Air Compressors for the Universities
On campus, compressed air is the fourth utility. When it fails, research stops, classes slip, and budgets bleed. A reliable, high-quality compressed air system protects research grants, keeps teaching on schedule, and avoids wasted utility spend.
Across Scotland’s universities, choosing the right equipment and partner is a strategic decision. We help you protect research integrity, stabilise budgets, and stay compliant.
Why universities partner with Design Air
- Up to 50% lower energy use with variable speed compressors
- Quieter spaces (≈62–65 dB GA VSD⁺; <60 dB SF scroll)
- ISO 8573-1 Class 0/1 purity for labs and medical teaching
- Fewer breakdowns with SMARTLINK predictive maintenance
- Full PSSR compliance (WSE + Competent Person) handled for you
The Diverse Compressed Air Needs of a Modern University
A university’s compressed air system must serve a wide range of departments, each with unique requirements. As a specialist distributor of high-quality air equipment, we deliver tailored products and services for every application.
Research Laboratories & Medical Schools
Here, air purity is non-negotiable. Contaminants can ruin experiments and pose a risk to patient safety.
- Requirement: Verified pure, dry air to ISO 8573-1 Class 0.
- Applications: Powering sensitive analytical instruments and sterile pneumatic tools.
- Technology: Point-of-use oil-free compressors and desiccant dryers reaching −40 °C to −70 °C PDP.
Engineering & Technology Workshops
Workshops need robust power for practical learning. Reliability is key, especially during project deadlines.
- Requirement: Reliable, continuous power for pneumatic tools and automation rigs.
- Technology: Durable rotary screw compressors sized for variable, heavy-duty use.
Arts & Design Departments
Creative processes demand precision and control.
- Airbrushing: A moisture-free, pulse-free supply prevents spatter that ruins artwork.
- Sandblasting: Stable flow and pressure deliver a consistent, high-quality finish.
- Intake Siting: Compressor air intakes must be located to avoid drawing in VOCs or dust from studios.
Facilities & Campus Maintenance
The estates team needs a workhorse utility to keep the campus running smoothly and safely.
- Requirement: Low-maintenance plant air for tools and vehicle maintenance.
- Resilience: Stored compressed air serves as a backup power source during electrical outages.
Selecting the Right Air Compressor Technology
Matching the correct Atlas Copco technology to each application delivers performance and protects your budget.
Energy-Efficient Rotary Screw Compressors for General Use
- Atlas Copco GA/GA VSD⁺ screw compressors – 7.5–500 kW, 4–13 bar, up to ~1,500 l/s. Acoustic enclosures deliver ≈62–65 dB. Variable speed control matches demand and cuts energy use by up to 50%.
Oil-Free for Sensitive Applications
- ZT/ZR oil-free air compressors (ISO 8573-1 Class 0) for central lab and medical systems.
- SF oil-free scroll for point-of-use: <60 dB, low vibration, compact “full-feature” packages.
Air Treatment That Meets Spec
- Desiccant dryers for temperatures ranging from −40 °C to −70 °C, suitable for critical labs and dental teaching.
- Staged filtration (particulate, coalescing, activated carbon) to hit your required purity class.
- Receivers & zero-loss drains to buffer demand and remove condensate efficiently.
Reduce Costs and Meet Net Zero Targets
Optimising your system delivers quantifiable savings that support your Net Zero and Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitments.
Uncovering Hidden Savings
Leak losses of 20–30% are common. Our Compressed Air Energy Audit utilises ultrasonic detection, pressure decay testing, and flow data to prioritise fixes, resulting in typical payback periods of months. Pressure optimisation delivers further gains: every ~2 psi reduction in system pressure saves ~1% in energy.
SMARTLINK Remote Monitoring
Utilise remote monitoring systems to track energy usage, identify anomalies, and schedule service before potential failures occur. This protects uptime and prevents costly emergency repairs.
Navigating UK Compliance
Operating above 0.5 bar? A Written Scheme of Examination is legally required before operation. Small vessels may be exempt from a WSE, but they still fall under PSSR duties for safe operation and maintenance.
We deliver a full compliance service, from the initial audit to managing all documentation. This ensures you meet PSSR, COSHH, and ISO 8573-1 standards. An ISO 8573.1 Air Quality Test provides the validation needed for sensitive lab work.
Request a PSSR consultation to ensure your campus is fully compliant with all relevant regulations.
How We Deliver
Our process guarantees a high-performance system that meets your specific academic and operational needs.
- Audit & Data Logging: We analyse your demand profile, find leaks, and test air purity.
- System Design & Pipework: We specify the right equipment and design aluminium or stainless steel pipework for minimal pressure drop.
- Installation & Commissioning: Our engineers install and commission all equipment, including SMARTLINK integration.
- Maintenance Programme & Compliance: We provide a planned maintenance programme and manage all WSE and ISO 8573 testing to ensure long-term reliability and compliance.
Your University’s Compressed Air Partner
We understand the unique challenges of the higher education sector. Our engineers have the expertise to service the diverse ‘heterogeneous fleet’ of compressors found on many campuses, providing a single point of contact for all your air compressor servicing for university research facilities.
Take the first step towards an optimised, compliant, and cost-effective compressed air system. Contact our Airdrie team today to schedule a free site audit.