Take Control of Your Compressed Air System
Modern compressed air systems are dynamic environments where production demands, equipment performance, and operating conditions constantly change. Without the right control strategy, compressors often operate inefficiently, resulting in increased energy consumption, unnecessary equipment wear, and reduced system reliability.
John Henry Foster helps customers implement intelligent controls and automation strategies that allow compressed air systems to respond to real-time operating conditions, ensuring reliable air delivery while minimizing operating costs.
Whether you operate a single compressor or a complex multi-compressor installation, our team can design and implement a control solution tailored to your facility's unique requirements.
What Controls & Automation Can Accomplish
An effective control strategy can help your facility:
- Reduce energy consumption
- Improve compressor efficiency
- Increase production uptime
- Reduce unnecessary equipment run hours
- Improve pressure stability
- Extend equipment life
- Simplify system operation
- Support future system expansion
Our Approach
Every compressed air system operates differently. That is why we begin by understanding your equipment, operating objectives, production requirements, and existing control architecture.
Our specialists evaluate:
- Compressor operating modes and sequencing
- Pressure control strategies
- System demand profiles
- Existing automation capabilities
- Equipment interoperability
- Expansion and future growth requirements
- Monitoring and reporting needs
Using this information, we develop a control strategy that aligns system performance with actual facility demand.
Master Controls vs. Sequencing
Many facilities rely on basic compressor sequencing to manage system operation. While sequencing can be effective in certain applications, advanced master controls provide significantly greater visibility and control.
Advanced control systems can:
- Continuously monitor system conditions
- Utilize rate-of-change logic to anticipate demand
- Coordinate multiple compressors and dryers
- Optimize system pressure
- Integrate with plant-wide automation systems
- Provide comprehensive operational data
The result is a compressed air system that responds intelligently to changing production requirements while minimizing wasted energy.
Open Architecture Integration
Unlike proprietary solutions that limit flexibility, John Henry Foster designs automation systems that can integrate with equipment from virtually any manufacturer.
Our controls solutions can support:
- Rotary screw compressors
- Centrifugal compressors
- Reciprocating compressors
- Dryers and air treatment equipment
- Variable frequency drive (VFD) systems
- Existing facility control platforms
This open architecture approach allows facilities to maximize the value of existing assets while maintaining flexibility for future upgrades.
AIRx and AIRx Pro Controllers
For customers seeking advanced compressed air automation, AIRx and AIRx Pro controllers provide powerful system-wide control capabilities.
Features include:
- Intelligent compressor sequencing
- Multiple pressure control strategies
- Open architecture design
- Remote communication capabilities
- Alarm history and diagnostics
- Equipment health monitoring
- Integration with plant-wide systems
- Scalability for future expansion
Designed to support both simple and highly complex installations, AIRx controllers help facilities achieve greater efficiency, reliability, and operational visibility.
Why John Henry Foster?
John Henry Foster combines decades of compressed air expertise with proven controls engineering capabilities. Our team has designed, integrated, and commissioned automation systems ranging from single-compressor installations to some of the largest compressed air systems in North America.
Whether your goal is reducing energy costs, improving reliability, or preparing for future growth, our Controls & Automation specialists can help create a smarter, more efficient compressed air system.