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?
Metal Lathes: Originally designed for metal, but now available for all types of materials used in machine shops. Powered by compressed air, this machine allows the material to be rotated and cut with precision.
Milling Machines: Usually used to machine flat surfaces, but can also produce irregular surfaces. They can also be used to drill, bore, cut gears, and produce slots, all of which are powered by air.
Grinding Machines: Grinding of metal (and other materials) to eliminate imperfections after cutting is essential.
Paint Booth: Depending how big your shop is, a paint booth is required to paint the parts being manufactured. The spray gun is operated by compressed air.
Air Guns:During machining operations, material is usually removed from the work piece to accomplish the intended shape. This results in chips, dust, oil, dirt, and other contaminants becoming entrapped on the cutting tools and cutting surface. These unwanted materials can block the manufacturing process by reducing machining accuracy and can eventually cause damage to the tooling. Frequently, using a blast of dry compressed air will keep areas of concern free from contaminants.
CNC Machines: (AKA Computer numerical control) This machine processes a piece of material to meet specifications by following a coded programmed instruction and without a manual operator,all ran by compressed air.
Water Recovery Filtration: Recycling water is a huge cost saver for any shop. The filtration process requires air to operate valves and re-circulation process.
A
company where machining, a form of manufacturing, is performed. Machinists use machine tools and cutting tools to make parts, usually of
metal, plastic, steel, glass or even wood. Shops can vary in size and scale depending on the industry.
Pain Points for Machine Shops (that we can help with!)
Budget: The key to avoiding a regrettable purchase is to know what the different types can offer you. Starting with the end goal in mind is how you will find the best air compressor for the money.
Condensation: During CNC machining, it is crucial that the compressed air used to clean exposed surfaces is sufficiently dry. Air that contains undesirable amounts of moisture can condense on colder surfaces, ultimately resulting in corrosion in the metal work piece and/or the tooling.
CFM Requirements: It's important to know if the compressor your purchase will drive the tool or equipment you;ll need for your project.
NOISE!: Metal hitting or sliding against metal can be loud! Typically, the more moving parts an air compressor has, the louder it will be. This is true in the motor as well.
Electrical Complicity: Understanding your power supply at your business will guide you on the air compressor choices. What is the voltage available?
Air dryers remove the moisture following the compressed air process.
Safe and Convenient : Rotary screw air compressors are incredibly convenient, given that they deliver air continuously for the required purposes. They are also safe, and cases of accidents with the machines are almost unheard of.
Functions at extreme weather conditions: Rotary air compressors can work at high or low temperatures. The machines can also work in areas where other forms of energy are prohibited due to safety or temperature levels. To an extent.
They are designed to run tools that generate more power that typical equipment : And since their air flow rates are extremely high, rotary air compressors can power such equipment effectively.
They are easier to maintain: Many of the modern air compressors in the market have fewer parts that require maintenance. In fact, some rotary screw machines have up to 70% less parts, which in turn lowers maintenance costs dramatically.
They run quietly despite their massive air flow: Rotary screw air compressors are generally quiet performers, with many of them having noise dampening technologies. That and the fact that they are not huge in size makes them convenient to be stored anywhere and still provide a safe working environment.
They are good energy conservation : Rotary screw machines are generally energy efficient, and they generate less heat than normal air compressors.
They consume less oil than other oil flooded air compressors:In addition, they have minimum oil carryovers.
They are designed to last :Rotary screw air compressors are designed to serve you for many years, all along while having little or no capacity reduction.
Learn all about air compressors and the noise that goes along with them
At Ash Air, we take the guess work out of setting up shop. Literally. From the air compressor and dryer to the piping, we have you covered. Our team will lead everything from installation, to start-up and calibration. We will work side-by-side to ensure they have the training and resources they need to move forward with your new solution.
Compressor Sizing: An inefficient air compressor results in higher energy costs, improper tool operation and even shortens the machines life. Allow our pros to size you correctly based on your tools and the shops demand.
Equipment Installation: Trained professionals to install new equipment with flexible installation scheduling to help reduce productivity loss and downtime.
Complete Air System: Your compressed air pipe can greatly affect the performance of your compressor. A pipe system should last decades if installed correctly. Leave it to us to help.
Maintenance Scheduling:Regular maintenance can help keep your operation running smoothly, as well as extend the working life of your equipment. Having scheduled maintenance of your compressor equipment is crucial. CP technicians will perform regular maintenance procedures, as well as multi-point equipment inspections to evaluate system efficiency.
Using an air compressor in your shop is far more economical and efficient than running electric tools. Air compressors can be located inside or outside of your shop. If outdoors, a separate shed should be built around it to protect it from the elements (rain, weather, dirt, etc). If located indoors, it should be placed in a location as far from the work as possible and will provide adequate ventilation. An indoor shed may also be constructed if this is not possible.
Add up all the CFM required for all the air tools you will be using at one time. For example, if you have three air polishers at 18 CFM per polisher, that's a total of 54 CFM required. Now add an additional 20%. In our example, that would be another 11 to 12 CFM. This means you will need at minimum a 70-CFM air compressor, and that does not include room for growth.
There are two types of compressors: Piston compressors and a Rotary screw compressors. I would recommend going with the screw compressor. A screw compressor produces a constant air supply and is much quieter than a Piston compressor.
We stock a comprehensive range of Chicago Pneumatic Professional Piston Air Compressors.
Single phase piston compressors perfect for your professional workshop, small business, serious DIYers. 1.5HP - 3HP, we have a compressor that meets your needs!
Chat to one of the experienced staff members to find out more which oil lubricated or oil free piston compressor is right for your business. Ideal for professional workshops, and serious DIYers.
What happens when a passion for technology is fused with hands-on industrial experience? Our Chicago Pneumatic and ALUP Piston Air Compressors are the match for your heavy duty workshop.
We stock cast iron, low speed, low wear and tear, european manufactured piston air compressors.
The team at Ash Air pride themselves on providing quality piston compressor products and outstanding customer service to all our clients.
Chicago Pneumatic rotary screw air compressors are built on the very robust platform and feature state of the art controller and high-efficiency screw element.
The Ash Air range of oil lubricated screw air compressors are excellent all-in-one solutions for small and medium workshops, with energy cost savings of 30% - 35%. The most popular air compressors 10HP, 15HP, and 20HP are available as a full feature with integrated air dryer and receiver. More than 100 rotary air compressors available for sale from stock in Auckland and Christchurch.
Direct driven air compressors with variable speed drives offer high energy efficiency, a smooth start and prolonged life of the component parts, reduced system pressure and energy consumption.
For power above 45 kW we offer ALUP air compressors, designed and manufactured in Europe. We installed Alup rotary screw air compressors at dozens of sites in New Zealand for food processing, at timber plants and other industrial sites.
These high-efficiency rotary screw air compressors feature variable speed drives, remote monitoring and heat recovery options. ALUP air compressor is covered by an optional 5 years warranty.
The three most popular air compressors 45 kW, 55kW and 75 kW are available for sale from stock in Auckland. Chat to our experts, we will help you to answer questions about what can you use the compressor for, what compressor is the best and learn all about air compressor efficiency.
The team at AshAir specialises in oil-free or oil-less scroll compressors with zero risk of oil contamination, and are ideal for critical applications including medical, pharmaceutical, dental, R&D, food & beverage, wine and brewery. Our 100% oil-less scroll compressors are designed with fewer moving parts, which means less wear and tear, less noise, higher efficiency and reliability, and a longer machine life .
These scroll compressors use cutting-edge scroll technology where the spirals never contact each other, and no lubrication is needed, making them completely oil-free. Our SPR 20 Multi oil-less scroll compressor operates with variable air delivery, controlled by an intelligent controller for air delivery supplied according to the fluctuation of air demand. This means a higher energy efficiency and more stable system pressure.
As we wouldn't know which granite piece matches a blue backslash, picking the right compressor for your granite shop can leave anyone unsure on such a big decision.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when comparing compressors:
1. Maintenance: Select an air compressor that is easy to maintain and access. Chicago Pneumatic compressors take the guessing out of what to do. With detailed manuals to know what is required at each hour interval of your machine.
2. Replacement parts: Don't pick a machine that you have to track filters and parts down for. With a dedicated network of distibutors, it's simple to order parts and keep your machine always working at it's optimal performance.
3. Noise: Yes, noise is something to consider when selecting your compressor. No one needs a nagging employee complaining about the noise of a machine. Ask about the decibel chart and where the compressor ranks.
4. Installation: You need to be thinking about where this compressor is going to go. A quiet screw compressor (QRS) should go inside and can be right beside your employees with minimal noise. Looking to put your compressor outside? Keep in mind, not all compressors are meant for outside. Weather is a huge component to harming your compressor, so make sure you ask if they have a "weather kit".
5. Certified Tank: What's that even mean you ask? OSHA requires the tank of your compressor to be certified with ASME. The ASME certification states the pressure vesssel has been manufactured to specific standards. It should also on the tag have a NB (National Board) number stamped into it.
6. Drains: Compressed air produces moisture in your machine. Drains are essential to draining that moisture out of your machine. Make sure you ask where the drains are located, are they automatic and how often you should be manually draining.
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!
Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, ALUP, Pneumatech, and Atlas Copco products 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 with
nationwide coverage, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air, vacuum pump, and industrial gas equipment and parts
available today in New Zealand.
With Ash Air, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts
on the following:
Talk to the team today:
Choose the right lighting tower and sleep well
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.
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Energy Recovery in Air Compressors: Harnessing Efficiency for Sustainability
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.
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Compressor Terminology: What are some commonly Used Acronyms
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.
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Why is saving energy important? A focus on ALUP range offered by Ash Air
Did you know that 70% of the total cost of compressor installation consists of energy costs?
What to Know About Compressed Air
Exactly what is compressed air? Where does it come from? What is it for? When we compress—or squeeze—air into a small space, we call it
compressed air. When humans discovered the ability to compress air, civilisation made a huge leap forward. The reason? Compressed air opened
the door to all kinds of new production methods.
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Compressed Air Filter: Surface Filtering
What is surface filtering? How does it help production? Find out here
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Stay Connected with your Air Compressor Remotely With ICONS
Did you know that conducting an air compressor health check has become even easier? Getting easy and affordable access to your compressor
status information at your fingertips with our Intelligent CONnectivity System (ICONS
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Is your Compressed Air Piping leak free?
Compressed air system leaks are indeed a big source of energy waste. Leakage in piping systems have been shown to exhibit leaks of up
to 25
percent of the total energy costs. Addressing
leaks is one of the first maintenance steps a facility can take to reduce energy costs.
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What to know about Atlas Copco’s Vacuum Solutions Range
Ash Air is proud to introduce Atlas Copco’s Vacuum Solutions in New Zealand. Here are five things to know about Atlas Copco Vacuum
Solutions!
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Efficiency of Compressed Air Distribution and Piping
Think about efficiency for a minute. Every year with constant innovation, things are becoming even more efficient. Everything from
electronics to industrial machinery are being developed to get more done faster while using less power.
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Luck of the Irish and Compressed Air Give Us Beer
With the Luck of the Irish and a little help from air compressors we will all be enjoying a pint of our favorite beer this St. Patrick’s
Day!
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What is compressed air humidity?
The air surrounding us is a mixture of fry air and water vapor. The amount of water in the air depends on the temperature and volume of the
gas. The higher the air temperature, the higher the air's ability to absorb more moisture. Find out about compressed air humidity here.
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The Dangers of a Load Too Small for a Diesel Power Generator
The generator starts up, and not long after, white smoke and oil are seen coming out of the exhaust. It is new, and tested, good
quality diesel... I wonder what happened?
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7 important gas generation energy saving tips
Investing in an on-site industrial gas generator is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint and your operating costs. Once you
have taken this important step, there are some other things you can do to maximize your gas generation energy savings. Here are seven of
them.
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The importance of saving energy when compressing air
For many businesses, preserving energy and becoming more sustainable have become top priorities. That not only saves them money but also
makes them more competitive in the future, when demand for “green” products and services will only increase. Not just because governments
mandate greater sustainability but also because customers expect it.
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Compressed Air in everyday Life
While you relax and read this, do you see an electronic appliance around you? Wondering how could you relate to the current read?
We got you! Compressed air is all around, in the electronic appliances you use right now.
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Selecting the right compressed air dryer
How do you know which type of compressed air dryer will best meet your needs? These insights will help you make the right decision.
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How nitrogen makes plant based meat better
How is plant based meat made? And how does nitrogen make it taste better?
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Why are compressed air dryers so important?
There are many contaminants that can threaten your compressed air system, but moisture is among the most prevalent. You may be thinking, but
it’s just water, but water can have a devastating impact on your compressed air system, your production equipment, and your end product. The
best way to prevent moisture from contaminating your compressed air is with a dryer.
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How to Make Your Air Compressor More Efficient
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.
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Choosing the Right Vacuum Pump for You
As easy as it would make all of our lives, vacuum pumps are far from being “one size fits all”. Not only do you have the size to consider
when choosing a vacuum pump, but more importantly type. I will briefly touch on some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with
each vacuum technology we deal with. This should give you a better understanding of where to begin your search...
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The keys to generating food grade nitrogen
A nitrogen generator, combined with an air compressor and the necessary air treatment products, can provide you with a steady supply of food
grade nitrogen.
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What is a piping quick-drop for?
AIRnet offers moisture-eliminating drop fittings called Quick Drops! Quick Drops make “drop-tees” obsolete, removing the need for extra
parts and pipe, while saving time and money.
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What Does Commissioning your Air Compressor Mean?
Proper compressor installation and commissioning helps ensure trouble-free startup and long-term reliability. Thorough inspection and
critical review during each phase of the installation process eliminates “built-in” deficiencies or problems which c...
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How to overcome 3 common challenges associated with working with stainless steel
Stainless steel has long been crucial for many applications where strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion are
essential. That is why it is often chosen for process equipment used in harsh environments such as chemical and
petrochemical plants, refineries, and power stations.
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How to put a price on productivity?
Price is an important consideration when choosing a tool for metalworking applications, but it alone should not be the deciding factor.
Other things also contribute to the total cost of ownership, performance, and, ultimately, the overall productivit...
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PSI? CFM? Horsepower? Choosing the Right Compressor
Horsepower? PSI? CFM? There is a lot to consider when purchasing a new air compressor. It is important to understand what you actually need
and how to find out.
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Did you say "Christmas Dinner"? What's Compressed Air, Gas, and Vacuum got to do with it?
Yay! It's Christmas! But before the turkey gets carved and a heaping spoonful of Christmas pudding gets dropped on your plate, you might get asked what you’re thankful for. Well, maybe this year you could say you’re thankful for the compressed air, gas and vacuum solutions that
made everything on the table possible. Let’s look at how!
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The many benefits of on site gas generation
Are you faced with the decision of whether to switch from purchasing bottled nitrogen or oxygen to on site gas generation? In that case, the
decision is easy. You should! Lower costs, the right purity, less transportation emissions, improved safety, no logistics headaches. In all of these areas, on site gas generation is the superior solution. And making the switch is easy. All you need is a gas generator and a supply
of compressed air.
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Five Tips to Increase Compressor Installation Efficiency
Did you know that one of the largest costs for industrial manufacturers is compressed air? That’s right – anywhere from 12% to 40% of a facility’s total energy costs come from its compressed air installation. This means that finding innovative ways (no matter how small) to
increase compressed air efficiency can amount to big savings over the long run! Items like leak elimination, air audits,
reduced pressure bands, and reducing unloaded running hours are some of the most popular ways to decrease energy usage – but there are many
other actions that you can take. Read on to discover additional ways to reduce your costs and make sure your compressor system is running as
efficiently as possible!
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How to Correctly Size Your Compressed Air Piping System
A properly sized and designed piping system is a necessary component of any distribution compressed air system. Without this key component
in place, the delivery of air from the compressor to the specific points of use will be inefficient and costly, both in the short term as
well as in the long term. Let’s look more closely at how to size your compressed air piping system to ensure minimal pressure loss while
maintaining maximum efficiency.
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Testing for Microorganisms in Compressed Air
Potential for growth of micro-organisms in a compressed air system is tied to the moisture level (dew point) of the compressed air. In
simple terms, if there is moisture in your compressed air, microorganisms such as mold and bacteria have the environment they need to grow
and thrive. While it’s true that as air is compressed, much of the moisture present in the intake air will condense, enough moisture remains
to allow micro-organisms to proliferate.
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The Key Benefits of Monitoring Your Compressor System
Your compressor installation is a workhorse that requires regular service and maintenance to help it achieve maximum efficiency and
longevity. This is where compressor monitoring and data gathering technologies come in, as these provide meaningful information on your
system that can be visualized, tracked over extended time periods, and used to make insightful decisions regarding compressor
performance.
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Aluminum versus cast iron – Which piston compressor material is best?
Some piston compressors use cast iron and others aluminum. But which is better? Here is a look at their differences and respective benefits.
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Why a Variable Speed Compressor?
A variable speed compressor is not for every application. VSD rotary screw compressors need to be ran in a location that is in need of 24/7
compressed air and has a changing demand on the amount of air needed. If your compressed air needs are constan...
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Why Do I Need a Mist Eliminator?
Compressed air purification equipment must have a very low pressure drop, long service life and be strong enough to withstand the most
strenuous operating conditions. Protection from oil slugs or compressor air/oil separator failure is essential.
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What do I need to know about ICONS?
Intelligent Connectivity System (ICONS) is the eyes into your compressed air system. Ditch the logbooks, the regular visits to the
compressor room and dealing with surprises with your compressor. • Most maintenance organizations operate between 10% to 40% efficiency •
Most spend more than 50% of time on emergency work • Reactive maintenance costs 3-5 times more than preventive maintenance.
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How Much Will Compressed Air Cost You?
Compressed air is used in many different industries. From refrigerator manufacturers to toy makers, companies around the world depend on
compressed air to produce products. It's so important that many consider it a utility as significant as electricity, water or natural gas.
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Why do you need to filter compressed air?
Compressed air is always contaminated. Contaminants include, • Liquid oil - oil aerosols - oil vapor, Dirt - microorganisms - pipescale,
Trace gases: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide. Learn more about why you need to filter compressed air...
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What is air compressor electric motor efficiency?
As part of a concerted effort worldwide to reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions and the impact of industrial operations on the
environment, regulatory authorities in many countries have introduced legislation to encourage the manufacture and use ...
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Why is air treatment necessary?
Air is always contaminated with solid particles such as dust, sand, soot, salt crystals and water as it leaves the compressor. An effective
compressed air treatment system lowers the dew point of the air and takes out the elements that may harm equipment downstream of the
compressor and dryer
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Why Do I Have Water in my Compressor Lines in the Winter When I Have a Dryer?
What to do with your old compressor?
Just purchased a new compressor? Are you asking yourself, “Now what am I going to do with this old air
compressor?”
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Which Parts are Checked and Replaced During Routine Maintenance on my Air Compressor?
Routine maintenance on your screw compressor or piston compressor is vital to ensuring your unit is performing to its
full potential. There are simple checks and inspections you can do daily, weekly and monthly to keep your compressor running efficiently and
to avoid downtime.
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The Cost of Compressed Air: What are the Lifetime Costs of a Compressor?
Whether you use your air compressor for woodcarving, bottling or manufacturing consumables, compressed air plays a critical role in your
business. It is undeniable that compressed air is a valuable source to your applications.
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How much air pressure do I need for my application
There are many things to consider during the selection process of an air compressor for your business. Most important, determining the
proper size of the compressor to match your operational needs.
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What Causes the Dewpoint to Spike on your Air Compressor?
Dewpoint spikes immediately after desiccant switchover (line C) indicate that the desiccant was not sufficiently cooled before being brought
on-line. Hot desiccant will not adsorb moisture well until it cools down, after which the dewpoint should dro...
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Why is there Oil in my Screw Compressor Air Tank?
Don’t be alarmed if you find oil in your air compressor tank. Actually, all rotary screw compressors pass trace amounts of oil in the
compressed air. The question is how much is the normal amount of oil in my compressor tank?
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I Have a Dryer, But I still Have Water in my Compressor during Winter. Why?
The ambient temperature in an air compressor’s environment can greatly affect your air compressors performance. All air compressors
will generate some amount of water, but depending on inlet air conditions some can produce large amounts of water.
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Can I Perform the Maintenance on my Air Compressor Myself?
Once you’ve invested in an air compressor your business or home you may ask yourself, “What happens if my compressor needs service?
Needs a filter change? Oil change?"
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Why is my air compressor filter full every week?
As you know, compressed air filters protect your machine from dirt, dust, oil and water. These contaminants are extremely common in the
areas you would find a compressed air system and will wear down your machine if not properly filtered out.
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Do you have an idea for our #expertcorner? Let
us know!
Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!
Reliability and Efficiency
Read more from our #expertcorner
There are many reasons why saving energy is important for your business as it helps you in many ways to make your business more efficient as
well as providing you with many different forms of value. Ash Air's range of Alup products can help you become more energy efficient to help
reduce energy bills, reduce your costs and comply with all environmental legislation.
Read More…
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The ambient temperature in an air compressor’s environment can greatly affect your air compressor’s performance. All air compressors will
generate some amount of water, but depending on inlet air conditions some can produce large amounts of water.
Read More…
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