The advantages of Sollant's 1.6-2.3m³capacity rotary screw air compressor

Whether you are a supplier or the final consumer, getting the right size of air compressor is essential in meeting your needs. There are many types of air compressors with their sizes depending on your needs as well as your budget. Big air compressors can be more costly than standard size air compressors, but the output they give is worth the investment. This post offers a guide on how to choose the right big air compressor for your projects. The first thing you should understand is that big air compressors come with different specifications and are suited for various applications. Knowing your needs is the primary way of determining the right big air compressor you should buy.

How Big of An Air Compressor Do I Need?

It is rare to find a client coming back saying they wish they had bought a small air compressor. If your project involves running industrial equipment, the right air compressor for you will depend on the specifications given by the manufacturer. In most cases, you may want to buy one of the many types of big industrial air compressors. For instance, most industrial tools require around 10 CFM at 90 PSI to operate effectively. On the other hand, you may need a 16 CFM air compressor with a 65% duty cycle if you want to run tools like a sander more steadily.

A small air compressor can still sand a car, but you may end up overworking the air compressor, and you probably will have to wait for air. Typically, you will need to have a two and a half real HP air compressor for each automotive tool you want to run. Additionally, industrial air equipment often requires more air compared to automotive tools. This means that you will need a bigger air compressor for industrial applications. You also have to check the specifications by the manufacturer to understand the exact size of air compressor you need for your tools.

Other Types of Compressors

Most of the information on this page relates to an electric reciprocating air compressor. If you want to buy 25 HP air compressor or above, you may want to go for the screw-type air compressors. On the same note, if you want a continuous low volume and pressure supply, you should consider buying a diaphragm air compressor.

Several other types of air compressors will match all your needs as long as you know what you want. For instance, rotary vane and regenerative types are also excellent for some applications. However, the most appropriate and best-value ones are often reciprocating piston-type air compressors. All you need to know is the size that will run your tools more effectively.

What to look for in a big air compressor

Whether you are a heavy-duty mechanic, technician, or a machine operator, you will always require an air compressor that can keep up with your needs. This section offers the ultimate big air compressor buying guide that will help you learn more about what you should look for the next time you want to buy an air compressor.

• Horsepower (HP)

The horsepower rating is an excellent way of determining the size of the air compressor you need. Unfortunately, some manufacturers lie about the HP rating to sell more air compressors, and you need to be more cautious to avoid falling for their traps. Industrial air compressors, on the other hand, have accurate HP ratings, and you will often find that an industrial 5 HP air compressor is almost three times bigger than a hobby-type 5 HP air compressor.

The best way to identify if the HP rating in an air compressor is accurate is by looking at the amount of electrical power the compressor takes to run. For instance, an authentic 5 HP air compressor will need 24 amps on a 2220 volt circuit. You also understand that a gas engine HP has a different rating than an electric motor HP.

• Air Pressure (PSI)

Most standard industrial air equipment requires 90 PSI to run well, and this requires an air compressor with a higher shut-off pressure. Most industrial air compressors are two-stage, with the first stage building to about 90 PSI and the second 175 PSI.

• Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)

All air tools require a specific amount of air to keep going. The volume of air produced by an air compressor is measured in CFM. Displacement CFM is often calculated based on the size and speed of the air compressor pump. The rating can sometimes be exaggerated, and you need to check out for about 33 to 4 CFM per real HP at 90 PSI to stay on the safe line.

• Air Compressor Tank Size

The size of the tank does not matter that much when it comes to big air compressors because the tank does not produce air. A bigger motor and pump are more crucial than the tank. However, there are some instances that you may need a bigger tank, especially if you want more air storage. If you’re going to run some tools continuously for long, then you need to have enough air.

Besides, smaller tanks are more portable and can be moved from one place to the other more efficiently. Having a big air compressor may require that you also go for a bigger tank that will keep your tools running without shut-offs.

• Single-Stage and Two-Stage Air Compressors

The difference between a single-stage and two-stage air compressor lies in the number of cylinders and how air is pumped. In the case of a single-stage, the air compressor will typically have one or more cylinders that pump air directly into the tank. On the other hand, the two-stage compressor has at least two cylinders that pump air between the cylinders before it goes into the tank.

Typically, a two-stage air compressor offers more pressure compared to a single-stage air compressor.

Both types of compressors can be useful for big air compressors depending on your project retirements. However, mot 5 HP rated large industrial air compressors are usually two-stage.

Direct Drive or Belt Drive, Oil or Oil-Less air compressor

Excellent-quality large air compressors come in both belt drive and direct drive versions. The only problem is that some direct-drive air compressors are designed to keep the cost low and are therefore low-quality.

Most direct drive air compressors come with a low RPM even though there are some exemptions. Generally, a big air compressor should be both direct drive and belt drive. The size only relates to the type of drive, depending on the manufacturer.

If your projects require breathing air or aeration, then the right air compressor for you should be oil-less. And these designs, too, can either be a direct drive or belt drive. Air compressors that are low in RPM and are designed ideally to last longer even though they may not be large enough for some industrial applications. To compensate for this drawback, some manufacturers make high-quality direct-drive air compressors that are lubricated. These types are mostly compact, portable, and perfectly suited for the construction industry.

If you are looking for a larger air compressor with high air volume, then your best bet should be a belt-drive oil-lubricated compressor. However, you still have to be cautious because there are some brands out there with low life expectancy. A belt-drive air compressor is mostly preferred for industrial applications because the design makes its pump spin slower than the motor. This combination allows the air compressor to work more efficiently with less wear and tear.

The design of belt-drive air compressors makes them long-lasting and best-value. If you do not mind its lack of portability, then you should get one. What is more impressive is that most big air compressors do not need to be moved around because their applications are often limited to one station. This situation makes big belt-drive air compressors a perfect fit for your industrial needs.

• Duty Cycle

Knowing the duty cycle is an integral part of choosing the right size of the air compressor for your needs. This measure is represented as a percentage, and it shows the minutes an air compressor runs out of ten minutes cycle. Most large industrial air compressors have not less than 75% duty cycle while some have 100%. The 100% duty cycle means that the air compressor can run continuously without stopping. This rating is the best for big air compressors and is one thing that you should look out for when buying an air compressor for your industrial needs.

Always remember that big air compressors are meant to provide large volumes of air, and this means that they keep some essential industrial tools running. In that sense, it would require continuous supply, which means that the duty cycle has to be as high as possible if not 100% (though 100% should be your choice).

Take this as an example, a heavy-duty 5 HP air compressor that has a 100% duty cycle rating can supply more continuous air compared to a heavy-duty 7.5 HP air compressor that has a 75% duty cycle rating. However, you will spend some extra money to get an air compressor with a longer duty cycle.

• Moisture Problems

When air is compressed, it gets hot, and when it cools, water condenses out of it. This process means that the harder you work, the air compressor, the more it gets hotter and develops moisture problems. Big air compressors tend to solve this problem because they do not work as hard or get hot quickly. Alternatively, you can ask for a large air compressor with a moisture trap that provided a place for dampness to collect.

• Life Expectancy

Think of it this way; you can save between 10% and 20% by buying an economy industrial air compressor that lasts only half the life of another more costly air compressor. Does that save you money? A straight answer is no. some brands of air compressors are designed to last longer while some last only a couple of years. Buying a big air compressor is nothing if it will not serve you long enough.

It is essential to ask your dealer about the life expectancy of the air compressor you want to buy before you even consider its size. As the rule of thumb, the more you spend to get a better and larger air compressor, the more money you save in the long run. Apart from getting a high-quality air compressor, you can also buy a big air compressor and get similar specs, including quality and life expectancy. For instance, if your projects require that you buy a 10 HP air compressor, you can buy a 15 HP air compressor that will run almost two thirds as much as the required one and still stay a lot cooler and last nearly two times longer. If you want to buy an air compressor, it is essential to consider its cost per hour of life expectancy to save on a lot of things.

Buying a large air compressor needs you to look into other specifications that are mentioned here. For instance, you may want to consider the cost against the effectiveness of the air compressor. Additionally, the size and consumption rate of your industrial tools are two aspects that you need to look into keenly when deciding on which size of air compressor to buy. Lastly, looking at the options you have is another consideration that can help you choose the right air compressor for your industrial needs.

The bottom line

This article has majored mostly on big air compressors and what you need to know about them before buying one. The most significant take away here is that most big air compressors are meant for industrial use. This means that whatever the size you need, you will have to look at your industrial tools first. Additionally, large industrial air compressors come in different types with each model and design suited for separate applications. Knowing what your needs are is the best way to determine the exact type of big air compressor you should buy. Hopefully, you have gained more insight to help you with your next purchase.