There are quite a few different kinds of air compressors. Naturally, certain types are better suited for certain workplaces, and choosing the wrong kind could hinder your productivity.
Mandiwi Product Page
Consider the following things before you purchase anything:
1. What Compressor size do I need?
The very first step of choosing a air compressor is to understand what size compressor you need. The correct size of a compressor depends on the task means to perform. Pick one is too small and it won't get it job done. Choose one it is too large, and it will waste energy and could lead mechanical problems. Correctly sizing your compressor requires real data about your needs, not guesswork. Whether you're upgrading your current compressor or designing a new system, ask a compressed air sales professional to conduct an air system audit to measure your actual demand.
If you're planning for future capacity, keep in mind that a compressor should be sized to address actual demand. Instead of anticipating potential future demand by oversizing today, add a compressor when the time comes to provide flexibility and redundancy as your operation expands. Also keep in mind that process improvements often reduce air demand; you may be able to expand your operation without expanding air production.
2. What type of compressor do I need?
The next thing to do is to decide on the type of compressor you need for your application.
There are two main types of compressors, piston compressor and rotary screw compressor. Piston compressor which are sometimes also called reciprocating air compressors, are the most economical and least expensive air compressors available. Rotary screw compressors are often the ideal choice for operations that require a constant compressed air supply.
3. Does air quality matter? Oil-Free Or Oil-Lubricated?
Generally, there are two basic categories of air compressors; oil-free or oil-lubricated. Oil-free air compressors don't use oil and can help you ensure that your air quality is great. These are ideal for facilities where air quality is extremely important. On the other hand, oil-lubricated air compressors use oil to lubricate their parts. These machines are incredibly energy-efficient. Take some time to reflect on which type you prefer more.
To not overcomplicate the answer, your choice should be based on the application and process that the compressed air will be utilized in.
4. Understand the pressure and flow?
Compressed air flow is typically measured in cubic meter per minute (M3/min). Compressed air pressure is typically measured in pounds per square inch (Kpa) or barg. Think of flow as the ability to perform a process within an acceptable time frame, and pressure as the ability to support multiple processes at once.
5. What's The Duty Cycle?
An air compressor's duty cycle refers to how often the machine will run. Different models will have different cycles, which could affect your facility's work.
6. How Much Space Will It Take?
Smartly using your available space is crucial if you want to stay organised and productive. Think about how much space you have allotted for commercial air compressors and try to find an air compressor that will be suitable for your worksite.
7. How Will It Be Installed?
Think about how your air compressor will be installed once you've purchased it. Will you install and set it up yourself, or will you hire someone else to do it? You should also consider how your product will be delivered and, if you are replacing an old one, how you will remove your old air compressor.
Are you interested in learning more about air compressor manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
8. How Will It Be Maintained?
Always figure out the best way to maintain your new air compressor before you order it. Factor in the long-term maintenance cost if you are working on a tight budget. Good air compressors work well and aren't a pain to maintain, so knowing how to take care of your air compressor before you have it is a good idea.
After you purchase and receive your air compressor, remember to maintain and check it routinely. Well-maintained air compressors are less likely to break down than neglected ones and will last longer.
9. Initial vs. Overall Cost
When considering an air compressor, a primary concern should be: 'How can I get the most amount of compressed air for the lowest overall cost?' Many consumers may consider only a small fraction of the life-cycle cost ' primarily the initial cost of the machine, not realizing they will likely spend more in electricity the first year to run the machine than the purchasing price. That's why, when comparing compressors, it's important you examine all aspects of the costs associated!
10. Not Sure Where To Begin?
Start by analyzing your air system's life-cycle costs! You can analyze your usage and potential cost savings by conducting a no-contact compressed air energy assessment. Best of all - it causes no harm or downtime to check.
Finally, it's absolutely essential that you only buy your new air compressor from a reliable seller. Purchasing important products from companies who don't care about quality can land you in hot water.
Good sellers will always value the quality of their products and the satisfaction of their clients. So, it's vital that you always make sure you are buying from reputable and experienced companies.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more china air compressorinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.