Many people agree that bigger is better. Whether it’s a larger TV, car or house, we always want more. However, the “bigger is better” mantra doesn’t hold true for compressed air rating – properly sizing your system based on end use is a crucial step before choosing a compressor. But what about air r

A lot of thought goes into purchasing a new air compressor. From calculating free air demand to determining the necessary air quality for end use, a purchase of this magnitude requires diligent research. But one key issue that is sometimes forgotten is where the compressor will be housed once it’s d

Air quality is a growing concern for people around the world. With a rising number of cars, industrial facilities and other polluters, the air around us is becoming increasingly saturated with harmful chemicals and particulates. Despite this, manufacturers still need to maintain strict standards of

Hygiene and sanitation are critical elements of medical care (Hygieia was the Greek goddess of health and the daughter of Aesculapius, the god of medicine).  While we typically think of compressed air and the way it delivers reliable power in dirty, grimy conditions, in certain applications the

Cooling is a crucial step in the compressed air process. The ideal gas law tells us when the pressure on any constant volume of gas increases, the temperature also increases. Compressed air is no exception; it can become as hot as 300 degrees F. Without cooling, this level of heat can damage equipme

We always think of trimming in the context of removing or reducing something. Whether it’s getting your hair trimmed or trimming down for summer, the end goal is always less than the starting point. So it might seem counter intuitive that reducing total operating costs sometimes requires adding mach

Pressure drops from filters are a normal occurrence. Even when installing a new filter, some pressure will be lost as compressed air passes through it. This should be considered at the time of purchase and factored in to compressor system performance. However, increasing pressure drops over a filter

Like the pipes that transport compressed air to its end use, hoses and tubing are an important part of any compressed air system. Usually, hoses, tubing and their quick disconnect couplings are used between the compressor and pipes or between pipes and the end use application. Because they make up a

Distractions are not necessarily a bad thing, especially when they divert our attention from the monotony of everyday routine. The right distractions, like many hobbies, can provide a refreshing break that helps recharge the mind, body and spirit. And it can be anything, both static and exhilarating

It’s easy to understand why we filter compressed air. It keeps end use safe and clean for products and people, removing any harmful contaminants that may enter the air stream. Understanding the terminology is a different story. Let’s start with the contaminants. They can originate both from ambient

The life cycle of any significant capital purchase usually follows the same financial trajectory – initial outlay is expensive (or deemed so, anyway), followed by paying down any interest and then principle, before the profitability takes over and you begin realizing the return on your investment. O

It’s no secret: the world is getting a little more crowded each day (or second). With that many mouths to feed, innovation has fueled the way food is handled so it can accommodate these growing needs. To help keep food fresher longer, manufacturers have increased their reliance on nitrogen when pac

An air receiver is an essential part of all compressed air systems. Sometimes also referred to as a compressed air tank acts as a buffer and a storage medium between the compressor and the consumption system. By acting as a temporary storage, an air receiver accommodates the peaks of demand from you

Biogas is the captured gas that comes naturally from the anaerobic digestion of raw materials such as agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, or food waste. An example would be the gas produced by your compost pile. This biogas is a mixture of gases primarily consisting

Now that it is officially fall, for many of us in the northern hemisphere that means cooler temperatures and the arrival of snow in the not to distance future. For some the colder months are their favorite time of year, pumpkin spice, hot chocolate, skiing, skating, the holidays. Now many of us in t

As we have previously established, compressed air has a hand in producing just about everything we use daily and the quality of that compressed air always matters. Keeping it free from contaminates like oil, moisture, and particulates, is important to not only protecting your compressed air system b

Depending on the air compressor unit you own, will depend on what type and how many gauges are on it. Most modern air compressors use electronic controllers to monitor pressure and report readings with a digital gauge. Atlas Copco uses our Elektronikon controller to report readings. But on piston co

Have you ever wondered how airplanes get oxygen for people to breathe inside the cabin? When cruising at 30,000 feet, humans can’t breathe outside without oxygen. In all actuality there is plenty of oxygen to breathe at that altitude but, at higher altitudes there is less pressure causing oxygen mol

Think about the last time you took your car in for service, and they recommended you change the filter in your car. It’s annoying and makes you roll your eyes; it is essential though for increased gas milage. Just like your car, your air compressors filter needs to be changed on a regular basis as w

What is breathing air? When we talk about breathing air, we are not talking about the everyday air you are breathing as you are reading this, think firefighters and scuba divers or air needed at a hospital. Breathing air comes in two forms, the tanks that divers and firefighters use and Breathing Ai