Our full range of compressed air equipment available for loan or hire is highly beneficial for your business, especially when it is crucial
to maintain production if your equipment has experienced failure, or is needing to be refurbished.
We are there for you when you need us, we have short or long term hire options available and are ready to provide solution for your air requirements. All of our compressors, vacuum pumps, blowers, and generators are serviced by our service technicians to a meticulous standard using only quality, genuine parts and consumables, meaning that when you hire from us, we have got you sorted!
Talk to us today and we can help you with your compressed air equipment hire and leasing requirements.
Anytime, anywhere, you can count on us. How can we help you today? Air Compressor Service? Sales? Product Information? We would be happy to answer your questions!
With 13 service locations nationwide, we are here when you need us as your compressed air specialists.
Trying to figure out which air dryer capacity is best for you? Here are some 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.
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.
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.
ICONS: Intelligent Connectivity System: The insight into your compressed air system, wherever you are. Learn More about ICONS in this article here!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Find out the difference between a one-stage compressor and a multi-stage 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.
The right desiccant dryer with quality desiccant will improve dryer performance and lifetime and will reduce energy and service costs.
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.
On-site nitrogen generators have many benefits over bottled gas. One is that they allow you to select your nitrogen purity. Here is how.
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.
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:
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...
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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 – also known as reciprocal compressors – are designed to work within certain limitations. Find out more about them here.
Vacuum pumps generally fall into two main categories: wet and dry. Here's a breakdown of how they differ:
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 remove any condensation from the air compressed by your air compressor. Questions about them? Find answers to the most frequently asked questions here.
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...
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 is a part of our everyday lives in unexpected ways for almost all of us.
Compressed air is valuable for many industrial processes, but without proper attention and maintenance it can be costly.
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is surface filtering? How does it help production? Find out here
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
How do you know which type of compressed air dryer will best meet your needs? These insights will help you make the right decision.
How is plant based meat made? And how does nitrogen make it taste better?
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.
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.
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...
A nitrogen generator, combined with an air compressor and the necessary air treatment products, can provide you with a steady supply of food grade nitrogen.
AIRnet offers moisture-eliminating drop fittings called Quick Drops! Quick Drops make “drop-tees” obsolete, removing the need for extra parts and pipe, while saving time and money.
Proper compressor installation and commissioning helps ensure trouble-free startup and long-term reliability. Thorough inspection and critical review during each phase of the installation process eliminates “built-in” deficiencies or problems which c...
Stainless steel has long been crucial for many applications where strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion are essential. That is why it is often chosen for process equipment used in harsh environments such as chemical and petrochemical plants, refineries, and power stations.
Price is an important consideration when choosing a tool for metalworking applications, but it alone should not be the deciding factor. Other things also contribute to the total cost of ownership, performance, and, ultimately, the overall productivit...
Horsepower? PSI? CFM? There is a lot to consider when purchasing a new air compressor. It is important to understand what you actually need and how to find out.
Yay! It's Christmas! But before the turkey gets carved and a heaping spoonful of Christmas pudding gets dropped on your plate, you might get asked what you’re thankful for. Well, maybe this year you could say you’re thankful for the compressed air, gas and vacuum solutions that made everything on the table possible. Let’s look at how!
Are you faced with the decision of whether to switch from purchasing bottled nitrogen or oxygen to on site gas generation? In that case, the decision is easy. You should! Lower costs, the right purity, less transportation emissions, improved safety, no logistics headaches. In all of these areas, on site gas generation is the superior solution. And making the switch is easy. All you need is a gas generator and a supply of compressed air.
Did you know that one of the largest costs for industrial manufacturers is compressed air? That’s right – anywhere from 12% to 40% of a facility’s total energy costs come from its compressed air installation. This means that finding innovative ways (no matter how small) to increase compressed air efficiency can amount to big savings over the long run! Items like leak elimination, air audits, reduced pressure bands, and reducing unloaded running hours are some of the most popular ways to decrease energy usage – but there are many other actions that you can take. Read on to discover additional ways to reduce your costs and make sure your compressor system is running as efficiently as possible!
A properly sized and designed piping system is a necessary component of any distribution compressed air system. Without this key component in place, the delivery of air from the compressor to the specific points of use will be inefficient and costly, both in the short term as well as in the long term. Let’s look more closely at how to size your compressed air piping system to ensure minimal pressure loss while maintaining maximum efficiency.
Potential for growth of micro-organisms in a compressed air system is tied to the moisture level (dew point) of the compressed air. In simple terms, if there is moisture in your compressed air, microorganisms such as mold and bacteria have the environment they need to grow and thrive. While it’s true that as air is compressed, much of the moisture present in the intake air will condense, enough moisture remains to allow micro-organisms to proliferate.
Your compressor installation is a workhorse that requires regular service and maintenance to help it achieve maximum efficiency and longevity. This is where compressor monitoring and data gathering technologies come in, as these provide meaningful information on your system that can be visualized, tracked over extended time periods, and used to make insightful decisions regarding compressor performance.
Some piston compressors use cast iron and others aluminum. But which is better? Here is a look at their differences and respective benefits.
A variable speed compressor is not for every application. VSD rotary screw compressors need to be ran in a location that is in need of 24/7 compressed air and has a changing demand on the amount of air needed. If your compressed air needs are constan...
Compressed air purification equipment must have a very low pressure drop, long service life and be strong enough to withstand the most strenuous operating conditions. Protection from oil slugs or compressor air/oil separator failure is essential.
Intelligent Connectivity System (ICONS) is the eyes into your compressed air system. Ditch the logbooks, the regular visits to the compressor room and dealing with surprises with your compressor. • Most maintenance organizations operate between 10% to 40% efficiency • Most spend more than 50% of time on emergency work • Reactive maintenance costs 3-5 times more than preventive maintenance.
Compressed air is used in many different industries. From refrigerator manufacturers to toy makers, companies around the world depend on compressed air to produce products. It's so important that many consider it a utility as significant as electricity, water or natural gas.
Compressed air is always contaminated. Contaminants include, • Liquid oil - oil aerosols - oil vapor, Dirt - microorganisms - pipescale, Trace gases: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide. Learn more about why you need to filter compressed air...
As part of a concerted effort worldwide to reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions and the impact of industrial operations on the environment, regulatory authorities in many countries have introduced legislation to encourage the manufacture and use ...
Air is always contaminated with solid particles such as dust, sand, soot, salt crystals and water as it leaves the compressor. An effective compressed air treatment system lowers the dew point of the air and takes out the elements that may harm equipment downstream of the compressor and dryer
The ambient temperature in an air compressor’s environment can greatly affect your air compressor’s performance. All air compressors will
generate some amount of water, but depending on inlet air conditions some can produce large amounts of water.
Just purchased a new compressor? Are you asking yourself, “Now what am I going to do with this old air compressor?”
Routine maintenance on your screw compressor or piston compressor is vital to ensuring your unit is performing to its full potential. There are simple checks and inspections you can do daily, weekly and monthly to keep your compressor running efficiently and to avoid downtime.
Whether you use your air compressor for woodcarving, bottling or manufacturing consumables, compressed air plays a critical role in your business. It is undeniable that compressed air is a valuable source to your applications.
There are many things to consider during the selection process of an air compressor for your business. Most important, determining the proper size of the compressor to match your operational needs.
Dewpoint spikes immediately after desiccant switchover (line C) indicate that the desiccant was not sufficiently cooled before being brought on-line. Hot desiccant will not adsorb moisture well until it cools down, after which the dewpoint should dro...
Don’t be alarmed if you find oil in your air compressor tank. Actually, all rotary screw compressors pass trace amounts of oil in the compressed air. The question is how much is the normal amount of oil in my compressor tank?
The ambient temperature in an air compressor’s environment can greatly affect your air compressors performance. All air compressors will generate some amount of water, but depending on inlet air conditions some can produce large amounts of water.
Once you’ve invested in an air compressor your business or home you may ask yourself, “What happens if my compressor needs service? Needs a filter change? Oil change?"
As you know, compressed air filters protect your machine from dirt, dust, oil and water. These contaminants are extremely common in the areas you would find a compressed air system and will wear down your machine if not properly filtered out.
Air compressor leaks can be a substantial source of wasted energy in any system, sometimes wasting 20-30% of a compressor's production. Worst of all, a poorly maintained compressor can have a leak rate expected to equal 20% of total compressed air...
Choosing the right compressor is essential to your long-term satisfaction and maybe, to the profitability of your business. Many times compressors are based on a single factor alone, such as horsepower or tank size, which is only part of the story.
In oil injected screw compressors, there is a thin layer of oil found between the rotors to create a seal and maintain proper efficiency as the compression occurs. The unfortunate side effect of this solution is that oil may carry over to the point of use in your air system. This can be mitigated by having correct filtration in place to remove the oil contaminants in your air. Additionally, many individuals may decide to opt for a completely oil-free solution, with the use of a scroll compressor or water injected screw compressor.
Most businesses concentrate on the air compressor and consider the piping as a secondary concern. The piping system can make or break your business. Faulty, inefficient piping can cause pressure loss and lost power. Keeping a close eye on the overall layout, installations and maintenance of your air piping system will help keep your business running at its’ optimal efficiency.
Our #1 Focus is Customer Service! Whether you have questions about which compressor is right for you, or if you’re ready to improve your operations and start saving on expenses. Ash Air has been around for over 40 years because we offer reliable and hardworking air compressors, vacuum pumps, and services as well as expert advice and support.
If your daily business operations depend heavily on having compressed air, this question is extremely important. Should you repair your broken compressor or get a new one?
An oil analysis can prevent problems later down the road. It's often been referred to as the blood test for your compressor. Just like a blood test can tell you about your health and early alerts to impending problems, an analysis can do the same for your compressor.
Did you know that pressure drops and leaks are the two largest areas of energy loss on your air compressors? It’s easy to understand why a
leaking pipe or fitting creates energy loss. Pressure drops are not quite as noticeable, since you cannot hear ...
Air compressors must have adequate ventilation because, when running, they produce a fair amount of heat.
Whenever anything doesn't work properly, it's frustrating and we get it. If this is your first time experiencing troubles with your dryer, you're probably unsure where to even start. Getting your dryer repaired and back up and working is critical to ...
Screw 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 ine...
Considering installing your air compressor outside? Think again. The temptation to save space may sound enticing, but in the long haul is will cost you.
Most air compressors require constant oil lubrication to prevent friction on the pistons or screws and other moving parts. To make sure your
air compressor is running efficiently, it is important to check your oil level regularly and to know how much...
Have you heard of the term "Total Air Solutions"? A total air solution means everything that goes with the compressor for your business’s air system. 90% of companies require more than just an air compressor.