An extension building in food production almost always brings with it a question that is easily underestimated: How should the additional compressed air be generated? For a company in Bavaria, the answer was clear even before the first compressor was requested. In the existing plant, the technology had been reliably operating for years with water-injected compression – and exactly this experience was to be continued in the new area.
For the expansion, therefore, not a classic, oil-injected compressor was required, but an oil-free compressor with known, proven technology. Together with SCC partner Druckluft Maydt GmbH, the decision was made for the AQUARIUS 56 from SCC air compressors – not least because short-term delivery was important for the construction schedule.
Key points at a glance
- Anonymous food company in Bavaria expands production and requires additional compressed air for the extension building.
- Switching from oil-lubricated to water-injected, oil-free compression – as a continuation of already proven technology within the company.
- The AQUARIUS series from SCC air compressors is used – a proven oil-free compressor with water-injected technology.
- The SCC partner Druckluft Maydt GmbH competently supplied and supported the project, including short-term availability for the construction schedule.
Initial Situation
As part of the extension building, the compressed air supply for the new production area had to be re-established. Unlike the originally oil-injected setup, the focus here was consistently on oil-free technology – suitable for the high demands of food production on air quality.
The customer’s own experience was also decisive: water-injected compression had already proven itself in the company over many years. Instead of introducing a new, unknown technology, this proven principle was to be consistently continued – with a partner who brings experience.
The Solution: Oil-free Compressor with Water-injected Technology
With the AQUARIUS 56 from SCC air compressors, an oil-free compressor was available that addresses precisely this point. The AQUARIUS series completely dispenses with oil and other lubricants in the compression process and delivers compressed air according to ISO 8573-1 Class 0 – the highest purity class for compressed air. An external fresh water connection is not required according to SCC documents, as the system operates with water recirculation.
The screw compressor used operates with a nominal power of 55 kW and an IE4 permanent magnet motor, which saves up to 10% energy compared to speed-controlled asynchronous motors. The speed control continuously adapts the generated air volume to the actual demand, and the water simultaneously provides cooling – a principle that enables low compression temperatures and thus consistently high compressed air quality.
For the customer, this meant: they were not presented with new, unknown technology, but a further development of the proven water-injected compression – only from SCC air compressors.
Implementation and Collaboration with Druckluft Maydt GmbH
The project was realised with SCC partner Druckluft Maydt GmbH. The company is particularly experienced in water-injected compressor technology and competently supported the customer in the selection, delivery, and servicing of the screw compressor.
A short lead time was important for the construction schedule of the extension building. Here, the SCC partner quickly moved to implementation. The brief coordination and availability via SCC in Wendlingen also supported the flexible delivery. In total, the compressor could be provided within a few weeks.
Results and Benefits for the Customer
Specific key figures for this project are not currently published. However, the following advantages for the customer can be noted from the project progress:
- reliable, oil-free compressed air supply for the new production area
- appropriate continuation of the proven water-injected technology in the extension building
- competent technical support from the SCC partner Druckluft Maydt GmbH
- short delivery time, which supported the extension building’s schedule
Why this solution fits the application
For companies in the food industry, oil-free compressed air is not an option in many processes, but a prerequisite. Those who, in addition – as in this case – have already gained good experience with water-injected technology, will find in AQUARIUS a solution that consistently continues this principle technically, instead of forcing a system change.
Especially with extension buildings, where schedules rarely allow for leeway, it also becomes clear how important a partner with short response and delivery times is.
What other food industry companies can take away
- Oil-free compressed air according to ISO 8573-1 Class 0 can be implemented practically and reliably with water-injected screw compression.
- A switch from oil-lubricated to oil-free technology does not have to be a complete reorientation, but can consistently continue proven operational experience.
- For extension buildings, an early exchange with the compressed air partner is worthwhile to realistically plan delivery times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “oil-free according to ISO 8573-1 Class 0” mean?
Class 0 is the highest purity class for compressed air according to ISO 8573-1. ISO 8573-1 Class 0 stands for particularly high requirements for the oil content of compressed air. In the AQUARIUS series, compression is water-injected and without oil in the compression process. This is particularly relevant for sensitive applications such as food production.
What distinguishes a water-injected compressor from an oil-lubricated compressor?
In water-injected compressors like the AQUARIUS series, water from the ambient air takes over lubrication and cooling in the compression process. This produces compressed air completely without oil, whereas oil-lubricated compressors require downstream treatment to remove oil components from the compressed air.
Why is delivery time often a critical factor in extension buildings?
Extension buildings usually follow a fixed construction schedule, into which the compressed air technology is integrated. Delays in compressor delivery can affect construction progress, which is why short, reliable delivery times are particularly important here.
Is it possible to switch from oil-lubricated to oil-free compressed air technology without changing the entire system?
Yes, this is possible – as shown in this project. Oil-free compressors like the AQUARIUS series can be specifically used for new areas or extensions, without the need to completely rebuild the existing compressed air infrastructure.
Is AQUARIUS also suitable for other industries with high air quality requirements?
Yes. In addition to the food industry, the oil-free, water-injected AQUARIUS series is also used in other industries with sensitive processes, such as pharmaceutical or electronics manufacturing, where compressed air without oil residues is required.