Air Compressors are the heart and soul of your compressed air system. Without the compressor, you have no air, no energy, and no production. These machines are both the source of your air and your success. Keeping these machines healthy and running smoothly should be a high priority.
By pulling ambient air that exists around the compressor into the compression chamber. this air will then be physically compressed by the specific air end. The machine puts this air under pressure by compressing it into a smaller space to create compressed air.
Reciprocating Compressors are the most cost-effective compressor on the market. These compressors are the best option for someone with low air demand. They kick on when needed, creating an excellent, consistent air supply, and if they are not running all the time, energy cots shouldn’t be a problem. Piston compressors have been around for so long because they are tried and true. You know what you are getting when you purchase one of these.
Rotary Screw compressors consist of male and female rotors that spin and use the space between the two to compress the air. This technology provides much more energy-efficient production in comparison to pistons. With variations like the VSD, these compressors keep getting better. The main difference comes from how each one operates under load, and this rate dramatically affects the energy efficiency of compressed air production.
The scroll is the king of volumetric efficiency. Due to the unique compression method, it does not require any form of lubrication on the scrolls. One is typically fixed in place, while the other orbits eccentrically or off-center from the set piece. As this piece rotates, it comes close to making contact, but there is no friction between the two. No friction means no mechanical wear and minimal noise levels being emitted by the compressor.
Oil-free compressors provide the cleanest air possible. Without oil in the compression chamber, excess oil is not being introduced into the air stream, and thus only the oil that was in the ambient air has to be filtered out. This puts less stress on the coalescing filters and allows the system to be more efficient in creating high quality-air.
Both Pistons and Screws can come in oil-free. Rather than oil, they usually have a Teflon coating or some other material to prevent wear and direct contact between the pieces.
A Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Rotary screw compressor is the top-of-the-line regarding energy efficiency. Unlike traditional compressors, the compressor’s rate depends on the demand. This allows it to speed up when needed, but once the threshold has been reached, the rate slows down so it can still get the necessary airflow without extra energy. These models typically cost a little more, but the energy efficiency pays for itself.
These compressors are designed to run duty cycles of 80-100% and therefore are the favorites for manufacturers and auto shops that need consistent supplies of air to keep them going. They are typically a little more upfront but they make up for this in their energy-efficiency and long lifespan operating on long intervals.
The reciprocating piston compressor is the most commonly used compressor as it is the cheaper option in terms of compressors. They are an industry staple due to their longevity and broad applications.
VSDs have access to that in between so that less energy is being consumed to produce the air. If demand is high, the compressor will be running at 100%, but then once it diminishes the rate of compression will follow suit. This allows the compressor to fulfill demand without using as much energy as a fixed-speed rotary screw.
As the moving scroll rotates around, it comes nearly into contact with the stagnant scroll but never quite touches it. This makes the rotary scroll the quietest and the cleanest of the bunch. These types of compressors are often used in places like dentists and doctor’s offices to power their tools with air clean enough to be used in a person’s mouth
Hand-carry air compressors are the smallest and easiest to move around. If your compressed air needs include inflating balls, mattresses and tires, hobby work and other light-duty applications, these are the compressors for you. They are available in a variety of sizes and are mostly electrically-powered, with some exceptions of those needing gasoline instead.
Aside from the power source, engine-driven compressors are the same as their electrical counterparts. Compression chamber, pump, and process are all going to be the same, however the engine-driven compressor may have additional filtration included. You may not experience much difference in CFM output, but you definitely will in run time.
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