Right air compressor for the food and beverage industry

Air compressors are essential for various applications in the food and beverage industry. In this article, Aparna Shinde, Business Marketing Manager, Industrial Air Division, Atlas Copco (India), discusses that choosing the right air compressor requires careful evaluation to ensure safety, maintain product quality, achieve optimal performance, and comply with industry standards and operational needs.

Air compressors play a vital role in numerous applications within the food and beverage industry, from packing and bottling to cleaning, nitrogen generation, food filling, and food processing. Selecting the appropriate air compressor for these operations necessitates consideration to ensure safety, product quality, optimal performance, and compliance with industry standards and specific operational requirements.

Oil-free screw air compressors and oil-lubricated screw air compressors are two commonly employed air compressor technologies in the food and beverage industry, largely determined by the required air purity standards for different applications. Among these, the oil-free screw air compressor is the most prevalent in the food and beverage industry, where compressed air directly contacts food products.

Thorough research is essential before selection since not all air compressors are designed equally for various applications. The choice of an air compressor depends on the organisation’s specific application needs, required air volume, and available space. The following points outline the selection of the right air compressor for the food and beverage industry.

Calculating the required air volume

The initial step involves calculating the required air volume, typically measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The PSI (pounds per square inch) and hose or pipe diameter are essential factors to determine this. The PSI can be found on the compressor or any device utilising the compressed air, while hose or pipe sizes are specified in equipment documentation or product specifications.

Consideration of contaminant risks

Maintaining air quality is paramount in food and beverage manufacturing to prevent contamination and ensure product safety. Certain products, such as meat and poultry, necessitate an elevated level of hygiene and must be processed in a food-certified facility. Therefore, selecting air compressors equipped with effective filtering systems to eliminate impurities, including moisture, oil, and particles, is crucial. Utilising air compressors with stainless steel components is optimal. It makes it corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, reducing the risk of product contamination.

Low noise level

Low noise levels are critical when selecting air compressors for the food and beverage industry, particularly in environments where noise reduction is essential for employee comfort and regulatory compliance. Additionally, low noise levels are necessary to prevent contamination. Quieter compressors minimise the possibility of airborne particles and dust being stirred up during cleaning operations.

Compressed air quality standards

Compressed air in the food and beverage industry must meet specific quality standards. Compressors must be equipped with suitable filtration and moisture removal systems. ISO 8573-1 Quality Class 0 represents the highest quality compressed air for food and beverage applications as compressed air is coming in direct contact with the product. This offers superior protection against particles – including bacteria- and water contamination to ensure food hygiene safety, with no risk of oil contamination. Monitoring compressed air quality aids in reducing production downtime and increasing system reliability.

Reliability and maintenance

In the food and beverage industry, downtime can incur significant costs; therefore, reliable operation is paramount. Select air compressors from reputable manufacturers known for their reliability, energy efficiency, and durability. Consider the ease of maintenance and availability of service and spare parts to ensure continuous operation with minimal downtime. Oil-free technology facilitates maintenance and reduces operating costs by providing access to air components.

Lastly, one can decide whether to select an oil-lubricated or oil-free compressor based on whether compressed air is coming in contact with the product.

 =========

Expertise shared by-
Aparna Shinde
Business Marketing Manager, Industrial Air Division,
Atlas Copco (India) Private Limited.