Compressed Air & Gas Equipment for Winery Applications
Wineries are known for developing high-quality products, so those entering this industry need to consider the tools that make that possible. One piece of equipment you’ll find in almost any winery is an air compressor. These versatile tools fill a wide range of compressed air applications for wineries, including helping to generate nitrogen gas. Let’s take a closer look at how air compressors power winemaking equipment.
What Equipment Do Wineries Use?
The air compressors that wineries use can vary widely in their configurations and capabilities. When purchasing winemaking equipment, there are many different factors to consider:
- Size: If your air compressor is too small, it can spell significant problems for your entire system, from overworking components to spitting oil where it doesn’t belong. A compressor that’s too large, however, could be a waste of your budget and resources.
- Installation requirements: Consider the space available and the existing infrastructure that you’ll need to work around.
- Maintenance needs: Some machines, such as oil-free air compressors, will be easier to maintain than others.
- Oil usage: In beverage applications, oil-free air compressors can help to significantly reduce contamination issues.
How Do Wineries Use Air Compressors and Nitrogen Gas Generators?
Air compressors can power many different tasks on the winemaking floor, such as the following:
- Pressing and crushing grapes: With a bladder press tool, an air compressor can make quick work of grape crushing.
- Temperature control: Fermentation occurs best at certain temperatures, and air compressors can provide heating and cooling.
- Filtration: By powering a filtration system, air compressors can help remove impurities from the product.
Those are only a few examples, but winery air compressors are typically oil-free to allow for versatility in terms of powering tools or having direct contact with the product.
Another critical component of winemaking is nitrogen gas. Its main use is in container filling, where nitrogen displaces oxygen and other gases like carbon dioxide. By replacing oxygen with nitrogen, wineries can control oxidation processes that can negatively affect the consistency and flavor of the wine. It also helps to extend shelf life and support stability in storage.
Other applications of nitrogen in winemaking include:
- Flushing: Containers and hoses can hold oxygen and residues. Nitrogen displaces these materials and prevents oxidation or contamination.
- Wine sparging: To further prevent oxidation, wine sparging involves replacing oxygen in a container with nitrogen, argon or carbon dioxide.
- Blanketing: Blanketing is a part of preparing bottles by flushing them with nitrogen to remove oxygen in the empty space.
What Are the Benefits of Air Compressors in the Winemaking Industry?
The benefits of air compressors are wide-reaching, in part due to their versatility. Some of these advantages include:
- Cost-effective operation: Air compression can be a particularly cost-effective approach that supports efficient tools. If used for nitrogen generation, doing so on-site is typically cheaper than buying it in bulk.
- Sustainability: Eliminating the use of gasoline supports a more eco-friendly operation.
- Reliability: Air-powered tools and compressors are reliable winemaking supplies, and if you generate nitrogen on demand, you don’t have to work with suppliers. That means less downtime if there are interruptions and reduced time in the loading dock.
Reliable Air Compression Products and Services for the Winemaking Industry
Here at Fluid Aire Dynamics, we know the unique needs of winemakers, which is why we supply a wide range of powerful air compressors, including oil-free models. We also offer expert service across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Virginia and Washington, D.C. to help you maximize uptime and equipment longevity.
To learn more about how equipment from Fluid Aire Dynamics can improve winery operations, reach out to us today.
