Atlas Copco launches SMART AIRnet pipework to remove manufacturing blind spot

While digital monitoring has become increasingly common at the point of air generation, much of the air distribution network has historically remained a blind spot. SMART AIRnet addresses this by integrating sensors directly into the pipework, capturing live data on pressure, flow, energy use, air quality and overall system behaviour at multiple points from generation through to point of use. This allows manufacturers to see how compressed air is behaving as it moves through the network, rather than inferring performance from compressor output data alone.

Compressed air leakage remains a persistent challenge across industry, particularly within large sites or complex distribution systems where losses can be difficult to detect and quantify. By comparing conditions between different sections of pipework, SMART AIRnet highlights pressure drops, flow anomalies and changes in energy consumption that may indicate leakage, inappropriate usage or developing faults. These indicators can then be used to prompt targeted investigation and maintenance, rather than relying solely on periodic ultrasonic inspections.

SMART AIRnet works in conjunction with Atlas Copco's SmartLink remote monitoring platform, which acts as the secure conduit for transferring system data to the cloud. From there, performance across the compressed air system can be visualised in a single, consolidated view, allowing trends to be analysed and alerts to be generated when predefined thresholds are breached. This enables maintenance teams to identify abnormal behaviour remotely and respond before inefficiencies escalate into higher energy costs or operational disruption.

Compressed air quality can also be monitored directly within the distribution pipework through the addition of air quality meters. This enables continuous tracking of moisture levels to help protect equipment, support consistent air quality and provide data that can inform air quality audits aligned with ISO 8573-1 and ISO 8573-3 requirements.

"Compressed air systems tend to change gradually rather than fail suddenly. Compressors may run longer, pressure behaviour may shift, or air may be generated when there is no real demand. By extending visibility into the air network itself, SMART AIRnet helps manufacturers understand what is happening across the whole system, not just at the point of generation," said Neil Frater, optimisation manager at Atlas Copco. 

"This insight improves the accuracy of identifying where system deviations occur and when corrective action is operationally necessary."

SMART AIRnet is intended to complement established maintenance practices such as ultrasonic leak detection, not replace them. By combining continuous system insight via SmartLink with periodic physical surveys, manufacturers can build a clearer picture of compressed air performance over time and focus maintenance resource where it will deliver the greatest benefit.

The launch reflects a broader shift towards treating compressed air as a managed, data-driven utility, with IIoT technologies playing an increasing role in improving efficiency, reliability and long-term system performance.

To find out more about SMART AIRnet and how it can be applied across compressed air distribution systems, visit: tinyurl.com/SMART-AIRnet

www.atlascopco.com