Air Compressors for Aerospace – Uses and Benefits

The aerospace industry relies on air compressors for a wide variety of applications and they can be considered as a critical element of all phases of production.

In this article, we will explore what functions of the aerospace sector use air compressors, what kind of compressed air systems are used, and why.

Aerospace Air Compressor Applications

Common air compressor aerospace applications include:

On-Board Aerospace Vehicle

• Potable water supply on commercial aircraft
• Vacuum waste systems
• Electronics and galley cooling

Structural and Mechanical Applications

• Aircraft engine manufacturing
• Structural testing of wings

Gas and Air Requirements

• Air separation
• Sampling and analysis of gases
• Radioactive, toxic and costly gas processing
• Semiconductor process gas handling
• Oxygen and nitrogen generation

General Military Use

• Weapons systems development

Support and Testing

• Compressed air supply for bench testing
• Ground support equipment

Air Compressors Used for Aerospace Applications

There are two main air compressors that are used for these aerospace applications and other demands of the industry: rotary screw and reciprocating air compressors.

Rotary screw compressed air systems are suitable for the applications that require continuous use of large air volumes at higher pressure. Reciprocating air compressors are suitable for the applications that require intermittent use.

Benefits of Using Air Compressors

One of the main and probably more significant benefits of using air compressors for these applications is reliability for contamination control.

Certain aerospace applications require purity therefore there should be absolutely no risk of contamination. This includes breathable air systems, aircraft manufacturing, and engine start-up.

Lubricated compressors present a slight risk as contaminants could be mixed in with ambient air. Although they play a vital role in some applications, oil-free compressors are the main option when it comes to these operations. Users can have peace of mind as they can rely on oil-free systems for a contaminant-free procedure.

Aerospace Industry Air Compressors

Reliable and free from contamination, air compressors contribute to the safe operation and optimal performance of equipment produced by the aerospace sector.

At Air Power East, we provide a wide range of air compressors plus additional services such as servicing and installation. If you have any questions and require more information, please contact us today and see how we can help you.