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Industrial Uses for Air Compressors

Air compressors have a variety of uses in the industrial sector. Facilities all over the world have long relied on it for safe, energy-efficient, and effective outputs.

Industrial air compressors are specifically designed to provide reliable support for heavy-duty operations. Since the early 19th century, compressed air has been extensively used by many industries that require a consistent flow of non-heat producing power sources.

The uses of air compressor systems are multifold. Here is a list of industries that utilize these compressors:

  • Aerospace

The need for reliable and high-quality products is nowhere truer than in the aerospace industry. Manufacturers of aerospace components and systems have no room for error because a chink in the production can result in significant costs and losses. A recent survey shows the increasing demand for air compressors to ensure maximum growth of the sector.

Whether it is for powering tools on the assembly line or performing finishing touches, air compressors are fixtures in the aerospace and defense industries.

  • Agriculture

Once often done by hand, farming nowadays requires the use of heavy and expensive machinery over a long period of time. Tractors, sprayers, pumps, and crop conveyors have all replaced manpower, improving yields and harvest. All these sophisticated machines are powered by air compressors.

Other contemporary applications of air compressors in the agricultural industry include the proper distribution of clean air and ventilation throughout parts of dairy farms and greenhouses. Compressed air is also used to maintain and winterize pipes and irrigation systems in colder regions.

  • Construction

A large number of tools and equipment are often employed during construction. Given the chaotic conditions of construction sites, air compressors provide the portability and power necessary to perform the task at hand. It is often found in jackhammers, nail guns, and compactors. It can also easily be transferred and moved around, outdoors, or indoors. Lastly, compressed air supports the bulk of drilling, handling, and lifting operations.

Air compressors are employed in equipment across different sectors, including infrastructure development, road building, and even, demolition works.

  • Energy

The energy sector almost always operates in a remote location and often under harsh conditions; think of oil rigs and offshore platforms. As a result, the energy industry often requires dependable power that is flexible yet low maintenance. Some of the most common application of air compressor at energy facilities include:

  • Powering pneumatic tools and equipment
  • Motion compensator during turbulent sea conditions
  • Controlling valves in steam and coolant circuits
  • Ventilating boiler houses

Oil and gas industries also utilize compressed air systems for their operations. Specifically, compressors are used for:

  • Petroleum Refining – The pressure of processed gas may serve as a catalyst in the refining process.
  • Petrochemical Synthesis – Specific pressurization of air during the manufacturing process has effects on petrochemicals, like methanol, ammonia, ethylene, ethylene glycol, and urea.
  • Pipeline Transportation – Compressed air is commonly used when transporting gas through pipelines. Compressor systems must work properly to maintain pressure.
  • Gas Injection – Increased gas pressures and oil injections can help in the recovery of crude oil.
  • Food and Beverage

Another industry that heavily relies on air compressor systems for various production tasks is the food and beverage manufacturing sector. This industry specifically needs consistent and contaminant-free compressed air to ensure quality products.

Here’s a rundown of industrial air compressor’s uses for food and beverage operations:

  • Packaging – The compressor is the main equipment to tightly seal and package produce. Likewise, compressed air also powers other industrial facilities such as conveyor belts, sprayers, and presses.
  • Food Fillings – Compressed air is also used in filling pastries, cakes, and pies. They can also be used to mould and shape food.
  • Fluid Pumping – pumps to move and fill products also require compressed air.
  • Nitrogen Generation – Using nitrogen for packaging usually requires a powerful compressor to produce filtered compressed air.
  • Air Knives – Compressed air is also used to control the cutting and peeling of foods like nuts, onions, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Pilot Air – Tools and equipment operate with air to control grippers, valves, cylinders, and other components.
  • Mixing Foods – Many foods need mixing and movement. Compressed air is employed to regulate the efficiency of a mixer.
  • Mining

Compressed air systems are invaluable in the mining industry. For many years, it has provided workers with a more efficient way of resource extraction.

One of the major uses of an air compressor system in mining is in the creation of watertight chambers. Compressed air with a pressurized caisson helps prevent water and mud from entering workspaces. Furthermore, the development of a compressed air rock drill has allowed workers to tunnel much faster. Most importantly, compressed air aids the ventilation of mines. It provides underground workers with breathable air and a cooler environment.

  • Pharmaceutical

Pharmacies have increasingly used compressed air from equipment operation to medicine production. Similar to other manufacturing industries, air compressors have been proven vital in the production of medicines. Mixing, shaping, hardening, and coating of pills and tablets, for example, now greatly rely on pneumatic tools to process.

Additionally, pharmaceutical plants also employ compressed air systems to handle the different steps with the utmost ease. Compressor-powered tools are used to guarantee the exact formulation and balance of ingredients. It is also utilized to purify medicines of contaminants. Lastly, it allows the proper distribution, portioning, and packaging of the product.

  • Textiles

Air compressors have resolved many of the challenges the textile industry has faced over the years. Particularly, it allows manufacturers to produce textiles that fulfil the demands of customers while reducing costs and making operation more sustainable.

Compressed air powers air-jet looms, spinning machines, ginning mills, and other equipment used to produce fabrics. It also helps create textures and other details in fabrics, increasing the product’s value. Finally, fabric cutting is now being accomplished with more precision using pneumatic tools, reducing wastes.

  • Transportation

In production, various components of the automobile are sent through an assembly line powered by air compressors. From construction down to the installation of parts by robotic arms, air-powered tools have made the entire process much safer and more efficient. Besides production, air compressors are also useful during cleaning, painting, and maintenance of the automobile. Body shops, for example, use air compression to properly inflate tires.

These machines go well beyond cars. They are also found useful for train and subway operations. Compressed air allows trains to stop safely. It is also significantly helpful in opening and closing train doors. Lastly, it assists in controlling movement and suspension systems.

  • Woodworking

Air compressors make life easy for many woodworkers. It has driven nearly every tool, from air drills, nail guns to stain guns. Furniture makers, in particular, are big users of air compressors. Compressors perform wood pressing for tables, shelves, and even floors. It also plays a big role in removing imperfections from wood and metal alike, such as rust and dust. Air sanders are often chosen over electric or mechanical because they don’t overheat, making it usable for longer periods.

Air compressors have offered solutions to many industrial challenges over the years. It has made operations more efficient and much safer. The versatility of this machine is hard to deny. If you are looking for ways to boost the productivity of your facility, you might want to invest in a high-quality air compressor.

For more information, get in touch with Commercial Air Compressor. We offer a wide range of air compressors for industrial uses only from our reliable partners, Kaeser Compressors and DV Systems. Call our toll-free hotline: 1-800-853-8249 now.

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