U.S. Compressed Air Treatment Equipment Market (2024 - 2030)

Market Size & Trends

The U.S. compressed air treatment equipment market size was valued at USD 1.95 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2030. Surging demand across several application areas and the growing need for clean & dry air in medical, food & beverage, and manufacturing industries are expected to drive the demand for the U.S. compressed air treatment equipment market over the forecast period. Furthermore, increasing adoption of air treatment equipment to enhance the operational efficiency of air compressors and thereby lower their maintenance cost is also expected to fuel market growth during the forecast period.

Application areas of compressed air treatment equipment range from food, healthcare & pharmaceutical to electronics & semiconductor industries. It is primarily used for converting untreated air to dry, sterile, and oil-free compressed air. Air usually contains contaminants and lacks the quality required by various intended applications. These contaminants find their way into the compressed air systems, making the use of treatment equipment critical. The market has high demand in the manufacturing industries for spray coating, vacuum, packing, valve operation, and cleaning. Clean and dry air supply is pivotal in uncontaminated production, thereby reducing costs.

The market is governed by stringent norms and standards that establish ethical and sustainable manufacturing of compressed air treatment equipment. The enclosed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 29 CFR 1910.242(b) has mandated that compressed air used for cleaning purposes must be reduced to below 30 pounds per square inch gauge, 204 kPa. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), compressors manufactured from January 10, 2025, and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6311(7), must comply with energy conservation standards set by the Code of Federal Regulations in 10 CFR 431.345.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market growth is medium and is accelerating at a significant pace owing to a moderately fragmented market. U.S. compressed air treatment equipment manufacturers are actively implementing challenging strategic initiatives such as mergers & acquisitions, innovation, and production expansion, among others.

The U.S. compressed air treatment equipment market is moderately fragmented. Companies are focused on mergers and acquisitions and invest significantly in research and development activities to introduce new products in the market. The drive to enhance product features and performance enables market participants to remain competitive. For instance, in November 2023, Hitachi Global Air Power U.S. acquired General Air Compressors North to meet the growing demand for compressed air treatment equipment in the country.

No threat of external substitutes exists in this market. However, companies providing filtration equipment and compressors in a package stand a better chance. Such manufacturers lock in customers more easily and can offer better value. Additionally, companies may offer different types of filters and dryers that are used depending on the quality of air required in the application area under consideration.

Application Insights

Food & beverages dominated the market, accounting for a revenue share of 32.2% in 2023, expanding at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2030. The manufacturing process of direct consumables requires clean rooms with no potential contaminations. Dry and clean air extends machine life and leads to improved product quality, thereby reducing the maintenance cost. In the wake of these factors, there has been a surge in demand in the industries, and the trend is expected to continue over the forecast period.

The pharmaceutical segment is projected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Pharma companies usually face contamination risks and inefficient storage. Compressed air equipment resolves this challenge. This is driving the segment demand.

Product Insights

Dryers’ product segment dominated the U.S. compressed air treatment equipment market in 2023. The segment is further categorized into refrigerated dryers, desiccant air dryers, membrane dryers, and others. A refrigerated dryer is an energy-efficient and reliable solution for standard compressed air applications and helps eliminate free water and corrosion in a compressed air network. Heatless desiccant dryers also witnessed a sluggish growth in comparison to refrigerated dryers, mostly owing to low equipment costs but high running costs.

Filters is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Filters are designed for high-quality filtration of compressed air used in an array of applications including food & beverage, healthcare & pharmaceutical, where air quality is of paramount importance. Customers are focused on buying sustainable and cost-effective products. Filters are examined for estimating any energy losses. On a quality level, customers are usually hesitant to switch suppliers owing to issues such as high switching costs and high risks. This has impelled manufacturers to focus on strategies to drive brand loyalty.

Key U.S. Compressed Air Treatment Equipment Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the U.S. air-compressed air treatment equipment market include Sullair, Donaldson Company, Inc., SPX FLOW, Inc. among others.

• Sullair is a leading global supplier of compressed air solutions, with a focus on designing and manufacturing high-quality compressed air treatment equipment. The company was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Indiana, U.S. Their product line includes refrigerated dryers, desiccant dryers, filtration systems, and condensate management systems.

• Donaldson Company, Inc. is a global leader in the filtration industry, providing innovative filtration solutions to a wide range of industries, including aerospace, agriculture, construction, mining, and transportation. The company was founded in 1915 and is headquartered in Minnesota, U.S. The company’s product line includes air filters, oil filters, hydraulic filters, and fuel filters, as well as a range of industrial filtration systems and dust collection equipment. These products are designed to improve the performance and efficiency of engines, equipment, and machinery, while also protecting them from contaminants and extending their lifespan.

Quincy Compressor, Wilkerson Corp. and Alpha-Pure Corporation are some of the emerging market participants in the U.S. air-compressed air treatment equipment market.

• Quincy Compressor's product line includes a wide range of air compressors, from small portable units to large industrial systems. The company also offers vacuum pumps, air treatment products, and a range of related accessories and services. Quincy Compressor's products are designed to deliver reliable and efficient performance, meeting the needs of customers in a variety of industries, including automotive, construction, manufacturing, and more.

• Wilkerson Corporation is a manufacturer of compressed air treatment and regulation equipment, founded in 1971 and based in Colorado, U.S. The company's products include air filters, regulators, lubricators, and combination units, designed to improve the quality of compressed air, protect downstream equipment, and regulate air pressure and flow.

Recent Developments

• In February 2024, Ingersoll Rand acquired Friulair at USD 146.0 million. This will expand Ingersoll Rand’s air treatment processes and capabilities across pharmaceutical and food & beverage end markets.

• In February 2023, Sullair acquired California Compression and CDA Systems, distributors of innovative compressed air solutions. This strategic investment will strengthen Sullair’s supply chain and distribution network in the country.

• In January 2023, Ingersoll Rand Inc., acquired SPX FLOW's Air Treatment business through an all-cash transaction valued at around USD 525 million. The addition of SPX FLOW's Air Treatment business brings in a synergistic product portfolio featuring energy-efficient compressed filters, air dryers, and other consumables, complementing Ingersoll Rand's core compressor product offering with a high attachment rate.

U.S. Compressed Air Treatment Equipment Market