What does a brewery’s compressed air system look like?
Ensuring the purity and quality of compressed air in breweries is crucial, given its direct or indirect contact with food.
A brewery's compressed air system begins with the compressor, which can be either oil-free or oil-injected with food-grade oil and proper air treatment.
Craft breweries typically require only one compressor for various air applications, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right size. For optimal efficiency, a compressor with variable speed (VS) technology is recommended to reduce energy costs and total ownership expenses.
Following the compressor, a high-quality dryer is essential to remove moisture from the air, safeguarding the beer and equipment from harm, especially regarding bacterial growth. Preventing the introduction of contaminants like oil, moisture, or particles during brewing is crucial. Proper air treatment, including drying to remove moisture and using process filters to eliminate bacteria, malt remnants, and particles, is vital to maintain air quality.
In many countries, meeting ISO 8573-1 class [1;2;1] for brewing beer is standard, influencing the selection of air treatment tools. Desiccant dryers are necessary to achieve class 2 moisture standards, whereas refrigeration dryers are suitable for [1;4;1] standards, with Variable Speed models offering enhanced efficiency and sustainability.
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The total cost of ownership (TCO) encompasses all expenses related to purchasing, operating, and maintaining compressed air equipment. While the initial investment often comprises the majority of TCO for some machinery, compressors operate differently. Here, the initial purchase price typically represents only about 10% of TCO, with up to 80% of expenditure occurring over the compressor's lifetime due to energy consumption. Investing in energy-efficient equipment is crucial to long-term cost savings and a quicker return on investment. Consider opting for compressors and dryers with Variable Speed technology to enhance energy efficiency and reduce operating costs over time.
