ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Each time an employee at Anniston Army Depot connects an air hose to a tool, uses compressed air to aid with sandblasting, painting, cleaning dust and debris from parts or any of a myriad of other uses, a few individuals are responsible.
The Directorate of Public Works' Compressed Air Shop keeps the installations four compressed air plants working, supplying air to 183 systems throughout the installation.
"You're not going to paint or repair tanks without compressed air," said Glean Heath, an industrial equipment mechanic.
Every stationary compressed air system is also maintained by the shop employees.
The depot's main air plant houses seven air compressors, four of which are nearly as old as the depot itself.
Two of the largest compressors were built in 1942 and two were built in 1952.
"They were dismantled from a Childersburg power plant in the 1960s and brought to the depot," said Heath.
Those four compressors are so efficient, despite their age, only two run at a time, while the others receive maintenance.
"As long as the maintenance is performed on this equipment, it will run forever," said Heath.
According to Heath, ANAD has the largest compressed air facility in the state, putting out 8,000 standard cubic feet per minute.
That pressure has to be reduced as it flows to the lines to each shop, however, since each air hose in the shops supplies about 96 pounds per square inch.
In addition to the main air plant, three other plants serve the Nichols Industrial Complex and the Ammunition Limited Area.
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