Expert Corner.

Home of Ash Air's compressed air blogs and advice.

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Proportioning the Compressed Air Dryer
  

Proportioning the Compressed Air Dryer

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Maintenance budget: 8 factors to consider
  

Maintenance budget: 8 factors to consider

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How to Clean Your Coils?
  

How to Clean Your Coils?

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Why Replace CO2 with Nitrogen in your Brewery
  

Why Replace CO2 with Nitrogen in your Brewery

Read More
What do I need to know about ICONS?
  

What do I need to know about ICONS?

Read More
The Cost of Compressed Air
  

The Cost of Compressed Air

Read More
Show More


Expert Corner.

Home of Ash Air's compressed air blogs and advice.

Get in touch / recommend a blog Get in touch / recommend a blog

Choosing the right assist gas in laser cutting: nitrogen or oxygen
  

Choosing the right assist gas in laser cutting: nitrogen or oxygen

Read More
Controlling your nitrogen purity made easy
  

Controlling your nitrogen purity made easy

Read More
How is Nitrogen Used in the Coffee Industry?
  

How is Nitrogen Used in the Coffee Industry?

Read More
Blog Focus - Pneumatech: Expert air treatment and industrial gas since 1966
  

Blog Focus - Pneumatech: Expert air treatment and industrial gas since 1966

Read More
The benefits of selective soldering with nitrogen
  

The benefits of selective soldering with nitrogen

Read More
Nitrogen generators for the wine industry: Enhancing quality and efficiency
  

Nitrogen generators for the wine industry: Enhancing quality and efficiency

Read More
Show More


Expert Corner.

Home of Ash Air's compressed air blogs and advice.

Get in touch / recommend a blog Get in touch / recommend a blog

What is the difference between Wet vs. Dry Vacuum Pumps?
  

What is the difference between Wet vs. Dry Vacuum Pumps?

Read More
Choosing the Right Vacuum Pump for You
  

Choosing the Right Vacuum Pump for You

Read More
Benefits of Vacuum Pump Overhaul
  

Benefits of Vacuum Pump Overhaul

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Show More


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Proportioning the Compressed Air Dryer

Trying to figure out which air dryer capacity is best for you? Here are some factors to consider.

Maintenance budget: 8 factors to consider

Just like any other equipment, a compressed air installation also requires the necessary maintenance work during its entire lifespan. Even though maintenance costs are only about 5 to 10% of a machine's annual operating costs, failure to budget for maintenance can have potentially disastrous consequences.

How to Clean Your Coils?

The air dyer is one of the most ignored cooler in the system. A dirty condenser will cause water in the lines, or worse it will cause complete dryer failure.

Why Replace CO2 with Nitrogen in your Brewery

Using nitrogen is not about fully replacing CO2, but it can reduce their consumption of CO2 by close to 70%. Using nitrogen is about sustainability. Creating your own nitrogen is easy and will reduce the use of a greenhouse gas, which is better for the environment. It will also save you money as early as month one adding that savings to your bottom line.

What do I need to know about ICONS?

ICONS: Intelligent Connectivity System: The insight into your compressed air system, wherever you are. Learn More about ICONS in this article here!

The Cost of Compressed Air

A question that is occasionally asked by our customers to Ash Air is 'what is the cost of compressed air?'  This article looks at the product costs involved with compressed air, as well as minimising the energy cost of compressors and cost allocation. When looking at these factors, we need to realise what causes dropped efficiency of your compressor, leading to increased costs of compressed air.

How to avoid falling objects when working at heights

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. 

How to prevent hose whiplash

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.

Why do I need a dryer for my compressor?

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.





What are some preventable causes of air compressor failure?

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! 

Simple Ways to Reduce Your Compressed Air Costs?

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. 

What Should You Know When Buying a Compressor for the First Time?

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.

How to Know When Your Industrial Air Compressor Needs Servicing

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.

One-stage vs Multi-stage Compressor

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

How do I winterise my air compressor?

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.

How to find the better desiccant dryer

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

How to Find the Best Air Compressor for Painting Cars

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.

How to Optimise Compressor Operating Costs

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.

Upgrading Your Compressor: When is the Right Time?

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.

Choosing the right assist gas in laser cutting: nitrogen or oxygen

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.

Controlling your nitrogen purity made easy

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

What are Mobile Compressors used for?

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.  

Compressed air so portable it even reaches the moon.

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.

Where Should I Install my Air Dryer?

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.

What Is Dew Point?

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.

Why Does A Brewery Need Compressed Air?

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.

How is Nitrogen Used in the Coffee Industry?

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:

How Can I Save on Energy Costs by Using a Screw Compressor?

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... 

Which material of pipes should I use for my Air Compressor System?

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.

Why Do I Need a Back-up Air Compressor?

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?

Keep It Down – Air Compressor Noise Reduction

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.

How can I maximise the performance of my compressor?

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!

When to use E-Stop on an air Compressor?

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.

Working Safely with Air Compressors

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. 

An efficient industrial oxygen generator for cost savings

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.

Air Compressor Installation Tips

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. 

Piston Compressors: Application Areas

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

What is the difference between Wet vs. Dry Vacuum Pumps?

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

Blog Focus - Pneumatech: Expert air treatment and industrial gas since 1966

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.

Air dryers: FAQs

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.

Limiting vibrations – it’s all in the balance

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...

The benefits of selective soldering with nitrogen

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. 

Hydrogen production: How is hydrogen made and what is it?

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.

Why does a screw compressor need oil?

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.

How to can I check if my spare parts are genuine?

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.

Nitrogen generators for the wine industry: Enhancing quality and efficiency

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.

Why do Wineries Need Air Compressors?

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.

Why Do Machine Shops Need Air Compressors?

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?

Compressed Air in Daily Life


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

How Loud is an Air Compressor

Causes, risks and solutions for the noise of air compressors

How to Optimise Compressor Operating Costs


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

Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Compressors: What to know.

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

How to pick the right rotary screw compressor

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?

Why is a pneumatic grinder spinning too slowly?

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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?

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.

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. 

Compressed Air Filter: Surface Filtering

What is surface filtering? How does it help production? Find out here

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

How nitrogen makes plant based meat better

How is plant based meat made? And how does nitrogen make it taste better?

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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... 

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 ...

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

Why Do I Have Water in my Compressor Lines in the Winter When I Have a Dryer?


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.

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?”

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.

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.

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.

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...

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?

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.

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?"

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.

How do I Protect my Air Compressor From Leaks?

Air compressor leaks can be a substantial source of wasted energy in any system, sometimes wasting 20-30% of a compressor's production. Worst of all, a poorly maintained compressor can have a leak rate expected to equal 20% of total compressed air...

What Do I Need to Know When Buying an Air Compressor?

Choosing the right compressor is essential to your long-term satisfaction and maybe, to the profitability of your business. Many times compressors are based on a single factor alone, such as horsepower or tank size, which is only part of the story.

When should I buy an oil-free compressor?

In oil injected screw compressors, there is a thin layer of oil found between the rotors to create a seal and maintain proper efficiency as the compression occurs. The unfortunate side effect of this solution is that oil may carry over to the point of use in your air system. This can be mitigated by having correct filtration in place to remove the oil contaminants in your air. Additionally, many individuals may decide to opt for a completely oil-free solution, with the use of a scroll compressor or water injected screw compressor.

What do I need to look for in my piping solution?

Most businesses concentrate on the air compressor and consider the piping as a secondary concern. The piping system can make or break your business. Faulty, inefficient piping can cause pressure loss and lost power. Keeping a close eye on the overall layout, installations and maintenance of your air piping system will help keep your business running at its’ optimal efficiency.

Why Ash Air?

Our #1 Focus is Customer Service! Whether you have questions about which compressor is right for you, or if you’re ready to improve your operations and start saving on expenses. Ash Air has been around for over 40 years because we offer reliable and hardworking air compressors, vacuum pumps, and services as well as expert advice and support.

How to know when to fix your compressor vs. get a new one?

If your daily business operations depend heavily on having compressed air, this question is extremely important. Should you repair your broken compressor or get a new one?

Why is an oil analysis important?

An oil analysis can prevent problems later down the road. It's often been referred to as the blood test for your compressor. Just like a blood test can tell you about your health and early alerts to impending problems, an analysis can do the same for your compressor.

How Can Pressure Drops Cost You Money



Did you know that pressure drops and leaks are the two largest areas of energy loss on your air compressors? It’s easy to understand why a leaking pipe or fitting creates energy loss. Pressure drops are not quite as noticeable, since you cannot hear ...

Why Is My Compressor Room Getting so Hot?


Air compressors must have adequate ventilation because, when running, they produce a fair amount of heat.

What are some Troubleshooting tips for my dryer?

Whenever anything doesn't work properly, it's frustrating and we get it. If this is your first time experiencing troubles with your dryer, you're probably unsure where to even start. Getting your dryer repaired and back up and working is critical to ...

Screw Compressor Energy Saving Tips

Screw 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 ​ine...

Can My Air Compressor Be Outside?

Considering installing your air compressor outside? Think again. The temptation to save space may sound enticing, but in the long haul is will cost you.

How Much Oil Does My Air Compressor Need?


Most air compressors require constant oil lubrication to prevent friction on the pistons or screws and other moving parts. To make sure your air compressor is running efficiently, it is important to check your oil level regularly and to know how much...

What does a total Air Solution mean?

Have you heard of the term "Total Air Solutions"? A total air solution means everything that goes with the compressor for your business’s air system. 90% of companies require more than just an air compressor. 

What Does Air Treatment Mean?

When speaking of air compressors, compressed air treatment is a process that dehumidifies and cleans air before entering the compressor. Most commonly, this process involves air filters and an air dryer.

What's the difference between backup, stand-by and redundant equipment?

Having a second compressor can come in handy and keep your business always up and running. The configuration of the second unit can be as a backup machine, or as a redundant unit with your other compressor, or as a backup if your main compressor goes...

Why should I choose a speed-controlled compressor?

One large benefit to a speed-controlled compressor is reducing power cost, minimizing power surges and delivering a more constant pressure needed for the job at hand.

Why Do I Need an Oil-Water Separator and How Does It Work?

Inside of your air compressor, you will find an internal oil-water separator. The internal separator separates the water from the oil that stays inside the compressor. 

How often do I have to service my compressor?

You understand the importance of servicing and performing maintenance on your car, why wouldn’t you do the same for your air compressor?

Maximise the efficiency of your compressed air installation

Save on energy consumption and enjoy maximum uptime by analysing, monitoring and optimising your compressor room

What are the Advantages of Having a Controller on my Air Compressor?

Air compressors are used in many different applications and provide essential compressed air to many businesses and individuals with different air needs. No matter what your CFM, PSI and HP requirements are, the electronic controller on your air compressor is the motherboard for keeping your unit running as efficiently as possible. It is your eyes into your machine.

How Can I Save on Energy Costs by Using a Screw Compressor?

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 ​inefficiently​. If you are running them too long, allowing leaks to exist, or using the wrong type of compressor, you are wasting ​energy and money​. This article will go over some of the biggest power-wasters and how to
stop/prevent them!

What can I do to lower the energy cost of my air dryer?

My use multiple air dryers in my facility, and they are causing the energy cost to be high. What can I do to make my air treatment system more energy-efficient?

Why is the quality of the desiccant in my adsorption dryer important?

Adsorption dryers can only be energy efficient if they contain premium desiccant material. The desiccant used in Pneumatech adsorption dryers is carefully selected from a wide range of European and North-American suppliers, based on following key selection criteria:

FAQ Sheet: Screw Compressors


In the following guide, we want to try to answer some of the questions you may have been asking yourself in regards to screw air compressors. If you do not find the answer you are looking for, please get in touch with us.

What Happens if You Don't Use Air Treatment in Your Business?

Air treatment helps prevent finish damage, scrapped materials, and tool/equipment replacement due to air moisture damage, like rust, when using compressed air.

How Are Desiccant Dryers Used in the Food & Beverage Industry?

Compressed air is a key utility supporting the food packaging and food processing industries. It is used in machines that fill products such as cakes, pies, and liquid products, as well as during the packaging and transportation of snacks, vegetables, beer, soda and other items.. Compressed air must be moisture and contaminant-free to ensure the protection of the food products processed in each facility. 

7 simple steps to ensure operator safety

Minimizing the risk of accidents in the workplace is a top priority in industry, and it is especially important when working with pneumatic power tools. Ensuring that all safety precautions have been taken to protect the health and wellbeing of operators is vital. With this in mind, here are seven simple steps to reduce the risk of accidents and improve operator safety

How to choose the best impact wrench for your application


With many different options on the market, it can be challenging to know what features to look out for when selecting an impact wrench. This guide provides a brief overview of the technology and outlines some simple steps to help you get started.

How Do I Size a Piston Compressor for my workshop?

Learn how to size a piston compressor based on your needs.

What You Should Know About Buying An Air Compressor?

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.

What Causes My Compressor To Vibrate?

Regardless of the type of compressor you have, vibration issues can be troubling for any business. The root of the vibration can stem from multiple sources, some internally and others externally. Understanding the cause of the vibration and how to resolve them will be critical in keeping your compressor in proper working order.

Quiz: Do you know how to optimize your air line installation for pneumatic tools?

How well do you know the impact of the air line installation on your productivity? Test yourself by taking our quiz and answer all of the questions to get your score at the end.

What are Some Air Compressor Safety Tips to Watch For?

Air compressors are essential to your business, but they can also become a safety hazard when used improperly. Reading your owner’s manual and following all proper safety precautions before use is vital in keeping your compressor in great, working condition.

How can I maximise the performance and longevity of my compressor?

Maintenance is key to continuing the performance of your air compressor. Continue to read about maximising the performance and longevity of your compressor.

Oil-Free Screw Compressors

Learn about oil-free screw compressors, also known as drying compressors.

How Does a Screw Air Compressor Work?

Screw compressors are a type of compressor that, thanks to their reliability and long lifetime, belong to the most used types of compressors. Learn more about them here!

Is your compressed air installation ready for the cold weather?

Did you know that cold weather can be of influence on the condition of your compressed air installation and compressed air? Read our cold weather tips.

How to Prevent Corrosion in the Compressed Air Line Network

Corrosion in the pipeline is due to insufficient condensation drainage that occurs during compression. The resulting condensate, together with the compressed air, flow further into the compressed air line network and has a negative effect on the pipes. Find out more about how you can prevent corrosion here.

5 Tips to Save Energy on Your Compressed Air Installation

5 Tips to Save Energy on Your Compressed Air Installation Read our tips to discover how you can save on energy costs

What is the difference between Fixed Speed and Variable Speed Drive Compressors?

Fixed Speed? VSD? Find out between the two speed compressors and the benefit of each! 

3 Reasons to Use an FRL

FRLs – Filters, Regulators and Lubricators – guarantee the efficiency and durability of pneumatic tools. Including an FRL in your air system is vital to running an efficient air line set-up and key to achieving a good return on investment. Read more here!

What to Look for When Purchasing a Rotary Screw Compressor

Check out this blog and video included to help you know what you should be looking for when you're thinking about purchasing a Chicago Pneumatic Rotary Screw Compressor for your shop or application. If you want to learn about what a screw compressor actually is, check out this article  

How to set up my air line correctly

There are 3 simple steps to make sure your air line installation is providing the right pressure and that your accessories selection is correct, so you can ultimately work productively. It does not take long and it is something you can easily do yourself using our self-diagnostic checklist. 

8 air tools you should own

Okay, okay, we're a bit excited. With the recent launch of our air tools in our online shop. Here's a 101 for you about what air tools you might need in your air compressor tool kit. Air tools are prevalent in automotive industries, woodworking, construction, metalwork and more. Did you know that there's pretty much an air-powered version nearly any power tool on the market? We want to share with you our 'Must have Air Tools'.

5 Benefits of a Reciprocating (Piston) Compressor

When you are thinking about an air compressor, you might be have the image of the super popular piston or reciprocating compressor in your mind. The compressor that you see in home workshops, automotive garages pumping up tyres and assisting in spray painting cars.

Pipework to get the most out of your compressed air system

As a follow on to our Why You Should Not Use PVC Piping for Your Compressed Air System blog, we share with you what piping you shouldbe using to get the most out of your compressed air system. Here at Ash Air we have the perfect solution if you're wanting to match your great compressor with a fast, easy and reliable piping solution that supports the operational excellence of your whole compressed air system. 

How do I know when it's time to change my air compressor filter?

An air compressor is a big purchase for any business. It is visibly important to properly maintain the air compressor and filter elements to protect that investment. Air intake filters are installed in an air compressor to remove any dust or debris the compress may suck in. Dust will cause wear to the compressor element, valves, filters, compressor oil and any moving parts.

Benefits of Vacuum Pump Overhaul

So you have a vacuum pump installed and you rely on it for your business operations and performance? Here are some reasons why you should consider overhauling your vacuum pump! s with all machinery and compressed air equipment, regular maintenance can help ensure optimised safer performance of your vacuum pump. Learn more about benefits of restoring, rebuilding and repairing your vacuum pump.

Applications of Air Compressors in New Zealand

Air compressors are used every day, by many industries around the world. They are often considered the heart of a business, in that most companies will rely on their performance and efficiency to run their operations, to get work done effectively and safely. In your day to day, you've probably seen air compressors in use - whether at a build site powering construction equipment or in a mechanics workshop inflating tyres.

What is a Scroll Compressor?

A scroll air compressor, or spiral compressor, compresses air by drawing it it, trapping it, reducing the volume and discharging it at the outlet port. The scroll compressor that you see today, such as SpiralAIR, have been the result of modernised advancements in manufacturing technology, even thought the concept of a scroll compressor has been around for over 100 years.The scroll compressor is oil-free orbiting, or positive displacement compressor. The compressor has a stator spiral fixed in a housing, and a motor driven eccentric orbiting spiral. 

What are the advantages of using a Rotary Screw Compressor?

Air compressors come in many types, rotary screw, piston, scroll, reciprocating, some are oil-free and other air compressors require oil lubrication. Like many businesses, an efficient air compressor is at the heart of their operations. So, which type of compressor should you choose? What makes a compressor, like a rotary screw, unique? Here are some clear cut benefits of equipping your business with a rotary screw compressor.  

Cost Saving Opportunities for Air Compressors

In the world of compressors, there are often significant and unutilized energy-saving possibilities including energy recovery, pressure reduction, leakage reduction and optimization of operations through correct choice of a control and regulation system as well as the choice of compressor size.We are going to take a look at some of the opportunities for minimizing the compressor’s operating costs. 

What is Energy Recovery in Compressor Installations?

Many installations that produce compressed air offer significant and frequently unutilized energy saving possibilities in the form of waste energy recovery. In large industries, energy costs can amount to 80% of the total cost of compressed air production. However, a lot of this energy can be recovered, which in turn will save you a lot of money. 

How to Choose an Inline Filter for Your Compressed Air System?

Liquid water in compressed-air systems can lead to rusted equipment and unresponsive controls. Anyone who uses compressed air will, at some point, find liquid water in the air distribution system. This can be anything from a nuisance to a serious problem, depending on the application. If water might corrode equipment or introduce bacteria, removing it is critical. 

How to Efficiently Dry Compressed Air

Liquid water in compressed-air systems can lead to rusted equipment and unresponsive controls. Anyone who uses compressed air will, at some point, find liquid water in the air distribution system. This can be anything from a nuisance to a serious problem, depending on the application. If water might corrode equipment or introduce bacteria, removing it is critical. 

What is a Piston Compressor?

Whenever most people think about a compressor, they probably have a piston compressor in mind. You might already know there are two basic principles of air compression. One of those is the principle of displacement compression. There are a lot of compressor types that classify as a displacement compressor. The piston compressor is one of them, oil-lubricated or oil-free. 

Do I Need an Oil-Free or Lubricated Piston Compressor?

Once you have the size and type of compressor figured out, one last question remains, should I go with an oil lubricated or oil-free air compressor. To not overcomplicate the answer, your choice should be based on the application and process that the compressed air will be utilized in.

Why is Regular Maintenance of Your Rotary Screw Compressor Important?

Like all compressor types, rotary screw models do require periodic maintenance. Thanks to the simplicity of the internal components, maintenance is relatively easy on most rotary air compressors. As long as you stick to a rotary screw compressor maintenance schedule, you will likely be rewarded with many, many years of optimal productivity from your machine. 

What is Nitrogen and Where is it Used?

Did you know, the biggest part of the air we breathe is nitrogen? Everyone needs oxygen to survive, however air is made up of 78% nitrogen, only 21% oxygen and tiny amounts of other gases. Although, the human body does not use this nitrogen, it is very helpful in various industrial applications. There is an unlimited source of nitrogen readily available, allowing you to achieve needed purity at a fraction of your current annual nitrogen cost. 

How Do I Prevent My Air Compressor from Overheating?

If you notice that your compressor is getting hot and bothered, there may be heating issues affecting your air compressors performance. Did you know that an overheating compressor is top of the pops for being the most common cause of compressor failure. 

What is a Screw Compressor?

A rotary-screw compressor is an air compressor that uses a rotary-type positive-displacement mechanism, typically used replace piston compressors where large volumes of high-pressure air are needed, either for large industrial applications or to operate high-power air tools. 

Compressed Air Applications: Where is compressed air used?

Have a look around and what do you see? What are you thinking about? Your next holiday to Queenstown maybe? You might go snowboarding with the kids or have some alone time at the Day Spa. Whatever holiday you choose, compressed air is involved in some way, without you even realising it!  

How Do I Maintain My Piston Air Compressor?

There are crucial reasons why you should service and maintain your compressor regularly, with the most common issues being piston failure caused by wear of components, increased friction, corrosion, reduced cooling, overheating bearings and components, clogging of air filters. 

How Can I Make My Compressor System More Energy Efficient and Save Costs?

Our passion for energy efficiency and cost saving derives from the concern for our children’s future. Analysing the efficiency of your system is a brilliant way to start saving.

What is Compressed Air?

Compressed air is all around us, from the air in a balloon to pumping up tires on your bicycle. In this article we will explain what compressed air is and how it is created. Whether you know it or not, compressed air is involved in every aspect of our lives, from the balloons at your birthday party to the air in the tires of our cars and bicycles. It was probably even used when making the phone, tablet or computer you’re viewing this on. 

What Compressor Size do I Need?

One of the biggest challenges is to correctly size your new air compressor. Similarly to everything else, new compressors available on the market are more efficient and employ better technology, therefore you have to understand the application and usage to size the machine correctly. Choosing the wrong air compressor for your facility can lead to problems with production and or increased costs due to wasted energy. 

What Type of Compressor Do I Need?

Once you have the size of the air compressor figured out, the next thing to do is to decide on the type of compresor you will need for your application - piston, rotary screw compressor etc. Let us take a look at two of the most popular options available. When choosing the right type of compressor, you should ask yourself the following questions:

What Vacuum Pump Do I Need?

​Which vacuum pump do I need? - this is one of the most frequent questions we receive and this is understandable, because there are number of technologies which can provide the same vacuum level and pumping speed. Here is quick advice on how to choose the best vacuum pump for your needs. 

Why Does My Compressor Stop and Start Continuously?

You may be asking, why does my air compressor start, then stop? Allow us to take the guessing out of it. We understand your pain. We know that a compressor problem can quickly result in hours (if not days) of production downtime and loss of revenue. When your compressor continuously shuts off from on, we refer that as a short cycle. There are a few reasons that a short cycle may be happening with your compressor. 

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