Compressed Air Applications in the Construction Industry

Overview

Air compressors are essential to both indoor and outdoor construction applications, providing a robust solution for the industrial environment construction projects create. Pressurized air provides a reliable energy source for a variety of jobs requiring power, precision, and continuous operation. Air compressors are generally considered the backbone of construction projects. Air compressors provide a lower initial cost to the construction industry while also boasting ease of use, increased safety, and high versatility compared to large hydraulic systems. The most common application of compressed air is in air-powered hand tools, but compressed air supports so many more functions in the construction industry.

Common Applications

Handheld Tool Operation

Tools such as nail and staple guns rely on compressed air to drive the materials into their desired location. Other air-powered tools include power hammers, saws, sanders, grinders, impact wrenches, jackhammers, and many more!

Concrete & Masonry Work

Compressed air powers equipment like chipping hammers, grinders, and concrete pumps to successfully complete masonry work in construction sites

Sandblasting

Compressed air provides strong, reliable airflow to effectively sandblast various materials to achieve the desired surface finish.

Shotcrete

Air compressors help achieve consistent nozzle velocity to efficiently power shotcrete tasks for a variety of construction sites.

Painting & Coating

Air compressors power spray guns by pushing pressurized air through the tool to spray a consistent, even finish of paint or coating over the desired location.

Cable Blowing

Air compressors serve a variety of functions for cable blowing including cleaning the duct and pushing the cable through the duct.

Drilling Processes

Foundation, geothermal, and water well drilling all rely on compressed air to power the drilling tools and provide efficiency and stability to their operations.

Sewage Bypass

Industrial vacuum pumps, a type of compressed air equipment, are used to ensure proper operation and prevent environmental contamination when setting up sewage systems. They are used to power and push matter through the designated passageways to be disposed of in the designated areas.

HVAC Processes

Compressed air is used for blowing insulation materials and testing ductwork during HVAC installation.

Dewatering

Industrial vacuum pumps are essential to various dewatering processes and use their power to move water and debris for both emergency situations and in excavation processes.

Other general compressed air usage in construction include:

• Asphalt Surfacing
• Ground Engineering
• Lifting Materials
• General Heavy Equipment Operation
• Digging & Cutting
• Cleaning & Debris Clearing
• And many more!

Stationary vs. Portable

Both stationary and portable compressed air units have a place in construction operations. Each type serves a different purpose and carries its own pros and cons.

Stationary

In general, stationary air compressors are built for fixed-locations requiring continuous, reliable air. Stationary air compressors are the machines Zorn is commonly discussing when talking about compressed air. These units are commonly seen in manufacturing factories and other permanent business locations to provide a constant supply of air for applications like powering pneumatic tools, moving production lines, powering other machinery, etc. However, stationary compressors can also be used in the construction industry at the manufacturing facilities for the materials needed or at long-term jobsites requiring powerful, continuous air.

Portable

Portable air compressors are extremely common in the construction industry. These units run on gas or diesel to operate and can be towed behind vehicles for ease of transportation between nonfixed job sites. These units are commonly used for shorter-term projects and are praised for their portability and adaptability. Since these units run on diesel, they do not need an electrical source to operate, thus allowing them to function in almost any environment. They come in a range of sizes, capabilities, and technologies to serve a variety of purposes in any industry. Portable air compressors are great for residential construction projects, asphalt projects, pneumatic tool operation, and temporary emergency backup power.

Equipment Selection

Choosing the right air compressor for your construction needs will depend on a handful of factors including CFM requirements, PSI needs, availability of electricity, space constraints, timeline, budget, durability, and noise and emissions regulations.

CFM Requirements: how much airflow do you need for the processes that compressed air will be powering? Does your demand vary or stay consistent? How often will your unit need to be operating?

PSI Needs: What are your tools’ pressure requirements, and will your air compressor be able to operate in this range?

Power Source: Is electricity available at your jobsite or does your unit need to be powered by gas or diesel?

Space Constraints: Do you have space to operate a larger unit, or will you have to adhere to smaller space requirements? Can you leave your unit at the site, or will you need to take it with you when you leave?

Timeline: Is this a long-term or short-term project? Will you need to move your unit to and from other jobs?

Budget: Different air compressor types, sizes, and technologies all carry differing costs. What unit fits your budget while also providing the amount and quality of air that you need?

Durability: Air compressor types all come with varying durability and maintenance requirements. What does your jobsite environment look like? How robust of a machine will you need? What maintenance needs can you accommodate?

Local Regulations: Many areas have both noise and emissions regulations to maintain health and satisfaction of the population in the area. Do you know what these regulations are and does your air compressor adhere to these?

The good news? Zorn Compressor & Equipment has a large team of experts ready to help you find the right unit to accommodate your construction site’s unique needs! We can help you answer all the above questions AND find the perfect solution for you.

ZORN'S PROMISE

Zorn is the Midwest leader of custom, engineered compressed air and vacuum solutions. We provide the best customer experience by understanding your applications and needs and offering an unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction. 

Our comprehensive product and service solutions keep you running 24/7.

• Reliable equipment
• Trusted brands
• Seamless, easy installation
• Post-sales support
• Local, 24/7 service

Our compressed air experts look forward to meeting you to discuss your equipment and support needs. Please contact us directly at (262) 695-7000 with any questions or to schedule service for your system moving forward.

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