Published: 19/11/2025
Compressed Air Treatment & Quality: What You Need to Know
What is compressed air?
Compressed air is known as the ‘fourth utility’ alongside gas, electricity and water. And, it’s also one of the most widely used energy sources in industrial and medical settings. Interestingly, while compressed air may be believed to be clean, it isn’t necessarily purified. When the air is compressed, it can still contain particulates that can compromise system performance and air quality.
This is why compressed air needs to undergo a thorough treatment to ensure that it’s free from any harmful contaminants. This ensures that products created using compressed air are not damaged, and health isn’t compromised.
What is compressed air used for?
Compressed air is one of the most versatile energy types. It has a wide range of industrial uses, including:
- Manufacturing and production lines – operating pneumatic tools, robotics, and automated systems
- Food and beverage processing – maintaining hygiene standards and powering packaging equipment
- Pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing – supporting cleanroom environments and precision machinery
- Engineering and fabrication – powering air tools, controls, and heavy-duty equipment
- Automotive and aerospace industries – used in assembly, testing, and finishing processes
You can read more about what compressors are used for in our blog, where our compressor experts outline how each industry uses compressed air.
What is compressed air treatment?
Compressed air treatment is a crucial process for removing potential contaminants that compromise air quality. During the process, the air is cleaned and then dried, so that it’s suitable for use in many applications and environments.
Some of the most common contaminants found within compressed air include:
- Water vapour
- Oil
- Condensate
- Dust and debris
Should compressed air meet quality standards?
In various industries, compressed air needs to hit certain benchmarks.
ISO 8573-1 is the international standard for compressed air quality. It categorises air purity based on three key contaminants: solid particles, water, and oil.
For example, Class 1 air meets strict regulatory standards in sensitive industries like food production. This means that the air is highly likely to be free from any possible impurities, but it may not be 100% clear.
In some environments (such as medical and pharmaceutical), Class 0 is the minimum requirement. However, this doesn’t mean 100% elimination of contaminants. It actually refers to the purest air form that you can achieve with the acceptance that a minor contamination may still be present.
Classes 4 or 5 are more common compressed air quality standards in general manufacturing. The lower rating is accepted, as the standards of air purity aren’t as strict in these environments.
Why does compressed air quality matter?
Compressed air can have a knock-on effect on the efficiency of your business operations. Plus, it can be a standard requirement for the work process or products that are being produced. So, why does compressed air treatment matter?
If the air contains even the slightest amount of moisture, it can lead to pipe blockages and rusting of machinery. In the colder months, it could also lead to freezing. Not only can this lead to costly breakdown repairs, but it may even put your employees at risk of using defective equipment. If products or processes are being carried out with the assurance of qualified air, failing to meet these standards could lead to product waste if health and safety requirements aren’t met.
What’s more, any form of oil or bacteria can cause major hygiene concerns – especially in the medical and food industries.
How is compressed air produced?
Compressed air is created with a professional air compressor. Regular air is taken in from the surrounding environment and compressed to a much higher pressure. This is what creates a powerful energy source that flows through pipes to power machinery. As the air compresses, there may be the risk of contaminants introduced into the mix, such as dust, oil and moisture.
Therefore, filtering and drying techniques are required to complete the process. They eliminate contaminants and dry out any moisture.
Tips on how to check compressed air quality
Regularly checking your compressed air quality is vital for preventing equipment damage. Plus, it ensures you’re adhering to purity standards.
Dew point meters check the air temperature to ensure that there is very little moisture remaining. In turn, this prevents corrosion and bacterial growth within the system. When it comes to particulate matter, particle counters detect any dust or other solid contaminants. If they are present, it may indicate an issue with the filter. Additionally, vapour analysers work to track oil levels.
Many facilities also carry out periodic lab testing to confirm air purity levels.
What equipment is essential for compressed air quality?
Air compressor dryer
You’ll need an air compressor dryer to restrict moisture levels.
Moisture can cause severe corrosion, rust, and even damage products during manufacturing. Our supply of compressor dryers is designed for moisture control, with the intention of keeping your tools and machinery in good working order.
Explore the different Types of Air Dryers.
Air compressor receiver
An air compressor receiver acts as a storage tank, holding compressed air produced by the air compressor before it reaches tools and machinery. It provides a steady and consistent flow when the air fluctuates, so air pressure is never compromised. As a result, the air compressor doesn’t need to run on a 24-hour basis.
One of the main advantages is that the air quality is significantly improved, due to the stored air cooling down in the tank. During this process, any remaining vapour is drained away, leaving the air cleaner and drier.
Compressed air filter
A compressed air filter plays a key role in keeping your air system clean and free from clogging impurities – before it even reaches your tools and machinery.
So, how exactly does it work?
As air passes through the filter, internal elements trap particles and separate any oil or water vapours. This ensures that the air is clean and dry, which protects your business equipment from suffering blockages and potential damage.
Looking for compressed air treatment solutions in Manchester?
At Air Supply Manchester, we specialise in providing quality compressed air equipment and provide expert support. We’re here to help keep your systems running smoothly, and can even assist with the design and installation of new compressed air systems.
We have decades of experience supplying, servicing, and repairing all types of compressed air treatment products. While browsing, you’ll discover everything from air dryers and filters to air receivers and complete compressor systems.
To learn more about our compressed air treatment, get in touch. Simply give us a call on +44(0)161 5183440 or email sales@airsupplymanchester.co.uk.