Published: 17/11/2020
Six Industries That Require an Air Compressor Service
An air compressor is a valuable piece of equipment used by a number of diverse industries. This range covers everything from breweries to the automotive industry and fire departments, and we wouldn’t have many of our vital products and services without the use of air compressors.
An air compressor is a specific type of gas compressor that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume. They work by forcing air into a container and applying pressure to it; the air is then forced through an opening into another tank, where it’s release can be controlled by a valve. The compressed air can be used as energy once it’s released; usually to power pneumatic tools, machines or construction equipment. Most air compressors run on electrical power and larger models are lubricated with oil to reduce friction and noise while running.
If you’d like to know more about six industries that use air compressors and the applications they use them for, read on for our handy guide.
The industries which require an air compressor service
A range of industries rely on air compressors to deliver goods and services. Industries that use compressed air are:
- Automotive
- Agricultural
- First responders
- Woodworking
- Food and beverage
- Theme parks
Automotive
Air compressors are a valuable piece of equipment in the automotive industry, as they help to cut down the time spent on each job. They are often used to power pneumatic tools, by both manufacturing companies and commercial garages.
A repair garage might use an air compressor to give a car a custom spray paint job or to repair superficial damage to the car’s bodywork. At an industrial level, the automotive industry uses compressed air to power energy for robotic lines and to operate paint pumps.
They can also be used for power cutting and welding operations, as well as filtering the air in spray paint booths, or specialist breathing apparatus. This is very important for anyone working with harsh chemicals or spray paint, as air compressors help to power filter systems which ensure that clean air is being circulated at all times.
Small air compressors are also used to inflate vehicle and bicycle tyres and you may even have a version sitting at home in your garage.
Compression-powered tools ultimately ensure that automotive factories are more efficient, and at-home garages are more accessible.
Best air compressor for the automotive industry: Rotary screw compressor. Find out why.
Agricultural
You might think that air compressors are exclusive to urban, industrial industries, but they’re widely used by the agricultural sector. Large dairy farms use air compressors to power pumps for milking cows on a large scale, but they also have many more uses.
Smaller air compressors can be used to inflate vehicle tyres (including trailers, tractors and other farm vehicles). Pneumatic nail guns are also frequently used on farms, as they allow workers to build structures like chicken coops or pens quickly and easily. These nail guns are powered by pressurised air and a small air compressor can be combined with a nail gun or stapler for quick, efficient work.
Some farms also use air-powered gates, using pressurised air to automatically open and close a gate when required. This helps to control the flow of livestock during milking, vaccinations or other important processes. Air compressors are also used to power spray tools; including cleaning equipment (which blasts away dirt with compressed air) and crop sprayers which are used to distribute pesticides or fertilisers.
Air compressors used in agriculture help keep the farm or factory running smoothly, and at a pace that ensures production rates are maintained.
First responders
Clean, breathable air is vital for anyone working on the frontline in a fire department. Pressurising the air is one of the most effective ways to purify it, so many fire departments have invested in portable air compressing systems to keep their first responders safe.
These mobile units allow workers to breathe clean, purified air, even if their environment is full of harmful smoke. Most scuba diving equipment also uses pressurised air systems to allow divers to breathe when underwater. This is used by a wide range of divers, from those diving as a hobby to military personnel or underwater rescue teams.
Oil-free compressors are ideal for industries which require clean, pure air, like the fire department. This is because there is no risk of oil or water contamination.
Woodworking
Woodwork is another diverse industry where air compressors are used. Compressors are used to power a wide range of woodworking tools, including nail guns, spray guns, sanders and stain guns. Woodwork also generates a lot of sawdust and mess, but compressors can be used to blast residue off tools and to keep surfaces clean and clear.
Air compressors are also frequently used in the furniture manufacturing process. They’re mainly used to power production lines that use air tools, such as automated sprayers (to coat furniture), automatic nail guns and drill feed systems.
Food and beverage
Hygiene is a very important aspect of working in the food and drink industry. The production process requires clean, pure air, which relies upon air compressors to be produced.
Compressed air is responsible for moving products along the product line, cooling, packaging and cleaning them. High sanitation standards require clean air, which means oil-free compressors are commonly used to prevent oil contamination and impurities.
Many breweries use air-powered pressure washers to clean equipment, including kegs, brew kettles and fermentation tanks. Compressed air is actually used in some way in almost every stage of beer production, including the brewing, aeration, bottling, and clarifying process.
By powering critical stages of food and beverage production, air compressors play a key role in ensuring a consistently high-quality end product.
Theme parks
Compressed air plays a key role in enhancing both the comfort and safety of theme park attractions. By creating a ‘natural cushion,’ it helps make high-adrenaline rides – like roller coasters and Ferris wheels – smoother and more enjoyable for passengers.
For water-based rides, compressed air offers a safer and more reliable alternative to electric power. It’s commonly used to generate waves, simulate currents, or operate spray jets, with the added benefit of being easier to maintain than traditional electric systems.
Beyond the rides themselves, air compressors also power hydraulic gates and barriers throughout parks. These systems help manage crowd flow and ensure safe, efficient boarding, contributing to a more seamless guest experience overall.
How do you choose an air compressor for your industry?
If you’re in an industry in need of air compressor products or services, the specialist compressed air engineers at Air Supply can help.
Whether you need a rotary screw or an oil-free air compressor, we offer a range of high-quality new and used air compressors at competitive prices across the UK. We can also help you decide which compressor is right for your compressed air requirements so you get the most for your money.
With 25 years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on our excellent reputation and outstanding customer service. We also stock a variety of compressed air dryers and air equipment.
Our team of fully trained engineers are on hand to offer servicing and repairs so you can keep production running smoothly all year round. All of our repair work is completed onsite to reduce downtime for our customers and to work within their schedule.
For more information about any of our services, please give us a call today on 01904 607050 or contact us via our website.