Air compressors are versatile machines for residential and industrial purposes. While oil-free air compressors are gaining more demands from customers, we must look at their uniqueness. In the manufacturing of consumer goods, the quality of compressed air is important. This quality might be a salient reason for an increase in the market share of oil-free compressors.
Industry experts expect more than 10% in demand for oil-free compressors in factories by 2025. In Australia, produces of nitrogenized beer prefer to treat water with oil-free compressors. Let’s share other factors that make this type of industrial air compressor a must-have for factories.
Do You Need Oil-free Air Compressors for Production of Consumer Good?
While oil-free compressors might not be 100% independent of lubricants, they are designed to meet high air purity standards. In pharmaceutical and food production plants, there are risks of contaminations from compressed air systems.
However, oil filtration technology can prevent the contamination of products. In business, managers look for ways to reduce the cost of production too. Also, this technology prevents valve blockages, and seal breakage that might cause downtime during production.
In factories that produce dairy products, compressed air plays a major role. While air pressure helps to perform many applications, production technologists must ensure the highest quality. During this manufacturing process, compressed air pushes ingredients and oxygen through metal pipes. It’s important to use air compressors that have lower risks of contaminating cultured food and beverage recipes.
Normally, the pistons and oil-free air compressors require lubrication to reduce friction and heat. While it’s possible that traces of oil can’t flow with the air from compressors, factories still prefer oil-free compressors. It’s because these types guarantee higher qualities of the compressed air.
According to health and safety experts, maintaining the highest levels of purity is essential during the production of food. The air requirements of workers in packaging units include blow-moulding and vacuum-sealing of packages. Even after the production of goods, workers need air compressors to clean these packaging machines. Without an oil-free compressor, the factory’s sanitary condition might be compromised.
What’s the Difference between Oil-Based and Oil-Free Compressors?
Generally, compressed air generates pressure for many applications like drying, preservation, temperature control and nitrogen generator. Since there are different types of compressors, you should expect a range of features. Usually, models of oil-free compressors are more expensive than oil-dependent types.
However, the former comes with cheaper maintenance and more filters that prevent contamination. Generally, the capacity of air compressors determines their outputs of air pressure. Since factories need compressors with high performance, an oil-free type might be a cost-effective choice.
Examples of Factory Operations That Require Oil-free Air Compressors
An improper maintenance routine like filter replacement and cleaning of air compressor units can affect the quality of production. The demand for oil-free air compressors is industry-based. However, machines that provide a range of pressure are often seen in the food and beverage sector. Here are some functions of industrial oil-free compressors.
- For post-production packaging processes
- For washing and food-filling processes
- For handling and moving products along the production lines
- For producing oxygen and nitrogen during the packaging process
- As (air) knives for slicing and peeling raw materials like tuber crops, fruits, and vegetables
- To open actuator valves and fluid pumps.
- For freezing and cooling products in warehouses, and special logistics equipment
- The pressure of air helps to sort raw materials according to weight
- High-pressures of air compressed blows-off and spreads flavouring ingredients onto pastry products
- For mixing and distributing ingredients with diaphragm pumps
- For HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems in the factory.
