Compressed air is widely recognized for its use in various industrial applications, such as powering pneumatic tools, operating conveyor systems, and providing clean, safe energy for painting, cleaning, and material handling tasks.
However, compressed air also plays an important role in numerous lesser-known applications.
For example, have you ever considered how compressed air can automate systems for beer production or even sort bottles in recycling facilities?
With its versatility, compressed air is becoming a popular resource for a range of interesting applications, a few of which we’re covering in this article.
What are the Interesting Applications of Compressed Air Equipment?
Bottle Recycling
Compressed air plays a valuable role in modern bottle recycling facilities by enhancing automation in sorting and processing.
Strategically placed air jets along conveyor belts identify and separate bottles based on material type, size, and weight. For example, optical sensors and near-infrared scanners identify whether a bottle is made of PET plastic, glass, or aluminum, triggering air bursts that direct it into the appropriate collection bin.
Beyond sorting, compressed air is used in label removal systems, where high-pressure nozzles strip away adhesives and debris, ensuring cleaner materials enter the recycling stream. It also aids in pre-cleaning by blowing away residual liquids and contaminants before bottles are crushed, shredded, or melted down for reuse.
By integrating compressed air into these processes, recycling facilities achieve higher throughput, reduce reliance on manual labour, and enhance the quality of recycled materials.
Beer Production
At Chamco, we had the opportunity to support a brewery that took over Rosalind School, which closed in 2013.
For breweries, compressed air is rising in popularity because it helps automate bottling, material handling, and packaging. It powers pneumatic systems that move bottles and cans smoothly through production, making processes such as filling, capping, and sealing faster and more efficient.
Compressed air also plays a big role in labelling, ensuring labels are applied neatly and consistently, as well as in packaging, where it helps assemble and seal cases for distribution.
By reducing the need for manual labour and improving operational consistency, breweries can boost output while maintaining high-quality packaging and a streamlined workflow.
Beyond compressed air, nitrogen (N2) generation is an increasingly valuable addition for breweries looking to optimize production and achieve ESG targets. By generating N2 in-house, breweries can reduce reliance on carbon dioxide, lowering carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability.
In-house N2 production also supports operational efficiency and cost savings by ensuring a consistent supply of specialty gases, reducing long-term expenses associated with gas procurement and increasing the return on capital investment.
Preventing Ice Formation in Marine Ports
Compressed air plays a key role in marine environments, especially in cold northern regions where ice buildup can cause serious problems for ships, docks, and marine infrastructure.
One of its main uses is de-icing, where air compressors pump pressurized air into the water, releasing steady streams of bubbles that keep water moving, preventing ice from forming, even in extreme temperatures as low as -30°C.
With this ice prevention system, ports remain accessible, ships can dock safely, and marine operations can continue year-round without costly delays or damage caused by ice buildup.
Salmon Fish Farming
Compressed air has also become an effective resource for salmon fish farming, playing a key role in maintaining water quality, optimizing fish health, and improving overall operational efficiency.
At Chamco, we assisted a salmon fish farm on Vancouver Island with compressed air for their unique application. The farm required a reliable air system to support several processes, including aeration, algae prevention, feed distribution, and mortality management. To meet their needs, we supplied a 50 HP 3709 compressor, ensuring a consistent air supply for their operations.
By injecting oxygen into the water, the system helps maintain ideal conditions for fish growth and prevent harmful algal blooms from entering the fish pens. Compressed air also plays a key role in distributing fish feed and bringing dead fish to the surface for removal, keeping the environment clean and productive.
With our expertise in compressed air solutions, we were successful in helping the farm improve overall productivity.
Operating Large Electric Shovels
In mining operations, large electric shovels use compressed air for several auxiliary functions that enhance safety, performance, and reliability.
The primary role of compressed air on these shovels is for operating the brake pulley systems, which are essential for safe operation. These systems rely on compressed air to engage and release the brakes, allowing precise control of the shovel’s movements and preventing accidents.
Compressed air also contributes to cooling by helping regulate the temperature of electrical components, especially in areas where typical cooling methods may be less effective. While electric and hydraulic systems mainly manage hydraulic fluid flow and shovel movements, compressed air supports auxiliary pneumatic controls.
Additionally, compressed air is important for maintenance, playing a key role in cleaning electrical panels and ventilation filters by removing dust and debris, which helps prevent malfunctions and maintain operational integrity.
In remote mining sites where power and water supply are inconsistent, on-site compressed air generation through portable compressors ensures a steady and reliable air supply for these critical functions.
By assisting with cooling, supporting control operations, and maintaining equipment cleanliness, compressed air contributes to the overall safety and operational efficiency of electric shovels, reducing the risk of equipment failure and minimizing downtime.
How Can Chamco Help With Compressed Air for Your Interesting Application?
We specialize in providing customized compressed air solutions for a wide range of industries.
With over six decades of experience, our team of highly trained technicians work closely with you to design and implement reliable and cost-effective compressed air systems tailored to your specific needs.
Our experts ensure that your systems are installed according to the highest standards, using the latest technology and best practices to optimize performance, reduce energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Contact us today to explore how Chamco can support your business with innovative compressed air solutions.