From application to solution: Construction site compressed air applications, requirements and KAESER solutions

From driving pneumatic tools to streamlining fibre optic cable installation, compressed air is a vital utility on construction sites. These environments demand portable compressors that deliver consistent performance, no matter the conditions. In this blog post we explore key applications, their compressed air requirements, and how KAESER’s versatile range of portable compressors meet them with efficiency, reliability, and engineering that stands the test of time.

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The world of compressed air technology

Typical compressed air applications in construction

KAESER compressed air solutions in use on the construction site

Process diagram: Compressed air in construction
Typical compressed air applications in the construction industry – and the durable, reliable portable compressor solutions from KAESER that meet these needs with outstanding energy efficiency.

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The large compressed air process diagram as a PDF download.

Process diagram in detail

Compressed air on the construction site

Geotechnical

Geotechnical drilling on site – a KAESER compressor provides reliable air flushing for precise and efficient geotechnical work.

Pre-construction of major structures typically starts with a geotechnical investigation to assess the strata. This often involves geotechnical drilling to gain access to subsurface soil and rock so it can be analysed.

A number of geotechnical drilling methods require air flushing, where high-pressure compressed air is circulated down a borehole and back up to the surface in order to transport the cuttings produced by the drill bit during drilling operations.

When the down-the-hole (DTH) drilling method is employed, compressed air will also often be required to operate the drill, delivering the percussive energy to the hammer required to break the rock.

A reliable supply of compressed air is essential for geotechnical drilling to ensure that the drill bit can work continuously to advance the borehole, maintaining optimum drilling conditions.

Developed for efficiency and reliability in demanding environments
MOBILAIR portable compressors are built to handle the continuous demands of geotechnical drilling with robust, reliable performance - even in the toughest conditions. Thanks to KAESER's energy-efficient SIGMA PROFILE rotors, they deliver exceptional compressed air output with reduced fuel consumption. A wide range of equipment and compressed air treatment components ensures the required air quality is always met. Stationary versions are also available, perfect for mounting on drill rigs.

Find out more about KAESER solutions for geotechnical:

Demolition & construction

Many demolition and construction tasks rely on pneumatic tools which require a dependable supply of compressed air to operate effectively.

For optimal performance and safety, the compressor’s capacity should be matched to the requirements of the pneumatic tool, as inconsistent air pressure or a sudden drop in air supply could for example lead to a pneumatic tool stalling or losing its torque.

Aside from being robust and able to withstand harsh environments and conditions, another important consideration is compressed air quality.
Poor compressed air quality can lead to a number of problems such as premature wear of pneumatic tools and compromised performance.
Compressed air treatment is therefore often required.

Motorway demolition work with the KAESER MOBILAIR M31 – the portable compressor supplies pneumatic tools with a reliable source of quality compressed air.

Typical pneumatic tools: 

  • Breakers
  • Hammer drills
  • Impact wrenches
  • Nailers
  • Screwdrivers
  • Chipping hammers
  • Drilling machines 

Power you can count on.

KAESER portable compressors are built for the toughest jobs. Durable and dependable, they deliver the consistent power pneumatic tools need to perform efficiently and without compromise.

Find out more about KAESER solutions for demolition and construction:

Concrete & construction technology

High-pressure shotcreting – a KAESER compressor reliably supplies the compressed air required for precise concrete application.

Compressed air is often used during the placing and finishing stages of concrete installation and plays a vital role in achieving proper compaction.

Whether for shotcrete applications or concrete vibration, a reliable supply of compressed air at the correct pressure and flow rate is essential. At the same time, cool and condensate-free compressed air is required to achieve optimum results. Depending on the application, the use of technically oil-free compressed air may also be necessary.

Versatility meets performance
With a wide range of equipment and air treatment options, MOBILAIR compressors are well equipped for any task. They deliver outstanding performance, flexibility and rock-solid reliability - every time.

Find out more about KAESER solutions for concrete & construction technology:

Surface preparation & cleaning

From removing graffiti from a wall, derusting a bridge, stripping floors or even restoring surfaces in a historic building, there are many surface preparation and cleaning tasks in the construction sector that require compressed air to get the job done effectively. Although air requirements vary by application, a reliable supply of compressed air is crucial to ensure efficiency, consistent results and long equipment life.

Reliable compressed air for every surface

KAESER portable compressors ensure a consistent, reliable supply of compressed air, perfectly suited for surface preparation and cleaning indoors and out. With a wide range of available air treatment options, the right compressed air quality for each task can be achieved simply and seamlessly.

Surface preparation on a motorway construction site – a portable KAESER compressor powers compressed air tools for cleaning and treating metal parts.

Find out more about KAESER solutions for surface preparation & cleaning:

Finishing work

Final painting work on the construction site – uniform paint application with a spray gun thanks to constant compressed air from a KAESER compressor.

In the construction industry, many tasks depend on pneumatic equipment for speed and efficiency – from surface painting and plastering exterior walls to installing blown-in insulation. Whether using hopper guns for plaster spraying or spray guns for surface coatings, optimum performance, maximum efficiency and consistently high-quality results all rely on a compressed air supply that reliably provides and maintains the required pressure and flow rate of the pneumatic equipment.

Ready for finishing, built for tough conditions

Easy to operate, efficient and powerful: KAESER portable compressors are designed for continuous operation on even the most demanding construction sites. With a wide range of available models, they are the ideal choice for every kind of finishing work.

Find out more about KAESER solutions for finishing work:

Trenchless construction work

Many trenchless technologies require compressed air for the repair, replacement and installation of underground supply lines.

For maximum efficiency, reliability and durability of the corresponding trenchless equipment, cool and condensate-free compressed air is almost always recommended. In addition, certain applications demand high-quality compressed air.

Of course, exact compliance with the application's pressure and flow requirements is also essential and impacts the efficiency and performance of a compressed air system for each specific trenchless technology application.

Trenchless construction work with precision use of compressed air – supplied by a portable KAESER compressor.

Compressed air with precision for trenchless construction work

With a wide range of available sizes, pressure stages and equipment options, KAESER portable compressors deliver the precise flow rate, pressure and air quality demanded by trenchless technology applications – efficiently and reliably.

Find out more about KAESER solutions for trenchless construction work: