Using Compressed Air in Irrigation Maintenance and Sprinkler Blowout

Compressed air is everywhere. Portable diesel air compressors bring compressed air wherever it is needed: plantside, roadside, refineryside and many other jobsites.

This month’s feature application is using portable air compressors for irrigation maintenance and sprinkler blowout.

Beginning in September and working into the colder months, irrigation contractors and landscapers start to shut in underground irrigation systems. Water sources are isolated and turned off. Air is introduced into the piping mains and lateral lines to clear water from the system and mitigate frozen pipes and subsequent damage.

Depending on the size and type of property will dictate the size of portable air compressor used. For instance, smaller residential and commercial properties typically use a 185 cfm (5200 L/min) air compressor. Golf courses and large outdoor stadiums (baseball/soccer/football) may require up to a 1600 cfm (45,000 L/min) compressor.

Farmers also use air to clear their irrigation lines and above ground circle systems.

Find your authorized Sullair distributor to learn more about this application and which compressor is right for you.