Compressed air plays an important role in breweries across the country. From high-volume facilities to the smallest craft producers, a reliable compressor is as important as the right combination of malt, water and hops in an IPA.
That’s where Quincy Compressor comes in. Our products lead the industry in performance, versatility and low operating costs. Keep reading to learn more, or get in touch with a Quincy distributor in your area to arrange an applications assessment.
Best Types of Air Compressors for Breweries
Industrial air compressors come in a variety of types and play a role in craft brewing and distilling:
- Reciprocating compressors use a series of one-way valves to compress and release air. They are best for low-pressure applications, such as keg washing.
- Rotary screw compressors are generally heavier duty machines, suitable for continuous use and more air-intensive applications. Use them to bottle beer, for power tools or to drive other assembly line processes.
- Oil-free compressors are essential when air purity is critical for processes that involve direct contact with the product, such as aeration, fermentation, bottling, and packaging. They prevent oil contamination, ensuring the integrity and quality of beverages.
Ultimately, the needs of every brewery are different and there is no single “best” compressed air solution for everyone. To better serve a wide range of clients, Quincy Compressor offers one of the most comprehensive lineups of air compressors for breweries, bottling plants and more. Some of our most popular products for food and beverage use include:
- QSI industrial rotary screw air compressors
- QGV variable speed air compressors
- The QR-25, one of our oldest and best-known pressure-lubricated products, a true industry workhorse
Let us match you with the right type, size and configuration of machine for your budget.
The Clean Choice in Brewery Air Compressors
Quincy has been a pioneer in compressor technology since 1920. In addition to being reliable and affordable to own and operate, our products are extremely clean running, making them an excellent air compressor for breweries or other applications where sanitation is essential. We offer both oil-free and lubricated compressors, the latter of which are equipped with advanced filtering systems to deliver 99.9% air/fluid separation. This keeps contaminants out of your work area, so you can brew a better, cleaner beer.
Critical Air Treatment Components to Consider in The Brewery Industry
In the brewing industry, there are several accessories or additional air treatment components that may be required in your operation to ensure your air is food-grade and moisture-free.
- Refrigerant or Desiccant Dryers: Essential for removing moisture from compressed air, which is critical in brewing to prevent condensation from contaminating products or equipment, and to inhibit microbial growth. Refrigerant dryers cool the air to condense water vapor, while desiccant dryers use absorbent materials to remove moisture, achieving lower dew points for more sensitive applications.
- Filters: A multi-stage filtration system is paramount for achieving food-grade compressed air.
- Condensate Drains: Automatic condensate drains are vital for efficiently removing the accumulated moisture and oil from air treatment components like compressors, intercoolers, aftercoolers, and dryers.
Quincy Products in Action: Air Compressors in America’s Craft Breweries
There’s no question craft brewing is one of the fastest-growing segments of the beer market today. As more consumers are looking for alternatives to bland, big-label beers, independent brewers are experiencing both a strong demand for their product and an increased freedom to experiment with new techniques and flavors.
For the more than 3500 craft breweries operating today, there is a clear need for advanced equipment that performs reliably without breaking the bank. One of the many places you’ll find Quincy compressors hard at work is Asheville, North Carolina’s Wicked Weed Brewing. There, our machines play a key role in bringing Wicked Weed’s award-winning product to market, from bottling and clarifying to cleanup.
Want to learn more about the role our products can play in the craft brewing industry? Check out our following resources:
