Pressure Conditioner - compressed air filter & hoses

Pressure conditioner — compressed air filter & hoses

Compressed-air conditioning units that take workshop compressed air, filter it to breathing quality, and deliver it to a supplied-air respirator. The alternative to SCBA for extended work in contaminated atmospheres — no cylinder weight, no duration limit, but requires a clean high-quality compressed air supply and rigorous maintenance.

What a pressure conditioner does

Compressed air from a typical workshop compressor contains oil vapour, water, particulates, and sometimes carbon monoxide from compressor exhaust. A pressure conditioner filters these contaminants to bring the air up to AS/NZS 1715 breathing-air-grade standards before it reaches the respirator.

Typical filtration stages

• Coarse particulate filter — removes pipe scale, rust, large particles.
• Coalescing filter — removes water and oil aerosols.
• Activated carbon filter — removes oil vapour, solvent residues, and odour-causing contaminants.
• Carbon monoxide monitor — alarms if compressor intake has drawn CO (e.g., from adjacent combustion equipment).

Where pressure conditioners fit

• Abrasive blasting — sustained high-flow respiratory protection with no cylinder duration limit.
• Paint spraying booths — fixed-location supplied-air systems.
• Asbestos removal — as an alternative to PAPR for long-duration work.
• Confined space entry — supplied-air line systems with retrieval equipment.

Compressed air source matters

The conditioner only filters — it cannot convert low-quality air to breathing-air quality if the source is too contaminated. Use a dedicated low-oil compressor in a clean-air location, and perform quarterly air-quality testing per AS/NZS 1715 to verify the end delivery meets breathing-air standards.

Hose requirements

Supplied-air hoses are specific breathing-air grade — higher internal cleanliness specification than standard pneumatic hose. Never use standard air hose for breathing-air supply. Maximum hose length and minimum pressure are specified per respirator model.

Standards & compliance

Supplied-air systems must comply with AS/NZS 1716 (respirator) and AS/NZS 1715 (air quality). Quarterly air-quality testing is required. Compressor must be suitable for breathing-air duty.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the workshop compressor for supplied air?

Only if the compressor is suitable for breathing-air service (low or zero oil carryover), located to draw clean air, and the delivered air passes quarterly air-quality tests. Standard lubricated industrial compressors are generally not suitable without substantial filtration.

How does this compare to SCBA?

Supplied air has no cylinder duration limit and much lower wearer weight. SCBA is independent of any external air source and is required for IDLH atmospheres. Choose supplied air for long-duration non-IDLH work where reliable compressed air is available; choose SCBA for emergency and IDLH work.

Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?

Yes — trade accounts receive volume pricing, and blast-booth and paint-shop programs qualify for system-level discounts. Apply for a trade account →