Two of the most popular buzzwords floating around today are Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IOT). But what exactly do these mean, and how do they relate to compressed air systems & industrial manufacturing? Let’s find out! What is Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IOT)? Industry

When you think of an air compressor, chances are that a piston compressor (also called a reciprocating compressor) is the one that springs to mind. The oldest and most common of all industrial compressors, piston compressors can be configured in a variety of ways, including one-stage and two-stage,

The following is an excerpt from my article that outlines the role of aeration equipment in aerobic fermentation. Read the full version in the November/December 2018 issue of Pharmaceutical Engineering. The compressor equipment should have several features to meet fermentation process requirem

The polar vortex that hit the northern portions of the United States in late January was record shattering. The deep freeze impacted millions; cities shut down, businesses closed, and many industries were forced to find innovative ways to maintain operations during the frigid Arctic blast. The sudd

If you’re like a lot of Americans, you probably nosh on chips, nuts, or other snack foods. But have you ever given any thought as to how those crunchy morsels are packaged – and manage to stay fresh? Packaging and Nitrogen The answer is Modified Atmosphere Packaging, commonly referred to as MAP. Th

When you think of Valentine’s Day, what comes to mind? No doubt flowers, sentimental cards, and expressions of love spring to the top of the list. But the most iconic part of the holiday is, arguably, the candy hearts that are sold in the months leading up to Valentine’s Day. The demand for these he

Do you like getting your car’s oil changed? We didn’t think so. The same applies to changing your vacuum pump’s oil. While necessary, it can be an inconvenience – and an expensive one at that! Atlas Copco has a solution for the messy, time-consuming problem of these frequent oil changes: an oil-sea

When you’re in the food-processing industry, you’re faced with a choice: should you select an oil-injected or oil-free air compressor to power your application? We provide information on both options below. Food Grade Oil: Safe to Consume? If you choose an oil-injected/oil-lubricated air compressor

The following is an excerpt from my interview with Mike Grennier of Blower & Vacuum Best Practices. We discussed how oil-free air blowers are utilized across the food and beverage industry. Read the full interview here. Please describe the food and beverage market and where these blowers are co

Introducing the LRP VSD+, the new standard for liquid ring vacuum pumps! A blend of modern design, classic technology, and outstanding reliability, the LRP VSD+ is built to handle rugged applications. From wet, humid, or dirty processes to locations with high temperatures or extreme vapor loads – th

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2017 and has been completely updated for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and new information. Spring has officially arrived, which means it’s time for spring cleaning to begin! Much like your home needs a deep clean, your compressed air system should

Compressed air is one of the most important utilities for numerous industries, but it’s also a large consumer of energy. Any savings made in compressed air systems can have a significant impact on costs and the environment.  Help minimize compressed air costs by doing the following: Analyze yo

Like all machinery, liquid ring vacuum pumps require periodic inspections to ensure the equipment is functioning properly. Make sure you are checking off on these maintenance items as you’re doing a walk through.  Review temperature of bearings. Bearing temperatures should not exceed 140°F in

By: Deepak Vetal The following is an excerpt from my recent article Importance of Energy Recovery in Compressed Air Systems for Chemical Engineering. The full version can be read online or in the December issue of the magazine. Industries account for 35% of the world’s final use of energy with more

Winter is coming. Whether you’re in for brisk winds or blizzards, cloudy days or cold nights, it’s time to prepare for the chilly season. But when you’re bundling up, don’t leave your machines out; air compressors can’t toss on a sweater, hop under a blanket or curl up with a cup of cocoa to cure th

Leaks are little problems that can add up to big financial losses. A leak of just 3/8-inch operating at 100 psig can cost an operator upwards of $36,000 per year. But leaks don’t have to break your compressed air budget. By preventing leaks before they start, you can save your operation money in the

Since 1873, Atlas Copco has been synonymous with innovation. At the forefront of our field, our products enable sustainable, reliable performance in a range of critical industries. Innovation is a multifaceted goal, one that encompasses four key areas that together form a holistic vision of what it

Have you looked at your manufacturing facility’s energy bill recently? If you have, chances are you’ve noticed that compressed air accounts for roughly 40% of the total bill – a large percentage that, if you’re not careful, can easily overwhelm your wallet. Add this to the fact that over the compre

Purchasing a compressor is a huge investment, so it’s necessary to put  quality time into planning for the various costs associated with operating your air compressor. One common item that many businesses forget to include in this plan? Annual maintenance costs. It’s very important to consider

Were you aware that your air compressor’s placement will impact its performance? There are many factors to consider when determining the proper location for your compressor, especially if your applications are sensitive. Some of the most common include: Moisture. Moisture in any form, such as humi