For water utilities and industrial operators, downtime is expensive. From aeration tanks to pumping stations, reliable compressed air and power systems keep plants running safely. That reliability depends on technology suited to the task and backed by strong local support.
CAPS has worked with Australian industries for more than 45 years, providing compressors, blowers and power generation systems that are matched to operational needs. Since joining the global Ingersoll Rand family in 2024, the company has combined international expertise with a nationwide footprint.
“Australian water and wastewater plants demand equipment that can handle harsh conditions,” said Glenn McIntyre, Managing Director at CAPS.
“Our compressors and generators are engineered for long service life, and our service teams ensure that performance is sustained over decades.”
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Choosing the right compressor
Selecting a compressor is not just about output. Safety standards, energy efficiency and integration with treatment processes all matter. Water managers face a wide choice of technologies, each with different benefits.
CAPS provides reciprocating, rotary screw, oil-free rotary screw, portable diesel and centrifugal compressors, helping clients identify the best fit. By drawing on international brands including Ingersoll Rand, AIRMAN, Sauer, Pedro Gil and Next Turbo Technologies, the company ensures that solutions are not limited to a single manufacturer.
“Every treatment plant has its own requirements,” McIntyre said. “We take the time to understand those needs and configure systems that will meet them reliably and cost-effectively.”
Air solutions for treatment processes
Compressed air is essential across wastewater operations.
From aeration basins to backwashing filters, blowers drive critical processes. CAPS supplies positive displacement, multi-stage centrifugal and single-stage centrifugal turbo blowers suited to different plant designs and flow rates.
Aeration alone accounts for a significant share of a wastewater plant’s energy use, so efficient blowers are central to controlling operating costs. Selecting the right unit can reduce electricity consumption while maintaining dissolved oxygen levels that support biological treatment.
The company also delivers engineered nitrogen and oxygen generation systems, enabling utilities to produce gases on site rather than rely on deliveries. This can reduce costs and improve resilience for operators in regional locations.
Filtration technology for water
CAPS has partnered with German manufacturer Bollfilter to supply a range of automatic, manual, duplex and simplex filters, as well as membranes and fine filter units. These solutions extend beyond water to applications in chemicals and petroleum, but in the water sector they play a key role in keeping systems free of contaminants and operating efficiently.
“Filtration is a vital part of any treatment process,” said McIntyre. “By working with a global partner like Bollfilter, we can provide operators with proven options that integrate seamlessly into their plants.”
Reliable power supply
Uninterrupted power is essential for water treatment, pumping and monitoring facilities. CAPS supplies generators that support manufacturing, healthcare, data centres, utilities and independent power stations.
As Australia’s number one supplier of Airman products and the official distributor of Mitsubishi Generator Series (MGS), CAPS provides a wide range of outputs.
The Mitsubishi “MGS-R” series, manufactured in Japan, is designed for rapid startup within 10 seconds and can handle a full load in a single step.
CAPS also delivers solutions suited to Australian conditions, including Airman box-type compressors and generators designed for heavy-duty outdoor work. They have options for truck or trailer mounting allow for mobile deployment, while automatic operation ensures rapid power restoration during outages. For remote communities or utilities managing long distribution networks, these features can mean the difference between a short disruption and a prolonged outage.
Custom engineering solutions
Beyond off-the-shelf units, CAPS designs custom systems through its in-house engineering team and ISO9001-accredited manufacturing facility in Australia.
Packages can integrate compressors, generators and blowers in configurations tailored to client specifications.
The engineering team manages design, development and testing, reducing installation times with plug-and-play capability.
Where possible, new technology can be integrated into existing facilities to extend the life of infrastructure and enhance performance. This is particularly valuable for utilities balancing modernisation with the need to maximise return on long-term assets.
Local support and rental options
Founded in Western Australia in 1980, CAPS now operates 10 branches across the country. Its service programs include 24/7 maintenance and breakdown response, backed by nationwide parts availability. The CAPS Care program provides diagnostic and preventive maintenance tailored to client operations.
“Technology alone is not enough,” McIntyre said. “What gives our clients confidence is knowing that trained technicians are available at any hour to keep plants operating.”
For organisations without the capital to invest upfront, CAPS also offers rental options for compressors and generators. These flexible packages help cover seasonal peaks, special projects or emergency breakdowns. In the water sector, rentals are often used during plant upgrades, where temporary systems maintain operations while permanent infrastructure is installed.
Global technology, suited to local conditions
With a presence in every major state, CAPS delivers global solutions that are proven in water and wastewater applications. Its integration into the Ingersoll Rand group adds financial strength and international backing, while its local branches ensure customers receive immediate support.
“Our role is to keep Australia’s water and wastewater systems operating with confidence,” McIntyre said. “That commitment drives every solution we deliver.”
For more information, visit www.caps.com.au