The advantages of Sollant's 60hp standard industrial air compressor

When it comes to selecting a standard industrial air compressor for your business, you will have many options to choose from.Standard industrial air compressors vary in terms of power, airflow, and pressure they produce. Additionally, they compare differently in terms of motor types, sizes, and designs, and all these give you the option to choose from different features that suit your needs. It is, therefore, essential to know how to choose an air compressor that meets all your requirements and get the job done at manageable costs. If you buy an industrial air compressorwith less power, then you may not get the work done reliably. On the other hand, if you purchase one with more power, you may end up damaging your equipment and risk facing safety hazards.

The above possibilities make it necessary to evaluate your needs carefully and consider the options available in the market when choosing an industrial air compressor. This post is astandard industrial air compressor complete buying guide that will help you determine the different factors to look out for when you need to buy an air compressor for your business.

The right type of air compressor for your business depends on how you plan to use it, the resources you have at your disposal, and the tool you want to use it with. Therefore, you have to evaluate your needs against the options available in the market. You should consider the following factors.

• Where do you want to use the industrial air compressor?

Most industrial air compressors are not portable because they are built to stay in one place. On the other hand, some applications may need to move it from one site to the other. Due to these varying needs, air compressors can be found in both stationary and portable models.

• The type of the drive system

Where you plan to use a commercial air compressor will determine the type of drive you need to have. There are two broad types of drive that a standard industrial air compressor can have, and this is either electric-powered or diesel-powered motor.Electric-powered motors require a constant supply of electricity to work, but they are less costly to maintain. On the other hand, if you plan to switch job sites frequently, you’d better opt for a diesel-powered motor.

• CFM

Another crucial step in choosing the right type of air compressor for your business is determining the amount of power you require. Standard industrial air compressor manufacturers measure this capability in different ways, and all are essential in selecting the best air compressor for your needs. CFM or cubic feet per minute is the measure of airflow that a compressor produces. The following types of CFM measurements are often used.

• PSI

The pounds per square inch (PSI) is the measure of the amount of pressure an air compressor produces. The PSI rating of your compressor should be equal to or more than that of your highest rated tool. Both PSI and CFM are power measurements that you need to check when buying an industrial air compressor.

• Horsepower

The measure of the horsepower can tell you the capabilities of an air compressor but is not a primary factor to consider when buying an industrial air compressor. The CFM and PSI will automatically determine the amount of horsepower you get from a compressor.

Most standard industrial air compressor manufacturersusually measure the output that an air compressor can produce when it reaches its operating rpm, and this is called the running horsepower. In some cases, you will notice peak or brake horsepower, which is the measure of the maximum output that can be generated when the start winding is engaged. However, these descriptions are less useful compared to running horsepower because such a level of production cannot be sustained for long. Peak horsepower can sometimes be seven times the runninghorsepower.

Other aspects that are worth noting include the duty cycle and service factor. For the duty cycle, you either go for intermittent or continuous, which describes how the motor can run the full horsepower. If you want your compressor to maintain full power at all times, then you have to go for a continuous duty cycle.

The service factor is a description of a motor’s percentage rated horsepower that it can run safely. Equipment with higher service factor can run under adverse conditions such as when the voltage is low without failing.

• The electrical requirement

Before you choose a standard industrial air compressor, you should ensure that it is compatible with the incoming electrical supply at your work station.Most residential and commercial facilities have a single-phase power supply, while industrial premises often run on a three-phase power supply unit. You need to choose the right voltage that will power your compressor effectively. You may want to use the help of a qualified electrician for this selection.

• The size of the tank

Additionally, it is essential to figure out the size of the storage tank you want for your compressor, which is sometimes called the receiver tank. Larger tanks provide more pressurized air, which a smaller tank will work for an extended period to produce. The tanks are useful for air storage, especially when the demand is higher than the capacity of your air compressor. Besides, tanks help in reducing the pulsation in the air line.

The right tank size should be at least five gallons per CFM, but a smaller tank is also excellent if you want to use your compressor for short bursts.

Still, under tanks, you can either go for a vertical or horizontal tank. The space you have at your facility and the location determine the type of tank to choose. Vertical designs have a smaller base space and are useful when you have limited space in your facility.

• Costs

Cost is another essential factor to consider when buying an industrial air compressor.The best way of keeping the cost low is by calculating all the specifications you want. This method helps to ensure that you do not end up with a robust system that is not necessarily suitable for your intended applications.

Standard industrial air compressor price is not the only cost factor that you should worry about. High-quality air compressors may cost more upfront but help you save on other costs like operating and maintenance. This means that if you pay more for a high-quality air compressor, you will save more money on repairs in the long run.

The best way to determine quality is by looking at efficiency ratings and the listed life expectancy of the machine. Additionally, warranties help in taking care of the equipment if something goes wrong. The brand reputation, the reliability of the manufacturer, and the cost of maintenance are also crucial factors to consider.

Different types of air compressors have different specifications. Sometimes the features may be standard to all air compressors, while other times, you may have to look for a specific machine with the exact specs you want. Before jumping into buying, you should weigh the benefits that a feature has against the cost of the air compressor. If the function looks like it provides more benefits, then you can consider that one the right investment. Here are some features that you can look out for in an air compressor.

• Materials

One of the essential considerations to make is the material that makes the components of the industrial air compressor.Steel and cast-iron materials are always durable and help the system resist wear and other adverse conditions, which make it last longer.A durable body also implies that your air compressor will function reliably.

• Components

If you are buying from a manufacturer you do not know; it is crucial to pay keen attention to the model and make of the components of the air compressor. If possible, ask the dealer about smaller parts like valves, gears, and bearings. The manufacturer and suppliers should provide alluseful information regarding the components used in constructing the air compressor.

• Controls

Different air compressors work on various types of control to match the amount of air produces with the amount of air you require. Fixed-speed and variable-speed are the two most common types of control.

A fixed-speed control keeps the speed of the air compressor on the same level. Manufacturers use various technologies such as modulation and start/stop systems to enable fixed-speed control mode.

Variable speed control allows you to adjust the speed of the compressor to match the output you want. This control system enables you to use the compressor more efficiently.

Before selecting an industrial air compressor, you need to check how the controller works for the system and all the specs it comes with. For instance, you may want to know if the controller is manual or digital.

• Noise reduction systems

The level of noise produced when operating air compressors varies from model to model. Every air compressor should have a noise rating that shows how loud it is. The best air compressor should have a noise reduction system to make the work environment more comfortable. You should evaluate the working environment and decide the amount of noise you can tolerate.

• Cooling system

Every air compressor requires a heat dissipating system that helps it avoid overheating. Some cooling systems use air, while others use water.Besides, the cooling system can be run on centrifugal or axis cooling fans.

All in all, the cooling mechanism is very crucial, and it impacts the efficiency of the air compressor. Another factor to take note of is that an air compressor requires sufficient ventilation if it is operated indoors. This enhances the cooling mechanism of the compressor.

• Structural protection

Wherever you decide to use your air compressor, you must ensure that it is protected from different elements such as debris, dust, and any other object that may cause damage. The critical parts and fittings need more structural protection to increase the reliability of the machine. More often, a frame made of sturdy materials enhances the durability of the air compressor. You should know your working environment to determine whether the air compressor you want to buy will survive there without being damaged.

• Safety features

Your safety should be your number one priority, so you have to ensure that the air compressor you buy has essential safety features. Some safety specs you should look out for include protective guards around dangerous components and automatic power-off if the system is experiencing difficulties like overheating. Such safety systems are useful for users of the machine and the machine itself.