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.
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About the author
Air Power East
Air Power East provides air compressor systems, industrial air compressor equipment and compressor maintenance services across the East Anglian region