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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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

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Controlling your nitrogen purity made easy
  

Controlling your nitrogen purity made easy

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How is Nitrogen Used in the Coffee Industry?
  

How is Nitrogen Used in the Coffee Industry?

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

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

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The benefits of selective soldering with nitrogen
  

The benefits of selective soldering with nitrogen

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Nitrogen generators for the wine industry: Enhancing quality and efficiency
  

Nitrogen generators for the wine industry: Enhancing quality and efficiency

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How nitrogen makes plant based meat better
  

How nitrogen makes plant based meat better

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The many benefits of on site gas generation
  

The many benefits of on site gas generation

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What is Nitrogen and Where is it Used?
  

What is Nitrogen and Where is it Used?

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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?

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Choosing the Right Vacuum Pump for You
  

Choosing the Right Vacuum Pump for You

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Benefits of Vacuum Pump Overhaul
  

Benefits of Vacuum Pump Overhaul

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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

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