Air Compressors for the Manufacturing Industry
Compressed air is often referred to as the fourth utility in modern manufacturing processes. Alongside electricity, gas, and water, it is used to power everything from pneumatic tools and assembly line robots to the more sensitive processes that take place in cleanrooms. For a manufacturing facility in Scotland, selecting the right compressors for the industry is a critical decision that will impact the operation’s cost, compliance, and productivity.
At Design Air (Scotland) Ltd, Scotland’s leading compressed air specialists, we specialise in expert system design, installation, and servicing for all major sectors of the manufacturing industry.
Tailored Compressed Air Solutions for Scotland's Key Industries
A “fit for all purposes” compressed air strategy results in waste and danger. Each manufacturing area has its own set of distinct concerns and requires tailored solutions to ensure performance and safety.
Food & Beverage
In Scotland’s globally acclaimed food and beverage industry, purity is of the utmost importance. Oil, water, and particulates present in untreated compressed air can spoil entire batches, alter the taste, and result in brand devastation.
- Challenge: Preventing microbial contamination and meeting food safety standards, such as BRC.
- Solution: An Atlas Copco ZT/ZR Series oil-free compressor is the answer. Designed to the most demanding purity standards, Atlas Copco’s systems are ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certified, ensuring that the compressed air supply is 100% oil-free. Your product and reputation are in good hands with us.
Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals
In pharmaceutical or medical technology (medtech) manufacturing, contamination is not just an issue of company reputation; it can also pose a significant public health risk. In addition to compressed air used for equipment such as tablet coating systems, vial cleaning processes, and cleanroom tools, you must also meet the highest standards of purity required by Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
- Challenge: Total elimination of any risk of oil, water, or microbial contaminants, which may reduce the efficacy and safety of life-saving drugs.
- Solution: A validated system designed with certified Class 0 oil-free compressors, multi-stage HEPA filtration, and desiccant dryers to produce sterile, ultra-clean air.
Advanced Engineering & Metal Fabrication
Compressed air is a workhorse in this industry, powering tools, operating CNC machinery, and spray or powder coating: fluctuating pressure or poor air quality results in quality control issues, tool corrosion, and expensive rework.
- Challenge: Maintain consistent system pressure under heavy loads and prevent oil and water from contaminating the final finish.
- Solution: A rugged Atlas Copco GA VSD+ Series rotary screw compressor supplies reliable power, and the AIRnet piping system minimises pressure drop to ensure consistent performance at the point of use.
Electronics
For Scotland’s “Silicon Glen,” the purity of compressed air is a strict industry requirement. Microscopic oil aerosols can act as insulators on delicate circuit boards, causing overheating, short circuits, and complete product failure.
- Challenge: The complete elimination of oil contaminants to ensure production viability.
- Solution: The use of Class 0 oil-free industrial air compressors is non-negotiable to protect sensitive components and prevent financial losses from compromised production runs.
Chemicals & Hazardous Environments
In environments where flammable gases or dusts are present, such as operations in Grangemouth, safety is the overriding priority. A standard compressor can serve as an ignition source, posing a significant explosion risk.
- Challenge: Ensuring equipment can operate safely in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- Solution: ATEX-rated compressors are legally mandated. These are engineered with explosion-proof motors and enclosures to eliminate ignition risks and ensure full compliance with relevant regulations.
| Sector | Recommended Compressor Solution | Key Standard / Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Beverage | Atlas Copco ZT/ZR Series (Oil-Free) | ISO 8573-1:2010 [Class 0] |
| Life Sciences/Pharma | Certified Class 0 Oil-Free System | GMP, ISO 14644 |
| Advanced Engineering | Atlas Copco GA VSD+ Series, AIRnet Piping | Stable pressure, high flow |
| Electronics | Class 0 Oil-Free Scroll or Screw | ISO 8573-1:2010 [Class 0] |
| Chemicals/Hazardous | ATEX-Rated Compressor System | ATEX Directive Compliance |
What does your facility need? We offer free site surveys across Scotland’s Central Belt—speak to an engineer today.
How to Solve Costly Air Compressor Problems in Manufacturing
As a premier distributor for Atlas Copco, we utilise market-leading technology to address the most common and costly challenges manufacturers encounter.
Problem: Spiralling Energy Costs
Energy typically represents more than 70% of the lifetime cost of a compressor. A poorly maintained system can waste as much as 30% of the compressed air it produces through leaks alone.
- Solution: Variable Speed Drive (VSD) compressors modulate their motor speed to meet real-time demand, resulting in up to 50% energy savings. An expert Compressed Air Energy Audit, along with a proactive Compressed Air Leak Detection program, can identify and rectify these losses, resulting in a rapid payback.
Problem: Costly Production Downtime
A sudden compressor failure can halt your entire production line, resulting in missed deadlines and lost revenue.
- Solution: Proactive Compressor Service Plans keep breakdowns from happening. For maximum peace of mind, Atlas Copco’s Elektronikon controller and SMARTLINK remote monitoring system enable engineers to track performance, pinpoint potential problems, and schedule maintenance before a failure disrupts your operation.
Complying with UK HSE Regulations: Understanding PSSR 2000
Owners of most industrial compressed air systems have a legal responsibility to comply with the Pressure Systems and Risk of Explosion from Gas (PSSR) Regulations 2000. The key requirement is for a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) to be prepared and certified by a “competent person”. This outlines the examination schedule for safety-critical items, such as air receivers and safety valves.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can prosecute for non-compliance. At Design Air (Scotland) Ltd, our DipCAM-qualified engineers can act as your competent person to prepare the WSE and conduct the necessary statutory examinations, ensuring your system remains safe and compliant with the law.
Why Scottish Manufacturers Choose Design Air
Selecting the right compressed air partner is as critical as choosing the right equipment.
- Local Expertise, Rapid Response: Based in Airdrie, we provide expert support across Scotland’s industrial heartland. For emergencies, our 24/7 coverage ensures engineers are typically on-site within hours, not days, to minimise your downtime.
- Premier Atlas Copco Partner: We provide access to a complete range of world-class Air Compressors. Our close partnership ensures you receive the most reliable, efficient, and technologically advanced solutions on the market.
- End-to-End System Lifecycle Support: We are your single point of contact for the entire process, from initial system design and turnkey installation to proactive maintenance, energy optimisation, and compliance management. We also supply and service Nitrogen Generators for specialised applications.
Contact our defence sector specialists today to discuss tailored compressed air solutions for your operation.