Breathing air systems are essential for professionals working in or exploring environments that lack clean air. This includes firefighters, SCUBA divers, and HAZMAT teams. Arctic Compressor’s complete breathing air systems guide is here to help you understand the fundamentals.
In this guide, we will cover:
Breathing air is compressed atmospheric air. Unlike other formulated air types, compressed breathing air is not enriched in any way. It is only purified atmospheric air.
In addition, breathing air must meet strict standards set by organizations like the Compressed Gas Association (CGA). With the correct purification system, breathing air can meet and exceed all standards required for firefighting, diving, and safety applications.
Breathing air systems typically consist of three major components: the compressor, the storage cylinders, and the fill station.
At the core of the breathing air system is the high-pressure breathing air compressor. Their main functions within the system are:
High-pressure air compressors and storage systems are typically designed to exceed the pressure requirements of the secondary tanks or canisters. This design principle accommodates the cascade filling method, which is commonly used in breathing air systems.
For example, Arctic Compressors are often rated at 6000 PSI, allowing for effortless filling of cylinders ranging from 2216 to 5500 PSI by simply adjusting the output pressure regulator.
In common setups, the compressor is connected to cascade storage cylinders. These air storage cylinders are either ASME or UN/ISO. Each has their own standards and testing or maintenance requirements.
The fill station is an important safety component of a breathing air system as they protect an operator filling SCBA cylinders in the event of a cylinder failure. They usually feature an integrated cascade control panel for efficient operation.
Similar to the compressor and storage cylinders, fill stations come in a variety of configurations to meet department needs. They allow the operator to fill multiple SCBAs simultaneously, and some feature the option of upgrading to automatic cascade control panels to reduce the need for operator training and reducing user errors.
When evaluating your current breathing air system or determining if you need one, the following are important considerations:
For the full list of things to consider, refer to our SCBA Compressor Buyer’s Guide.
Several industrial and first responder occupations require the use of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) cylinders to safely navigate environments that lack safe, breathable air.
In many cases that require SCBA use, the ambient conditions can present respiratory hazards that pose long-term health risks and even death. These hazards often involve smoke, chemical contaminants, and pathogens, depending on the industry. Recreational and rescue divers use Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA), which have similar quality requirements but utilize different cylinders.
Arctic Compressor offers exceptional breathing air systems for many applications. There are several Arctic Compressor products to consider when evaluating breathing air systems, many of which offer customizations to meet the specific needs of your department or organization.
Arctic Compressor offers several different configurations in our compressors, including our 2500 Series Enclosed Compressor, 1500 Series Enclosed Compressor, 1000 Series Enclosed Compressor, and 1500 or 1000 Series Open Frame Compressors.
Arctic fill stations are designed and certified to meet the rigorous standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). They come in three cylinder capacities (single, double, or triple), and three control panels (non-cascade, manual-cascade, and auto-cascade).
Arctic Compressor offers both ASME and UN/ISO air storage cylinders.
“I needed something that was going to be able to service our community best. And we found that in Arctic.” Chief Watson
At Arctic Compressor, we specialize in engineering and manufacturing high-quality, reliable breathing air compressors, including systems specifically designed for SCBA applications. Our compressors are built with durability, performance, and safety in mind, backed by exceptional customer support.
Get in touch with our team so we can help you find the best fit for your needs.
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