Air Treatment

Compressed air is often referred to as the fourth utility and with the uses for compressed air growing every day, it means that there is a diverse variation of air quality requirements. 

The concentration of airborne contaminants present during the compression process means that the compressed air will invariably need some form of air treatment before the point of use.

As technology for compressed air treatment continues to evolve, there is now a wide range of equipment available which can satisfy the most demanding of compressed air treatment needs. The selection of the right equipment can be a complex task, affecting everything from the maintenance schedules to the on going costs associated with achieving the required standards.

Compressed air is often a vital element in modern production processes. Irrespective of whether it comes into direct contact with the product or is used to automate a process, provide motive power, packaging, or even to generate other gases on-site, a clean, dry, reliable compressed air supply is essential.

In order to achieve a safe and efficient system, it is important to understand the sources of compressed air contamination and the types of contaminants which must be reduced or eliminated. Once these issues have been identified, we can implement measures to protect the consumer and ensure a smooth-running and cost-effective production facility.

There are ten main contaminants in a compressed air system and these come from three main sources. These ten contaminants are then split into three categories which are solid particulate, water and oil. The level of these three categories is what is then used to determine the air quality of the compressed air. 

Currently there are three standards directly related to compressed air quality and testing: 

ISO12500 Series - This standard is used to benchmark and verify the performance of compressed air filters.

ISO07183 Series - This standard is used to validate the performance of compressed air dryers.

ISO8573 Series - Consisting of nine parts, ISO8573 specifies the quality of compressed air and the test methods to identify contaminations.

ISO8573 is the principal document in this series, it stipulates the amount of contamination allowed in each cubic metre of compressed air. Listed as three main contaminants, (solid particulate, water and oil) each contaminant is detailed into a different class.

The air purity classes in accordance with ISO 8573-1 refer to a specific measurement point within the compressed air network. 

Components such as pipes and valves influence the quality of the compressed air and must therefore be suitable for achieving a particular purity class.

It is important to ensure that the air treatment equipment is correctly suited to match the air quality required.

Failure to install the correct air treatment could lead to contamination, corrosion, blockages and damage to the compressed air system itself. In addition to these problems, this will ultimately lead to reduction in production efficiency, spoiled or damaged products and also increased maintenance costs of downstream machinery. 

However, installing additional air treatment that is not required can lead to pressure drops, excessive maintenance costs and a reduction is system efficiency.

The benefits of air treatment are wide ranging and include:

• Better quality compressed air
• Improved efficiency and performance of components leading to lower energy bills and reduced carbon footprint
• Preservation of the system, reducing breakdowns and maintenance costs
• Longer service life of associated equipment, such as air tools, cylinders and valves

As experts in compressed air and air treatment products, we can offer advice on the options for protecting your equipment and processes. All of the advice we offer you will be completely impartial and will be based on our industry experience and the most cost-effective solution for your needs.

Our air treatment products include:

• Compressed air filters
• Particulate filters
• Coalescing filters
• Activated carbon filters/adsorbers
• Cyclone separators
• Desiccant air dryers
• Membrane air dryers
• Refrigerant air dryers
• Breathable air purifiers
• Air receivers
• Oil/Water separators
• Condensate drains
• Catalytic converters
• Pressure-safe valves
• Leak-stop valves
• Sterile filters
• And much more....