The advantages of Sollant's 9.8-13.2m³ capacity rotary screw air compressor

Do you want air power? Compressed air is something that brings convenience in almost every aspect of your life, ranging from your home garage to businesses and industrial manufacturing processes. So, are you thinking about buying a new air compressor? Well, there is always somewhere to start from. Getting a new air compressor requires you to have some insight into this utility machine. This article will get you started by listing some of the essential information you should know about air compressors.

The primary use of a reciprocating air compressor is to power air tools at home or work. And it does not stop there. There are some other several uses and applications of air compressors that you will find handy. Additionally, these machines come in a wide range of types and sizes.

Generally, industrial air demand is often met by the use of a rotary screw air compressor. And some other types are also designed for specific purposes. You will find more information about these applications in our blogs that are specifically about air compressors.  Here, this air compressor buying guide will answer some essential questions you may want to know before buying a new air compressor. You will know about some useful features and design elements to consider as well as other tips and recommendations that can help make a sound buying decision.

Light-duty air compressors vs. heavy-duty air compressors

Here, air compressors fall into three broad categories.

• Consumer-grade air compressors

These machines are often described as a pancake, hotdog, and single-stage air compressors. They are most suited for home use to inflate tires and other inflatable equipment at home. Most of these air compressors have enough power to run small load air tools around your home, such as staplers and brad guns.

Consumer-grade air compressors are the most preferred types for homeowners or any other persons with the need for low-load compressed air. They are usually below 135 PSI and 7CFM. These models are often portable, meaning they can be easily carried from place to the other.

• Professional-grade air compressors

These air compressors are designed for more demanding air tools. Additionally, they are well suited for frequent intermittent use and applications. Contractors and small shop owners most prefer these types of air compressors.  They often come with features that enable efficient use of air for extended periods.

Commercial/Industrial-grade air compressors

These air compressors are specifically designed to offer a more steady supply of air for extended periods. They are mainly constructed with high-quality components using advanced technology. The performance, energy efficiency, and reliability of industrial air compressors are highly improved.

How to Select a New Air Compressor

Sometimes buying the right air compressor can be an overwhelming call. Therefore, you need to answer some questions about their intended use. Below are some basic questions you may want to be answered before you delve into the details that are getting a new air compressor.

Questions to answer before you buy a new air compressor

• Where will you use the new air compressor?

Do you need portability? If you are going to your new air compressor around your place for various uses, then you may want to get a portable air compressor with wheels. Additionally, you may have to buy a small air compressor that is easy to carry around as you switch your working stations. In other cases, you may have to sacrifice that portability if you need a performance air compressor because portable air compressors deliver lees power compared to stationary air compressors.

In some cases, you may need air compressors with longer hoses to reach longer distances. This feature serves better than having an air compressor that does not offer the desired CFM. Small air compressors burn out quickly, while big air compressors require more electric power or gasoline to run.

• Do you have a dependable electrical supply?

Knowing the type and dependability of your electricity supply will help you determine whether to buy an electric air compressor or a diesel air compressor. Using a generator to power your air compressor is not advised because the fluctuating power delivery form a generator can damage air compressors. Most air compressor manufacturers also deem this as improper use of the air compressor and may void any other after-sale service such as warranties on the machine.

Additionally, using long extension codes may not deliver the right amount of power to the air compressor. You should turn to your owner’s manual to identify the proper gauge and length of the power cord to use with your air compressor. Alternatively, you can go for air compressors with longer hoses in place of using extension cords.

• Which air tools do you have?

You have to determine the air tools you want to use with your air compressor. All air tools have varied CFM ratings, so you need to ensure that your new air compressor will provide the right power you need.

• What type of air compressor is suitable for your needs?

Many factors can determine the type of air compressor you may want. First, you should know that different models and designs of air compressors can be described according to the following:

The generated air: This criterion involves the PSI rating or single-stage/two-stage models.

Amount of stored air: The capacity of the can be used to determine the type of air compressor.

The workload: The HP rating on the motor and the volume of the generated air as measured in CFM determines the type of air compressor.

The technology used: In this section, you can either choose a rotary screw air compressor or piston reciprocating air compressor.

Determining the specifications of a new air compressor

• What is the maximum PSI you need to operate with?

Determining the maximum operating pressure, you need for your new air compressor will let you know the PSI rating to choose from. Additionally, that knowledge will also help you decide between a single-stage or two-stage air compressor, especially if you are buying the piston model. Two-stage air compressors usually come with a higher PSI rating compared to single-stage air compressors.  The specifications of your air tools can help you determine the PSI rating you need. Additionally, the CFM rating will also go hand in hand with a PSI rating.

For instance, if you all your air tools you will be using with the air compressor, you will determine the requirements of a new air compressor by the air tool with the highest need. This means that if your highest-rated air tool has a 2.5 CFM at 90 PSI, then you will need a new air compressor with at least 90 PSI rating.

• What is your maximum CFM requirement?

Pneumatic tools will often require different volumes of air to operate optimally. It is worth noting that almost all air tools are rated with an average CFM that is mainly based on a 25% duty cycle. Therefore, if you will be using an air tool that requires a constant supply of air and is rated using an average CFM, you will have to multiply the number by four to get your continuous CFM. If you need two or more airlines from your air compressor to run your tools, then you will have to identify the minimum CFM rating from all the air tools you will use at a go. This method ensures that you do not underestimate your power requirements.

It is recommended that you increase the CFM total rating on your air tolls by between 30% and 50% to ensure that you always have adequate performance under the most strenuous and demanding applications. For instance, if you are using tow air lines and your highest rated tools that can run at a go have CFM rating of 7 and 6 respectively, then you need an air compressor that can deliver somewhere between 16 CFM and 20 CFM.

Since your total CFM requirement IS 13 (6+7),

13 * 30% = 16.9

13 * 50% = 19.5

This calculation is how you determine that you need an air compressor that is rated between 16 and 20 CFM.

• What is the size of the air compressor you need?

The size of the air compressor is measured in gallons, and it affects the use of various air tools. For instance, if you have air tools that need a continuous supply of air for extended periods, you will need a larger size that will not run out of air quickly. Tools like sanders and grinders require bigger tanks compared to staplers and nail guns. There is no specific method that can be used to calculate size based on the ratings on your air tools. However, you are advised to buy the largest and most practical size at the available CFM and PSI ratings you require. This move will give you the convenience you need to get your work done without thinking about refilling your now and then.

The bigger , the better, especially if you consider motor strains and condensation. Air compressors use their motors to fill up their tanks with compressed air. In the course of doing this, the engine burns out, which translates into a shorter life span of the air compressor. The longer your motor can go without being on, the less it is strained, and that means your air compressor will last longer.

At the time that air is compressed, it becomes hot and moist. If you have a smaller , the air is likely to get used before it is allowed time to cool. This process is expected to cause condensation in the air lines and pose a threat of damage to your compressor and the air tools. Bigger tanks often come with additional features, such as after-coolers and intercoolers, that allows air to cool down before it is used.

What horsepower do you need for the motor of your new air compressor?

The horsepower (HP) of any air compressor is directly proportional to its performance and that of the air tools you have. However, this is not a very vital factor when buying a new air compressor. The HP is the power rating of your compressor’s engine or motor. The motor is responsible for the creation and delivery of compressed air into the . A higher HP rating translates into improved recovery time since more air is delivered into the efficiently.

Features of air compressors explained.

Choosing the right air compressor can be difficult if you find some features unclear. So, if you have all your numbers ready, you should also understand all features and how they affect the performance of your new air compressor and air tools. Below are some essential features that you are likely to encounter when shopping for a new air compressor.

• drive or direct drive

The engines of various rotary screw type air compressors are either -driven or direct-driven.  Under the direct drive model, the motor is connected to the crankshaft of the air compressor directly. These types of air compressors can operate at lower temperatures and high-energy efficiency. The only drawbacks are that they are more costly, noisier, and difficult to maintain.

On the other hand, -driven models have a connecting the engine to the pump of the air compressor. These types of air compressors are more flexible and allow adjustment of the airflow and pressure. Their installation and maintenance are often straightforward, and they are also more affordable. However, these models are not suited to adverse temperature conditions.

• Auto start/stop or continuous speed or dual control

All these features affect the operation of compressed air and how it is produced. The automatic start and stop switch enables the air compressor to turn on the motor when compressed air is needed and off when the is full. This feature works through pressure detection. The continuous speed feature is usually for air compressors that run continuously. This element adjusts the flow of air according to the requirements from the air tools. The dual auto feature allows you to set the air compressor on either auto start/stop mode or continuous mode.

• Cast-iron components

Cylinders are the most commonly used in air compressor designs. However, piston style air compressors come with cask iron crankcases, flywheel, or valve seats. All these elements add to the durability of the air compressor.

• Vertical or horizontal tanks

Vertical tanks are useful if you are working with limited space. On the other hand, horizontal tanks are more portable.

• ASME parts

These components are those that have met all the regulatory requirements as set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Wrapping it up

Buying a new air compressor requires that you have all the necessary knowledge about air compressors. You do not want to get stuck in between options because you do not understand some basic terms, types, and features of air compressors. This buying guide should help you gain essential knowledge you need to decide on which air compressor is right for your needs.