Poor air can lead to product recalls, harming a brand’s reputation. Atlas Copco’s compressed air solutions safeguards the food and beverage industry.
In today’s food and beverage industry, the quality of compressed air is not just a technical detail – it’s fundamental to product safety, regulatory compliance, and brand reputation. As manufacturers strive to meet stringent standards, the challenges around air purity, dryness, and dew point have become more evident.
Compressed air as the hidden ingredient
Compressed air is used throughout food and beverage production – for packaging, conveying, mixing, and even direct contact with products. Any contamination, whether from oil, water, or particulates, can compromise product integrity and safety. That’s why the industry relies on ISO 8573-1, the international standard that sets purity classes for oil, water, and particles.
Achieving and maintaining air purity
Oil-free air is the foundation of compliance. Even trace amounts of oil can lead to product recalls, regulatory penalties, and damage to consumer trust. Modern solutions, such as Atlas Copco’s oil-free compressors, deliver ISO 8573-1 Class 0 air, eliminating the risk of oil contamination. But purity doesn’t stop at oil – moisture control is equally vital.
Excess humidity in compressed air can cause corrosion in pipelines, foster microbial growth, and threaten product quality. Achieving a sub-zero pressure dew point (PDP) is essential, especially for applications where air comes into direct contact with food or packaging.
Heat of compression dryers
Atlas Copco’s Heat of Compression (HOC) dryers, also known as Rotary Drum Dryers, are setting new standards in air drying technology. By harnessing the heat generated during compression, these dryers remove the need for purge air or electric heaters, reducing energy consumption and lowering the carbon footprint.
- Class 3 dryers offer sub-zero PDP for demanding applications.
- Class 2 dryers guarantee a PDP of -40°C.
These dryers can be integrated into oil-free compressor systems, saving floor space and further reducing maintenance and energy costs. Standalone units are also available to complement existing setups, with models suitable for everything from small operations to large-scale industrial plants.
Where efficiency meets sustainability
Traditional oil-lubricated compressors require extensive filtration and external dryers, adding 10–25 per cent more energy consumption. In contrast, oil-free compressor with integrated iMD dryer offers lower maintenance costs with no extra filters or dryer components. With no separate dryer installation, it reduces footprint and saves energy through heat recovery.
Why it matters
For food and beverage producers, investing in advanced compressed air solutions is more than an upgrade. It’s a strategic move toward quality, compliance, and sustainability. With ISO 8573-1 Class 0 oil-free air and sub-zero PDP, manufacturers can safeguard their products, meet regulatory demands, and reduce their environmental impact.
As the industry continues to evolve, raising the bar on compressed air quality is essential for success.
Atlas Copco Compressors
1800 023 469
compressorsau@au.atlascopco.com