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.
Winery
Equipment Uncorked: What is Powered by Air
Wineries of all sizes depend on compressed air for powering continuous-duty machines from crushing grapes to bottling, labeling and filling.
These machines require a very precise amount of clean, oil-free air to accomplish the following items:
Pressing Grapes: Air compressors are often paired with a bladder press to aid in pushing out the grapes juice through the
vent holes.
Crushing Grapes: Sadly, villagers do not stomp barefoot in vats to crush grape harvests anymore. Teaming up with a
pressurized bladder, compressed air slowly inflates the tank to press the grapes to the surface.
Heat & Cool Product: Monitoring temperature and keeping best temperature ranges during fermentation is a very critical
part of making a great wine. Excesses above or below the ideal range will have a direct impact on your finished wine, including whether or
not it finishes at all
Filter & Dry Product: Running a filtration system, which is the fastest and most efficient way to filter your finished
wine before bottling.
Aeration: Aeration is an essential process of introducing oxygen to the wine to round out and soften. Oil-free compressors
are ideal because they don't risk contaminating your masterpiece with oil - affecting the quality and the taste.
Bottling: Bottling is one of the most common uses for air compressors in wineries and smaller commercial operations.
Pressurized air is vital for moving wine from the conditioning tank or barrels to the bottle, and for keeping lines clean and free of water.
Bottling uses a lot of air, so getting the right unit is critical. If you select an undersized or non-continuous rated unit, it will most
likely get hot and start "spitting" oil into the lines. Even with a water trap, oil filters, and water filters, contamination will still get
through pneumatic lines and wreak chaos on your equipment.
Clean Air = Clean Wine: No matter what size the operation, you will want an oil-free air compressor that is UL-listed,
comes with an ASME-certified tank and uses the right combination of air treatment accessories to produce the most contaminant-free air
possible. But, if you're still using an oil-lubricated compressor, you'll need to incorporate refrigerated dryers and in-line air filters to
remove moisture, oil, and other airborne contaminants. Whether you are a large winery coop or an independent, small winery, choosing the
right air compressor and accessories will go a long way to protect your investment and the award-winning wine you create.
Our Air Compressor Pro's are here to help you develop a complete compressed air solution, providing you with the best selection and pricing
delivered right to your door. If you need help deciding which compressor is right for your winery, Ash Airhas you
covered.
As we wouldn't know which grapes to select for the perfect complex red, picking the right compressor for your winery can leave anyone unsure
on such a big decision.
Here
are a few tips to keep in mind when comparing compressors:
1. Maintenance: Select an air compressor that is easy to maintain and to get into. Chicago Pneumatic compressors
taking the guessing out of what to do. With detailed manuals to know what is required at each hour interval of your machine.
2. Replacement parts: Don't pick a machine that you have to track filters and parts down for. With a dedicated team
(help@ashair.co.nz) it's simple to order parts and keep your machine always working at it's optimal performance.
3. Noise: Yes, noise is something to consider when selecting your compressor. No one needs a nagging employee
complaining about the noise of a machine. Ask about the decibel chart and where the compressor ranks.
4. Installation: You need to be thinking about where this compressor is going to go. A quiet screw compressor should
go inside and can be right beside your employees with minimal noise. Looking to put your compressor outside? Keep in mind, not all
compressors are meant for outside. Weather is a huge component to harming your compressor, so make sure you ask if they have a "weather
kit".
6. Drains: Compressed air produces moisture in your machine. Drains are essential to draining that moisture out of
your machine. Make sure you ask where the drains are located, are they automatic and how often you should be manually draining.
The most energy demanding piece of equipment in a winery is often the air compressor.
Air compressors must be adequately sized for their application. Many businesses make the mistake of installing a
compressor, larger than necessary in size, to allow for future expansion.Our suggestion is to install a compressor that will operate closer
to peak capacity and add a back-up unit for periods of high demand. The back up compressor can be fitted with a variable speed control which
reduces the speed at which the motor operates during periods of low demand.
Energy Efficiency: Considered a Variable-Speed Compressor
Not only can a VSD save energy, especially when used with rotary or screw compressors which are quite inefficient at low or partial load,
but the compressor motor is also placed under less stress during start-ups and shut downs.
For smaller wineries that only use a single air compressor motor, the use of a VSD compressor can similarly reduce motor speed and deliver
significant savings of between 15 and 40%.
Explore Variable Speed Compressors
Chicago Pneumatic CPVSd 10 Oil Injected VSD Driven Screw Compressor with 270 L Receiver + Dryer
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!
Rotary Screw and Piston Air Compressors
Vacuum Pumps and Blowers
Nitrogen Generation
An extensive line of Air Treatment components
AIRnet Piping System and Filtration
Mobile Compressors, Generators, and Light Towers
Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, ALUP, Pneumatech, and Atlas Copco products 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 with
nationwide coverage, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air, vacuum pump, and industrial gas equipment and parts
available today in New Zealand.
Reliability and Efficiency
With Ash Air, 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 and meeting our sustainability goals
A liquid ring vacuum pump is a powerful and steadfast piece of equipment that, if well maintained, can provide years of dependable
performance. Whether you purchase a large or small unit, you can rely on a vacuum pump for smooth, consistent and relatively quiet operation
for many months on end between each inspection.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
ICONS: Intelligent Connectivity System: The insight into your compressed air system, wherever you are. Learn More about ICONS in this article here!
Read More…
A question that is occasionally asked by our customers to Ash Air is 'what is the cost of compressed air?'Â 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.
Read More…
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.Â
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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!
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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. Â
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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:
Read More…
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...
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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?
Read More…
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.
Read More…
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!
Read More…
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. Read More…
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.Â
Read More…
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.
Read More…