Screw Compressors: Application Areas

The Suitability of Screw Air Compressors

Did you read about screw air compressors and now want to know where screw compressors are applied? You came to the right place! 

In the following guide, we discuss the application areas of a screw air compressor and where they are suitable. Keep reading to also find out which of the screw compressors currently dominate the industry as they are the most common amongst compressed air productions.

The screw compressor is suitable for both intermittent and continuous operation. Operating budget is optimal during continuous operation are high load levels (up to 100%). With modern technology; e.g. speed control, the screw compressor's energy consumption for low or varying air requirements can be reduced significantly compared to previous methods.

Liquid-injected (oil-injected) screw compressors in one-stage models currently dominate the industry, where operational pressures up to 1300 kPa and a capacity of up to approximately 30 mΒ³/min are required. 


We added the rotary screw technology to our line in response to the increasing use of compressed air for industrial environments. Efficient and reliable performance was needed for some of the most demanding applications like energy exploration, food and beverage processing and manufacturing. All air compressors perform the same basic function β€” they increase the pressure and reduce the volume of a 

Here is a list that shows the wide range of uses for industrial-sized air compressors for almost any application.


1. AGRICULTURE/FARMING

For productive and profitable farming operations, compressed air provides long-lasting performance and a low cost of ownership. Compressed air is used for:


2. MANUFACTURING

Whether in refineries, plastics, assembly plants or metal fabrication, an air compression system is the central power source that keeps a business in production. Powerful air compressors aid in manufacturing by:


3. DRY CLEANING

Reliable air supply and a dependable system are required for the dry cleaning industry, which demands quality cleaning of garments. Compressed air is used for:


4. PHARMACEUTICAL

Remaining clean, dry and oil-free are top priorities for this highly regulated industry that needs precision equipment and high-performance systems. A pharmaceutical air compressor setup works by:


5. ENERGY EXPLORATION

The remote nature of energy exploration requires the most dependable power to minimize repair and maintenance costs. An air compressor will be:


6. FOOD AND BEVERAGE

All types of food and beverage manufacturing facilities use air compressor systems for various production tasks. They need contaminate-free and consistent compressed air to run their constant operations. Compressed air is used for:

Having power in the form of compressed air provides end-users with much more control over usage and air quality since it is generated on-site. Around 90 percent of all manufacturing companies use compressed air in their production and plant processes in some form.

Unique Industrial Air Compressor Applications

Due to the long lists above of the many uses of an air compressor, you can already guess that this utility has a number of features that make it the ideal power source for a vast range of uses.

Here are a few features of compressed air, each combined with an example of a situation that benefits from the feature:



The Compressed Air Advantage: Reliable, Versatile and Safe Energy

Seen as the plant workhorse in business, the convenient helper at home and the efficient aid in, compressed air is a power source that is widely used even though many people fail to realize how common it is.

Individuals, businesses and industries benefit from the ability to produce on-site power through air compression. As we mentioned earlier, compressed air can be more expensive to produce, but since it cuts production costs in many other ways, it’s a necessary element of almost every manufacturing and industrial environment.

What are these benefits that make a seemingly β€œexpensive” utility the top choice for many environments?

You may remember the benefits of using air tools in the section above. They are lighter and much more durable, especially when used constantly and in rough and dirty environments. Their use results in increased productivity and efficiency from quicker tool speed and user strain that is greatly decreased or eliminated altogether.

The tough applications that are typical in steel mills and foundries are not welcoming for electric-powered tools. The high temperatures and dirty surroundings are the perfect environments for frequent electrical overloading and equipment malfunctioning. Air tools require periodic maintenance, but they require much less than their electric counterparts and are nearly indestructible.

Another favorable feature of compressed air is that it can be stored to support fluctuations in use. Not having to worry about spikes in electricity consumption that can trip fuses and sabotage equipment is a top priority of any production line. An air compressor can be installed to meet the demands of any constant and fluctuating use. With the right system, you get the necessary pressure and storage tank to provide reliable and consistent energy.


Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!

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!

  • Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Nitrogen
  • An extensive line of air treatment components

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.

Reliability and Efficiency

With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:

  • Increasing uptime
  • Reducing unexpected repairs
  • Reducing energy consumption
  • Improving the cleanliness of compressed air


Read more from our #expertcorner

Talk to the team today:  CONTACT US CONTACT US


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.


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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A question that is occasionally asked by our customers to Ash Air is 'what is the cost of compressed air?'Β  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.


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.Β 


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.


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.






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! 


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.Β Β 


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.


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.


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.


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.


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: