Air Compressor Blog & Advice

Proportioning the Compressed Air Dryer

28 Aug

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

Maintenance budget: 8 factors to consider

28 Aug

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.

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How to Clean Your Coils?

18 Aug

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.

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Why Replace CO2 with Nitrogen in your Brewery

7 Aug

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.

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What do I need to know about ICONS?

30 Jul

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

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The Cost of Compressed Air

30 Jul

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.

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How to avoid falling objects when working at heights

30 Jul

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.

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How to prevent hose whiplash

30 Jul

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.

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Why do I need a dryer for my compressor?

30 Jul

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.

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What are some preventable causes of air compressor failure?

23 Jul

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!

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Simple Ways to Reduce Your Compressed Air Costs?

27 Jun

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.

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

27 Jun

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.

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How to Know When Your Industrial Air Compressor Needs Servicing

27 Jun

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.

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One-stage vs Multi-stage Compressor

27 Jun

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

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How do I winterise my air compressor?

24 May

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.

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How to find the better desiccant dryer

24 May

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

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How to Find the Best Air Compressor for Painting Cars

24 May

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.

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How to Optimise Compressor Operating Costs

24 May

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.

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Upgrading Your Compressor: When is the Right Time?

24 May

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.

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

30 Apr

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.

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Controlling your nitrogen purity made easy

30 Apr

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

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What are Mobile Compressors used for?

17 Apr

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.

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Compressed air so portable it even reaches the moon.

17 Apr

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.

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Where Should I Install my Air Dryer?

25 Mar

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.

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What Is Dew Point?

25 Mar

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.

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Why Does A Brewery Need Compressed Air?

25 Mar

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.

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How is Nitrogen Used in the Coffee Industry?

25 Mar

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:

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

22 Mar

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...

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

8 Feb

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.

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Why Do I Need a Back-up Air Compressor?

8 Feb

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?

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Keep It Down – Air Compressor Noise Reduction

8 Feb

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.

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How can I maximise the performance of my compressor?

14 Dec '23

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

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When to use E-Stop on an air Compressor?

14 Dec '23

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

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Working Safely with Air Compressors

14 Dec '23

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

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An efficient industrial oxygen generator for cost savings

14 Dec '23

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

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Air Compressor Installation Tips

14 Dec '23

Air Compressor Installation Tips Installing Your Reliable Air Compressor

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

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Piston Compressors: Application Areas

30 Nov '23

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

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

30 Nov '23

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

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

30 Nov '23

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

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Air dryers: FAQs

30 Nov '23

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

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Limiting vibrations – it’s all in the balance

31 Oct '23

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

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The benefits of selective soldering with nitrogen

31 Oct '23

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

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

31 Oct '23

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

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Why does a screw compressor need oil?

31 Oct '23

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

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

31 Oct '23

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

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Nitrogen generators for the wine industry: Enhancing quality and efficiency

29 Sep '23

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

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Why do Wineries Need Air Compressors?

29 Sep '23

Your passion is vinification, ours is air compressors.

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

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Why Do Machine Shops Need Air Compressors?

29 Sep '23

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

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Compressed Air in Daily Life

30 Aug '23

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

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How Loud is an Air Compressor

30 Aug '23

Causes, risks and solutions for the noise of air compressors

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How to Optimise Compressor Operating Costs

30 Aug '23

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

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

30 Aug '23

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

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How to pick the right rotary screw compressor

30 Aug '23

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

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Why is a pneumatic grinder spinning too slowly?

28 Jul '23

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

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Choose the right lighting tower and sleep well

28 Jul '23

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

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Energy Recovery in Air Compressors: Harnessing Efficiency for Sustainability

28 Jul '23

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

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Compressor Terminology: What are some commonly Used Acronyms

28 Jul '23

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

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Why is saving energy important? A focus on ALUP range offered by Ash Air

20 Jun '23

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.

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What to Know About Compressed Air

20 Jun '23

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

20 Jun '23

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

31 May '23

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?

31 May '23

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

31 May '23

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

18 Apr '23

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

18 Apr '23

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?

31 Mar '23

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

31 Mar '23

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

30 Mar '23

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

30 Mar '23

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

8 Feb '23

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

8 Feb '23

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

8 Feb '23

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?

8 Feb '23

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

3 Feb '23

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

2 Feb '23

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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Expert Corner.

Proportioning the Compressed Air Dryer

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Maintenance budget: 8 factors to consider

Read More

How to Clean Your Coils?

Read More

Why Replace CO2 with Nitrogen in your Brewery

Read More

What do I need to know about ICONS?

Read More

The Cost of Compressed Air

Read More

How to avoid falling objects when working at heights

Read More

How to prevent hose whiplash

Read More

Why do I need a dryer for my compressor?

Read More

What are some preventable causes of air compressor failure?

Read More

Simple Ways to Reduce Your Compressed Air Costs?

Read More

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

Read More

How to Know When Your Industrial Air Compressor Needs Servicing

Read More

One-stage vs Multi-stage Compressor

Read More

How do I winterise my air compressor?

Read More

How to find the better desiccant dryer

Read More

How to Find the Best Air Compressor for Painting Cars

Read More

How to Optimise Compressor Operating Costs

Read More

Upgrading Your Compressor: When is the Right Time?

Read More

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

Read More

Controlling your nitrogen purity made easy

Read More

What are Mobile Compressors used for?

Read More

Compressed air so portable it even reaches the moon.

Read More

Where Should I Install my Air Dryer?

Read More

What Is Dew Point?

Read More

Why Does A Brewery Need Compressed Air?

Read More

How is Nitrogen Used in the Coffee Industry?

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

Why Do I Need a Back-up Air Compressor?

Read More

Keep It Down – Air Compressor Noise Reduction

Read More

How can I maximise the performance of my compressor?

Read More

When to use E-Stop on an air Compressor?

Read More

Working Safely with Air Compressors

Read More

An efficient industrial oxygen generator for cost savings

Read More

Air Compressor Installation Tips

Read More

Piston Compressors: Application Areas

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

Air dryers: FAQs