Overview
Client: Precision engineering and manufacturing company
Location: Ipswich Industry: Engineering and manufacturing
Solution: Avelair VSDR 11 Variable Speed Drive rotary screw air compressor with upgraded air treatment, breathing air filtration and compliance support
Avelair delivered a complete turnkey compressed air upgrade for a well-established precision engineering company in Ipswich. The project focused on improving energy efficiency, enhancing breathing air quality and ensuring full compliance with pressure system safety regulations.
The challenge
The client supports multiple industries with precision engineering and workshop services where compressed air is critical to daily production.
Although the existing system remained operational, the business identified key areas for improvement:
- Reducing energy consumption and operating costs
- Improving compressed air quality for breathing air applications
- Introducing structured testing and compliance processes
- Ensuring pressure system safety documentation was current
A modern, fully compliant compressed air system was required to support operational reliability and higher air quality standards.
The solution – Efficient VSD compressor with advanced air quality systems
Following a full site assessment, Avelair installed a modern compressed air package built around the Avelair VSDR 11 Variable Speed Drive rotary screw air compressor.
Core elements of the installation included:
- VSDR 11 rotary screw compressor – Adjusts output to match real-time air demand, reducing energy waste
- Upgraded air treatment equipment – Improves overall compressed air quality
- Three-stage point-of-use breathing air filtration – Supports cleaner and safer breathing air
Unlike fixed-speed compressors that operate at constant output, the VSD unit automatically modulates motor speed, ensuring the system only produces the air required. This significantly improves efficiency while reducing electrical costs.
Breathing air quality and ongoing compliance
Because breathing air is used on site, enhanced filtration and testing procedures were essential.
Avelair implemented:
- Three-stage point-of-use breathing air filtration for higher air purity
- Three-monthly breathing air testing programme managed by Avelair
- Structured documentation and scheduled compliance checks
Breathing air testing is carried out in accordance with BS EN 12021 and aligned with site-specific risk assessments. This ensures air quality remains compliant without placing additional administrative burden on the client’s internal teams.
Pressure system safety and regulatory compliance
To support legal compliance, Avelair completed a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) in line with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR 2000).
The WSE clearly defines:
- Which system components require examination
- Inspection frequency
- Approved competent persons for assessments
This provides assurance that the compressed air system remains safe, compliant and properly maintained.
The results
Reduced energy consumption
The Variable Speed Drive compressor matches air production to demand, lowering electricity usage and operating costs.
Improved breathing air standards
Enhanced filtration and routine testing ensure cleaner, safer breathing air across the site.
Simplified compliance
Structured testing schedules and documented procedures reduce administrative workload and improve regulatory confidence.
Future-ready system reliability
The upgraded system provides dependable performance aligned with modern engineering and safety standards.
Compressed air upgrades in Ipswich and across Suffolk
This project highlights Avelair’s expertise in delivering energy-efficient compressed air systems, breathing air solutions and regulatory compliance support for engineering businesses in Ipswich and throughout Suffolk.
Planning a compressed air upgrade in Suffolk?
If your business is upgrading compressors, improving breathing air standards or reviewing PSSR compliance, Avelair provides expert consultancy, installation and ongoing support.
Contact our team on 01359 272828 or email david.wood@avelair.co.uk to discuss your requirements.
Posted on:
March 20th 2026