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.

You've probably even witnessed compressed air in action first hand without realising, like at an amusement park where the majority of the rides use compressors to animate props, and propel you forward at the start of your ride. Overall, the pressure that is generated from air compressors has a huge amount of uses in a vast variety of environments. This blog draws on our first in the series of how compressed air is used, which can be found here.

Personal use of compressed air

The most popular compressor for personal use is the piston compressor, or reciprocating air compressor, which may be seen in workshops or at home. These compressors are often light weight, with strong wheels, making them easy to move around or to fit in to the boot of a car or truck. This type of air compressor can be powered by a petrol or gas engine or an electric motor and be either single staged, or a two stage model, which has a higher amount of air supply. If you are someone that has a workshop at home, you may be painting a car or air brushing, carpentry, building, adding tyres to bicycles, dusting, or fibre blowing, all powered by an air compressor.

Compressed air in New Zealand business'

Companies often rely on compressed air to run their operations efficiently. With the use of an air compressor, many smaller businesses will be able to provide quicker service with higher quality execution, whether it be a simply inflating a tyre or performing in a manufacturing factory or plant. Small to medium size businesses may use a reciprocating compressor to power pneumatic tools - you'll see this commonly in the construction, small engine, dental or automotive / mechanical industry, as tools powered by compressed air are more reliable than electricity powered tools which can short out or get too hot with ongoing use.

Compressed Air in Industrial settings

Compressed air is a necessity for industries that require a non-heating power source for safety purposes. The first air compressor was created in the early 1800's and the demand for compressed air systems has grown from focusing on better equipping the metal fabrication and mining industries, to now almost all industries - you can think of compressed air as the 4th utility after water, electric and gas. Here at Ash Air, we have a full range of air compressors to suit your industry and application needs.

Agriculture industry

In the farming/agriculture industry, air compressors provide a low cost of ownership and extended performance. Compressed air is often seen in the agriculture industry as tools that aid in spraying crops, used to power dairy machines, control ventilation systems in glasshouses and conveyor systems which move feed from silos.

Manufacturing

Air compressors are widely used in the manufacturing industry for applications such as metal fabrication, automotive and other assembly plants, plastics and refineries. You can expect to see compressed air operating machines and equipment on production lines, welding equipment, driving screws, blowing plastic bottles, finishing metal, automated machinery, and packaging.

Pharmaceutical

Oil-free compressors are especially sort after by the pharmaceutical industry. 100% pure, clean air which is dry is a top priority for this industry as it is very regulated. An air compressor system in this industry will most likely be moving product on conveyor belts, spraying coatings on products, and bottling and packaging products.

Food and Beverage

Food and beverage industries need contaminate-free and consistent compressed air to run their constant operations, which may be pelleting and packing products, filling equipment for beverages, cooling and freezing products, and sealing packaging. Compressed air in this industry gives the end users more control over air quality since its generated onsite.

Compressed Air is being used all around you!

Now that we know a bit more about how compressors are used in New Zealand industries and at home, you may have witnessed compressed air being used during a hobby, or activity, household chores, going to and from work, and other non-obvious ways. Such as:

You're on holiday in Fiji (yes we can wish), and you go on a Scuba dive. When you're underwater, the oxygen in the tank that you breathe from is filled up using an air compressor!
You're cars engine has heating and cooling systems which help to run your car and stop issues from arising
You decide to do a paintball game for your birthday. The paintball guns propel the paintballs with compressed air!
That Rainbows End roller coaster is run using compressed air, as is the Fear Fall!
That bus you caught this morning, uses compressor air for their brakes!
Midnight snack? Your fridge keeps your food nice and cool by using compressed air to chill inside the unit.

Increase efficiency of your compressed air system with heat recovery.

Compressor systems can be designed to recover the heat produced from compression to be used elsewhere in a facility. This heat can be put to good use for a different application like space heating, heating process water, lubricants or other fluids used for production or can be delivered to the plant locker room to supply hot water for showers.

Compressed air = less risk of hazards for certain industries

Some industries that are active in mining, oil rigging, tunneling, and many more use compressed air as power to mitigate the risk of fires and explosions. Certain hazardous environments see their only option for power to be in the form of compressed air. Oil and gas platforms, mines and tunneling equipment are examples of situations that pose a high risk of explosion and fire and compressed air is typically a cost effective means to eliminate this. Compressed air has been a solution to many industry challenges over the years. From its first use in allowing the mining industry to have a less hazardous environment to its efficiency-focused uses in manufacturing and construction industries, we are sure to see more applications in the future that use compressed air to make processes easier, cheaper or safer.

Here at Ash Air, we have been in business since 1979, and we have seen many changes in how compressed air is used, and the technologies in place. We have been quick thinking, progressive, and have strived over decades to provide our customers in their industries with solutions when they are faced with challenges. With our upskilled engineers, 24/7 breakdown support, we offer astounding performance, durability and reliability, supporting the longevity of your business.

You can view our range of compressors on our website, and contact us

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Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!

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Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.

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