How To Pick The Perfect Two-Stage Air Compressor
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If you've ever worked in manufacturing or visited your local garage, you might have heard a rattling hum. That's the sound of power.
A two-stage air compressor to be more exact. To pick the perfect two-stage compressor, you've got to know what to look for.
Don't worry-we can help you pick the right 2-stage compressor for the job.
One Horsepower (hp) is the force needed to lift 550 lbs. one foot in one second. If you ask Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor, he'd invariably tell you, "It needs more power." The CFM (cubic feet per minute) the compressor can produce is most important.
Typically though, the more horsepower, the more power the compressor will have and the higher CFM it can produce. This isn't a muscle car so don't shop by horsepower. Shop by CFM needs instead.
CFM is the most important factor in determining what air compressor works for you. Every air tool has a CFM requirement. The higher the CFM, the more air volume the tool uses.
Many garages will power multiple air tools off one air compressor. Regardless of how many tools you are running simultaneously, you will need to estimate how much CFM you will need to power at any given time.
Total the CFM of tools in use and make sure the compressor can handle the workload. Tools that require constant power, such as grinders or sanders, will require more CFM than tools which need sporadic power, such as nail guns.
The main difference in voltage and single vs. three-phase is where you will be using your compressor.
In a residential setting, you will be dealing with single phase.
Make sure you know what type of wiring you are dealing with before buying a compressor. With many different types available, you'll find one to fit your needs.
Three phase electricity is found mostly in industrial settings. Three phase power is considered more efficient and will result in less wear and tear on your motor. Voltage and phase vary by location so consult your local codes and electrician before purchasing.
The size of the tank on a two-stage air compressor is measured in gallons. They can range from 60 - 200 gallons. The size of tank you need is predicated on the how often the compressor is in use.
Start-stop air compressors run until the tank is full of compressed air. As you use air tools, the PSI from the tank is depleted. Once this reaches the low setting, the compressor turns back on and refills. If your compressor is starting and stopping too frequently you run the risk of overheating which can damage the pump.
Constant-run air compressors run 100% of the time but regulate the air output as needed.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 2-Stage Air Compressor. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Two-stage air compressors come in two styles: horizontal or vertical.
Your space requirements or limitations will determine which style to buy. If you don't have a wide area to run one in, get a vertical compressor.
Likewise, if you are storing the compressor up high and have height limitations, choose a horizontal model. There is no difference in performance and utility of horizontal vs. vertical compressors of equal power. They are the same machines, just built in different styles.
NEXT: Two-Stage Air Compressor Product Selector
Virtual Air Treatment - How to Get Clean, Treated Air
Looking for ways to treat your compressed air? Whether you're using your compressor for applying a smooth coat of paint to an automobile or using it for powering air tools, air treatment is an important part of doing the job right.Removing water and contaminants from your compressed air can prolong the life of your air tools and keep your paints clean and dry so they apply more smoothly. Browse our virtual air treatment guide for ideas on how you can improve the quality of your compressed air.
View Our Virtual Air Treatment GuideBy Melissa C.
Air Compressor Expert
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Most people searching for an air compressor know exactly what they need the air compressor to do but have no idea what specific industry standards the air compressor should meet in order to perform at the level they desire. When shopping for an air compressor, you need to ensure that your new machine can keep up with your business. Here are the 8 things you need to consider and ask your 3C sales representative about:
1. Electrical Requirements
An electrical schematic and electrical data sheet should be reviewed and power verified before any air compressor purchase. You need to have the proper breaker/disconnect rated for the amperage requirements for the electric motor (motors) running your compressor. You also need to verify the wiring that is running from your breaker/disconnect is rated for the electrical demand. If you are moving up in compressor size due to expansion, it isn't always as simple as removing your old machine and installing new.
2. Single Stage or Two Stage Reciprocating Air Compressors
The cylinders of a single-stage air compressor pump air directly into the tank, whereas in a two-stage air compressor, the air is pumped from one cylinder to the other before it enters the tank. The primary reason for purchasing a two-stage compressor is for high-pressure air because as the air travels from one cylinder to the next, the pressure nearly doubles. Pressure achieved through most single-stage compressors is normally 90-130 psi. When changing to 2 Stage, you typically need 150-250 psi. The most common 2 Stage machine we offer at 3C has a cut in pressure of 145 psi and cut out pressure of 175 psi, with units capable of up to 250 psi.
3. Compressed Air Storage
Tank sizes are measured by the gallon but the size of the tank has nothing to do with how much air your machine will produce. If your machine has the proper motor and pump, then you should never run out of air. Tank size is of importance depending on how your machine will be used. In peak demand times, it is important to have additional storage. Most air compressors are offered tank mounted up to 30-50hp. If additional storage (larger tank, or remote tank downstream at usage point) is needed please schedule a site visit with one of our representatives to discuss your needs and to size accordingly.
4. Air Pressure (PSI)
Air pressure is rated at pounds per square inch (PSI). Depending on your application, your PSI required can vary. Air Tools are most commonly rated for 90 psi. In a facility only using air tools, you can size your machine for 125 psi to account for pressure loss between your compressor and usage point. It also doesn't hurt to have a few extra atmospheres in storage. Just be careful on having too much PSI. The higher the pressure, the higher the electric bill.
5. Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)
This is the most common metric used to calculate the volume of air leaving the air compressor. Keep in mind that the CFM can change based on the PSI used for the job. If it is not stated on the machine, you can estimate getting about 3-4 CFM per HP out of your machine at 100 psi.
6. Duty Cycle
This is a measurement used to indicate how many minutes, out of a 10-minute period, your air compressor can run continuously. The duty cycle is usually expressed as a percentage. For example, a 50% duty cycle compressor can run for 5 out of 10 minutes continuously. Not abiding by the duty cycle recommended can have multiple effects on your investment. If you undersize your compressor, it will cause your machine to run too often, pass oil, over heat, etc. If you oversize your compressor, it will cause your machine to not run hot enough, condensation can form in your oil, etc. It is important to know and understand the duty cycle because this also has a direct impact on how much you can get done on a day-to-day basis with your air compressor. A 75% duty cycle is the average for an industrial compressor, but some may run at 100%, meaning it is okay to use continuously.
7. Desiccant Dryers and Refrigerated Dryers
Moisture problems should be avoided at all costs! They deteriorate your equipment and cause the need for expensive repairs. There are ways to eliminate moisture from your discharge air depending on the dewpoint that you need to achieve. Make sure that you have the proper inline filtration paired with your dryer to ensure top performance. Refrigerated Dryers use a cooling process to drop your air temperature causing the moisture in the air to form and be eliminated. The air temperature is then brought back up upon leaving the dryer. The average dew point achieved with a Refrigerated Dryer is 37-39 degrees F. If you need to achieve a lower dew point, then you need a Desiccant Dryer. Most desiccant dryers use activated alumina in a chemical process that absorbs moisture from the air and achieves a -40 degree dew point. The moisture absorbed is then purged from the dryer. You can find all the dryers we have available here. Talk to your 3C representative to find out which would pair best with your machine.
8. Service After the Sale
Make sure that you purchase a unit that has the local support team in place after the sale to take care of your maintenance and repair needs. All air compressors will need routine maintenance and at some point corrective maintenance. During these periods you will have downtime. Make sure you choose a compressor that has local support and access to the parts needed to keep downtime to an absolute minimum.
Our experts at 3C are happy to walk you through all your air compressor options. We pride ourselves on personalizing every piece of equipment we sell to ensure you are getting the highest quality machines best suited for your business applications. Our goal is to always provide you with the greatest lifetime value and lowest lifetime cost. Once you purchase your air compressor with us, we become an extension of your business and are available to you 24/7 for repairs, maintenance, and emergency air compressor rentals. You can even finance your equipment with us! Contact us to discuss your business needs and for a free quote!
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