Imagine discovering that invisible contaminants in your compressed air are compromising the quality and safety of your food production. Don’t let hidden risks turn into costly recalls—learn how to keep your compressed air clean, dry, and compliant with industry standards.
Compressed air is critical for everything from packaging and bottling to mixing, cooling, and cleaning in food and beverage manufacturing. It’s your 4th utility, yet many overlook its true cost until production grinds to a halt due to compressor failure.
There is a misconception about the value of compressed air, especially when it’s operational. Ask someone on the production floor how much compressed air costs—they may say it’s free. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Compressed air comes with costs as both an energy source and a production necessity. Without it, there’s no energy to run tools, operate machinery, or control valves and spindles.
And while you can’t manufacture anything without compressed air, it often goes unnoticed—until the compressor goes down mid-shift and your conveyor belts and palletizers shut down.
Suddenly, you see dollar signs. Lines are down, production is delayed, and employees are stuck waiting for service.
MCE has you covered with high-quality compressed air solutions to keep your operations running smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
The Role of Compressed Air in Food and Beverage Production
Clean, dry air is a main ingredient in food and beverage production. A reliable compressed air system is essential—most of what we eat and drink relies on compressed air.
Food and beverage manufacturers rely on compressed air for tasks categorized as direct contact and indirect contact:
Direct contact: cleaning or blowing off produce, de-husking/shelling, bag inflation.
Indirect contact: actuating tools, blowing off surfaces, air exhaust mist.
Packaging
Compressed air supports filling, sealing, labeling, and more:
- Bottling
- Palletizing
- Packaging
Food Handling
Uses include moving and dispensing food, cleaning, and debris removal:
- Cooling
- Cleaning
- Lifting and placing items
- Conveyor belt transport systems
Mixing and Aeration
Compressed air is used to mix ingredients and aerate products:
- Mixing liquids and powders
- Incorporating air bubbles for texture
- Aerating carbonated drinks
Challenges in Maintaining Compressed Air Quality
Contaminants like moisture, oil, and particulates degrade product quality, reduce equipment efficiency, and introduce food safety risks.
Removing Moisture and Contaminants
Air passes through separators, filters, and dryers to remove moisture and contaminants before use.
Preventing Oil Contamination
Oil carryover from lubricated compressors can contaminate food and damage equipment. Even oil-free compressors need filtration to prevent hydrocarbon intrusion.
Removing Particulates
Dirt, rust, bacteria, and mold spores can enter compressed air. High-quality filtration systems remove these harmful particles.
Incidental Contact
Compressed air may contact food environments. Regulations allow only 10 PPM carryover of oil in food processing.
>> Our Filtration Team provides a wide range of product, quick delivery and technical support.
Contaminated air can result in:
- Shortened shelf life
- Cross-contamination
- Employee health risks
- Reduced efficiency
- Harmed reputation
Compressed Air Maintenance Standards for Food & Beverage
Compressed air must meet strict standards to ensure safety and quality.
ISO 8573-1 defines acceptable air quality for solids, water, and oil. Lower classification numbers mean higher purity. In 2019, the FDA required annual testing of any compressor that contacts food directly or indirectly.
>> Schedule comprehensive maintenance services.
Food Grade Compressor Oil
NSF H1-certified, food-safe lubricants reduce contamination risks.
Class Zero Oil-Free Compressors
Certified under ISO 8573-1 Class 0, these compressors emit no oil into air streams.
Solutions for Clean, Dry and Oil-Free Compressed Air
MCE company Diversified Air supplies equipment from Kaishan, Mikropor, Parker, Champion, and Altech to:
- Reduce downtime
- Lower costs
- Improve quality and compliance
- Air Compressors: Full support for food-safe operations
- Filtration Systems & Dryers: Remove harmful moisture, oil, and particles
- Food-Grade Lubricants: NSF-certified for safe use
- Oil-Free Compressors: ISO Class 0 for maximum purity
The MCE Advantage
Not all manufacturers have the same needs. Whether large or small, MCE provides:
Consultative Approach
- On-site audits
- Custom solutions for unique production needs
Turnkey Services
- Installation, training, and maintenance
- Modular, space-saving systems
Preventive Maintenance
- Annual inspections and filter changes
- Extended equipment life through proper care
>> Read how MCE helped a small food packaging company.
Don’t wait for a breakdown—optimize your compressed air system today!
Clean, dry, and oil-free compressed air supports quality, safety, and profitability. Start with a proactive, preventive approach today.