efficient. This lack of pressure means that equipment will run longer to achieve the same results. Increased running time also means additional maintenance and even downtime.

Detecting and fixing leaks can reduce energy loss to less than 10% of the compressor output. Leaks can be found anywhere in the compressed air system, but most leaks occur in pressure regulators, open condensate traps and shut-off valves, disconnects, pipe joints, thread sealants, couplings, hoses, tubes and fittings.

To estimate the leakage in your compressed air system, take measurements that will determine the time it takes for the compressor to load and unload. Air leaks will make the compressor cycle on and off because of pressure drops caused by leaks. Calculate the percentage of total leakage by using the following form: Leakage (%) = [(on-load time in minutes x 100) / (on-load time in minutes + off-load time in minutes)]. In a well-maintained system, the percentage should be less than 10%. A poorly-maintained system will reveal leakage of 20% or more.

• Leak detection: An ultrasonic acoustic detector offers the best chance of locating leaks by recognizing the hissing sounds. Ultrasonic detectors offer the benefit of speed, accuracy, ease of use, versatility and the ability to run tests while equipment is running.

If you don’t have an ultrasonic leak detector, you can apply soapy water with paint brushes to likely trouble spots.

• Leak repair: Once you locate a leak, repairing it may simply be a matter of tightening connections. However, it may also require replacing couplings, pipe sections, hoses, joints, traps, fittings and drains. Be sure to fit them with the proper thread sealant.

Until you can repair a leak, you can reduce leaks by lowering the pressure in the compressed air system. Stabilize the system header pressure at the lowest range to minimize leakage rate.

• Prevention. A proper leak prevention program can help identify and address future leaks. It will also help maintain an efficient, stable and cost-effective air compression system. A leak prevention program can be beneficial by doing the following:
  • Determine the cost of air leaks. This will serve as a baseline to determine the effectiveness of repairs.
  • Identify leaks. Although an ultrasonic acoustic leak detector is most effective, a hand-held meter can also help identify leaks.
  • Document the leaks. Record the size, location, type and estimated cost of a leak so you can track where and how leaks occur.
  • Prioritize larger leaks.
  • Adjust controls to maximize energy use.
  • Document repairs. Such documentation can indicate the equipment that may be causing reoccurring problems.
  • Periodic reviews. Periodic checks will help keep your system efficient.

 

Change Filters.

Filters are used to ensure that clean air reaches end-users. Dust, dirt and grease can clog filters, causing a drop in system air pressure. If filters aren’t cleaned, pressure drops can require more energy to maintain the same pressure. Also, be sure to use low-pressure drop, long-life filters and also size these filters based on the maximum rate of flow.

Maintenance.

Be sure that procedures are in place for maintaining the compressed air system and that employees are properly trained in these procedures. This should keep the system running efficiently for years to come.

Fortunately, there are many approaches to improving the efficiency of your compressed air system. With proper maintenance, there’s no reason your system can’t provide cost savings along with high performance.

Ash Air's Efficient Air Compressors

Ash Air  can ensure high performance and minimal energy use with power-saving options on its line. Energy efficiency translates to cost savings for your business.

---

Do you have an idea for our #expertcorner? Let us know!

Useful links:

Book Your Compressor Service

Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!

• Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
• Vacuum pumps
• Nitrogen
• An extensive line of air treatment components

Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.

Reliability and Efficiency

With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:

• Increasing uptime
• Reducing unexpected repairs
• Reducing energy consumption
• Improving the cleanliness of compressed air

Talk to the team today:  CONTACT US CONTACT US

Read more from our #expertcorner

How to avoid falling objects when working at heights
30 Jul '24

You may have great fall protection measures in place to keep employees safe when working at height, but what about their co-workers below? Dropped tools and other falling objects are a major hazard – and one that isn’t always fully addressed.  Read More…

How to prevent hose whiplash
30 Jul '24

Providing a safe working environment for operators is essential, especially when using pneumatic tools and compressed air. If there is a failure in the air network and the hose is not adequately clamped, the resulting whiplash could be devastating. Failure to follow best practice can result in injuries, associated production downtime and decreased productivity. Read More…

Why do I need a dryer for my compressor?
30 Jul '24

A common questions asked is why do I need an air dryer for my compressor? Typically, air compressors produce water, and although the water can be drained, there can still be aerosol and vapour droplets that are present. This is because water cannoet be compressed. Water can damage your compressor by corroding the valves, pipes and machinery controls, which will cost you time and money to resolve. In the long run, the cost of a new compressor is a small price to pay compared to the loss of production that could potentially arise due to water damage in your compressor.





Read More…

What are some preventable causes of air compressor failure?
23 Jul '24

Air compressors can fail for an assortment of different reasons: Normal wear and tear, lifespan and age of the unit, poor maintenance, power surge, install issues are just a few the come to mind. Check out this blog to find out our top 7 tips to ensure your compressor is looked after!  Read More…

Simple Ways to Reduce Your Compressed Air Costs?
27 Jun '24

Air compressors use considerable volumes of energy during a typical work cycle. When you add up all the expenses of operating a facility, any savings can help you boost your bottom line.  Read More…

What Should You Know When Buying a Compressor for the First Time?
27 Jun '24

If you have never bought a rotary screw air compressor before; do the following. Add up the air consumption of all the equipment at your shop. That will be the amount of air your desired compressor should provide. Read More…

How to Know When Your Industrial Air Compressor Needs Servicing
27 Jun '24

Knowing the telltale signs of wear and tear, understanding your product’s specifications and usability guidelines, and knowing when it’s prudent to call in repairs are skills that could save you a lot of time, effort, and money in the long term. Read More…

One-stage vs Multi-stage Compressor
27 Jun '24

Find out the difference between a one-stage compressor and a multi-stage compressor. Read More…

How do I winterise my air compressor?
24 May '24

That cold, rainy, and in some places icey New Zealand winter is upon us, and with the following air compressor tips, your air system will be prepared with the preferred temperatures, despite the weather outside. Regardless of whether or not it actually snows or freezes up where you live, most winterisation service recommendations are also basic, solid maintenance procedures that will help extend the life and operational efficiencies of air compressors regardless of whether you live in Queenstown or Northland. Read More…

How to find the better desiccant dryer
24 May '24

The right desiccant dryer with quality desiccant will improve dryer performance and lifetime and will reduce energy and service costs. Read More…

How to Find the Best Air Compressor for Painting Cars
24 May '24

If you're wondering what an air compressor actually is, you've come to the right place. Simply, air compressors convert power in to air that is pressurised which is then used to power air tools such as spray guns. Air compressors are used in a wide range of applications, so naturally if you want one that will be designed for spray painting your vehicle, you want a compressor specifically made for spray guns! This way your compressor will be able to provide the right amount of power to perform the job. Read More…

How to Optimise Compressor Operating Costs
24 May '24

Compressed air plays a fundamental role in industrial activities. Depending on the type of application, the energy cost of producing compressed air can be very high. Below are some tips to save on you compressor bill. Read More…

Upgrading Your Compressor: When is the Right Time?
24 May '24

Air Compressors are essential tools in a variety of industrial settings. No matter what industry you are in having a reliable air compressor can be a crucial part of getting the job done efficiently. However, like an investment, air compressors require upkeep and maintenance, and eventually will need to be upgraded. But how do you know when it’s time to upgrade your air compressor? Here are some things you need to consider. Read More…

Choosing the right assist gas in laser cutting: nitrogen or oxygen
30 Apr '24

When it comes to laser cutting and other industrial processes, the choice of assist gas is crucial in achieving optimal results. Nitrogen and oxygen are commonly utilized as assist gases, each with its own unique properties and applications. Understanding the characteristics of both gases, will help you to make an informed decision to ensure precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in your operations. Read More…

Controlling your nitrogen purity made easy
30 Apr '24

On-site nitrogen generators have many benefits over bottled gas. One is that they allow you to select your nitrogen purity. Here is how. Read More…

What are Mobile Compressors used for?
17 Apr '24

Mobile air compressors are portable, towable compressors particularly useful for applications that suit the construction and roading industry! You'll often see a mobile compressor being used for sandblasting, irrigation blow-outs, and for quarrying tools such as pneumatic block cutters and rock drills.   Read More…

Compressed air so portable it even reaches the moon.
17 Apr '24

Did you know that Chicago Pneumatic helped man land on the moon? Notice in this photo of the Apollo 11 landing what appear to be "soccer balls" on top of the capsule. They were inflated through a compressor specially developed by Chicago Pneumatic for NASA. Read More…

Where Should I Install my Air Dryer?
25 Mar '24

Your company purchased an air dryer for your compressor, now where should you install it? One of the most common things we see in the industry are air dryers being stored on top of the compressors. Seems like a wasted space not being used on top of the compressor, right? Wrong. Read More…

What Is Dew Point?
25 Mar '24

When using air compressors, there are many variables that are integral to the quality and effectiveness of your compressed air. When dryer air is necessary, being able to constantly and accurately monitor dew points can be a critical factor to your operation. Read More…

Why Does A Brewery Need Compressed Air?
25 Mar '24

Compressed air plays an integral role in breweries both large and small around the world. From start to finish, all details in the brewing process are managed in fine detail and having the right air compressor is no exception. Read More…

How is Nitrogen Used in the Coffee Industry?
25 Mar '24

We Kiwi's love our Coffee! Coffee, like all other food & beverage products, must go through a preservation process to keep the beans fresh during storage and packaging before they reach the consumer. Coffee that is not properly stored after it is roasted will lose a large amount of carbon dioxide, which lessens its' flavor and speeds up the staling process. One of the most common ways to preserve the freshness of coffee is the use of nitrogen gas. Learn more here: Read More…

How Can I Save on Energy Costs by Using a Screw Compressor?
22 Mar '24

Air compressors are helpful for an enormous range of applications such as air filling, packaging, tools, HVAC control, and more! One possible drawback is the amount of electricity they use; air compressors can be a huge drain on energy if used ​inefficiency...  Read More…

Which material of pipes should I use for my Air Compressor System?
8 Feb '24

Air compressors create the energy used by pneumatic tools and processes throughout your compressed air system. The component that connects everything together is the piping. It is very important to choose the right compressed air pipe to avoid pressure loss, rust and other problems. Read More…

Why Do I Need a Back-up Air Compressor?
8 Feb '24

We get it, buying an air compressor is a big financial decision. And now we are suggesting that you need two air compressors, not just one. Ask yourself one question- Can your business still run if your air compressor goes down? Read More…

Keep It Down – Air Compressor Noise Reduction
8 Feb '24

It’s no secret – air compressors are excellent sources of energy. Not only do they power essential manufacturing elements and applications, but the heat generated as a result of the compressed air processes can be used as a byproduct that offsets other energy costs. However, there’s another form of energy that is also a consequence of the air compression process – sound. Read More…

How can I maximise the performance of my compressor?
14 Dec '23

Maintenance is key to continuing the performance of your air compressor. Continue to read about maximising the performance and longevity of your compressor and some air compressor maintenance tips! Read More…

When to use E-Stop on an air Compressor?
14 Dec '23

The emergency stop, "e-stop", is for true emergency situations only. When hitting the e-stop, all power is halted from the machine and the unload process isn't achieved. The emergency stop button is intended to help with possibly hazardous situations that are developing. Common conditions of having to use the e-stop is the misuse of the equipment in ways that weren’t intended, predictable failures not addressed or failing to consider all the foreseeable uses of the compressor.
Read More…

Working Safely with Air Compressors
14 Dec '23

We've put together a list of tips for working safely with air compressors in your environment! We recommend that you always read owners manual before running your compressor. The number one cause for repairs and personal injury is improper use. You've got to remember to use eye protection and hearing protection when operating your air compressor and try to avoid using air compressors in a wet area.  Read More…

An efficient industrial oxygen generator for cost savings
14 Dec '23

It's generally cost-effective to invest in an on-site industrial oxygen generator. If using bottled or liquid oxygen, you can save 50-90% per unit of O2. Read More…

Air Compressor Installation Tips
14 Dec '23

Air Compressor Installation Tips Installing Your Reliable Air Compressor

So, you've just bought an efficient and reliable ALUP air compressor? Welcome to the world of compressed air. As your partners in compressed air, we will continue to assist you along your journey. We have provided air compressor installation tips to ensure you get the most out of your air compressor.  Read More…

Piston Compressors: Application Areas
30 Nov '23

Piston compressors – also known as reciprocal compressors – are designed to work within certain limitations. Find out more about them here. Read More…

What is the difference between Wet vs. Dry Vacuum Pumps?
30 Nov '23

Vacuum pumps generally fall into two main categories: wet and dry. Here's a breakdown of how they differ: Read More…

Blog Focus - Pneumatech: Expert air treatment and industrial gas since 1966
30 Nov '23

What started as a family business has since grown into the world’s trusted expert in air treatment and industrial gas solutions. It’s a success story we’re proud of, a true testament to the drive and entrepreneurial spirit of our entire team. Read More…

Air dryers: FAQs
30 Nov '23

Air dryers remove any condensation from the air compressed by your air compressor. Questions about them? Find answers to the most frequently asked questions here. Read More…

Limiting vibrations – it’s all in the balance
31 Oct '23

Power tools are a key to productivity in the oil & gas or the metal working industry. Maintenance and production tasks must be carried out efficiently, however intensive use of vibrating power tools, such as grinders, can expose operators... Read More…

The benefits of selective soldering with nitrogen
31 Oct '23

Selective soldering with nitrogen is an essential process in the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs). It is used for bonding components to PCBs that could otherwise be damaged if exposed to a lot of heat. Another area of application are mixed-technology circuit boards with layout constraints.  Read More…

Hydrogen production: How is hydrogen made and what is it?
31 Oct '23

Hydrogen is becoming increasingly important as a promising clean energy carrier – especially with a view to a more climate-friendly future. But have you ever wondered what hydrogen actually is and how it is produced? In this article, we look at the basics and technologies used to produce hydrogen and what makes hydrogen a special element. Read More…

Why does a screw compressor need oil?
31 Oct '23

Lubrication is vital to numerous parts of the compression process. That’s why it’s important to know why and which oil is needed for your air compressor. Read More…

How to can I check if my spare parts are genuine?
31 Oct '23

In today's digital world, we search and compare compressor parts, consumables and lubricants in an instant. Avoid being scammed and make shure you buy genuine spare parts. Read More…

Nitrogen generators for the wine industry: Enhancing quality and efficiency
29 Sep '23

In the world of winemaking, the pursuit of excellence and the preservation of quality are paramount. Therefore, winemakers are turning to a game-changing solution to enhance their craft: nitrogen gas. From preventing oxidation to controlling carbonation, nitrogen plays a vital role throughout the winemaking process. Read More…

Why do Wineries Need Air Compressors?
29 Sep '23

Your passion is vinification, ours is air compressors. 

Compressed air accounts for a large amount of energy consumption in the wine production process, especially in the production of grapes. A big part of wine-making is a result of the work of equipment and is dependent on its efficiency. An air compressor should be located in well ventilated, shaded areas, out of direct sunlight. This includes the inlet for the compressed air system which should be located away from heat sources such as the compressed air outlet, refrigeration or air conditioning plant and equipment. Read More…

Why Do Machine Shops Need Air Compressors?
29 Sep '23

Cutting, shaping, drilling, and finishing, compressed air is critical for any machine shop. Shops rely heavily on the compressed air system to assist in a variety of operation processes. Commonly the parts produced are used in the machine industry, car industry or even the aircraft industry. A traditional workday in a machine shop requires the use of air compressors to generate an intermittent or continuous source of pressurized air. What machines commonly require compressed air in the shop? Read More…

Compressed Air in Daily Life
30 Aug '23

Compressed air is a part of our everyday lives in unexpected ways for almost all of us. Read More…

How Loud is an Air Compressor
30 Aug '23

Causes, risks and solutions for the noise of air compressors Read More…

How to Optimise Compressor Operating Costs
30 Aug '23

Compressed air is valuable for many industrial processes, but without proper attention and maintenance it can be costly. Read More…

Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Compressors: What to know.
30 Aug '23

Variable Speed Drive compressors  are a game-changer in the world of compressed air. These compressors automatically adjust their operating speeds to match the real-time demand for compressed air. It's an important feature, especially when it comes to energy savings. Surprisingly, the electricity consumed by a compressor can account for the largest portion of its total cost of ownership, not the initial purchase price. On average, VSD technology can reduce energy costs by 35% to 50%, which translates into significant saving Read More…

How to pick the right rotary screw compressor
30 Aug '23

When an industrial application calls for a steady supply of quality air, more and more users are turning to rotary screw compressors. Their efficiency, reliability and versatility make them a great choice in these cases. But there are countless applications and many different types of rotary screw air compressors. So which one is the right one for you? Read More…

Why is a pneumatic grinder spinning too slowly?
28 Jul '23

Your tool is stalling, or is not working to its expected performance, and you find yourself asking ‘why is my angle grinder spinning too slowly?’, or ‘why has my pneumatic grinder stopped working?’, read on. Read More…

Choose the right lighting tower and sleep well
28 Jul '23

Lighting tower reminds night, but also refers to diesel engine. In turn, night reminds us of silence, which is not exactly what we associate with an engine... With urban centers becoming increasingly dense and legislation increasingly strict about noise pollution in construction sites, keeping decibels to acceptable levels has been the great challenge of the main construction equipment manufacturers. Read More…

Energy Recovery in Air Compressors: Harnessing Efficiency for Sustainability
28 Jul '23

In today’s world of increasing environmental awareness and the drive for sustainable practices, industries are actively seeking innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption and minimize their carbon footprint. If your business uses air compressors, focusing on energy recovery in air compressors is one area to pay attention too.  Read More…

Compressor Terminology: What are some commonly Used Acronyms
28 Jul '23

Sometimes in the world of compressors the lingo can be confusing. Unless you are totally immersed in the compressor industry, some of the terminology might be completely lost on you.  Read More…

Show More