How to choose an air compressor?

What is a compressor?

Principle of operation - the compressor compresses the air in the receiver, which results in high pressure, energy is transferred to the operation of pneumatic devices or equipment.

Compressors are used in: automotive industry, construction sector, painting works, excavators, grinding equipment, mechanized laundries and dry cleaners.

What are the types of compressors?

There are two types of compressors: screw, reciprocating.

Screw compressors: Screw compressors are of three types: low pressure oil-free, belted and direct drive. This type of compressor compresses the air with the help of a propeller. Advantages of screw compressors: long service life, quiet operation, can work around the clock and longer without stopping and use less electricity to create the same high pressure. It is for these reasons that screw compressors are becoming more and more prevalent in manufacturing plants, as the productivity and efficiency of these units is much higher than that of reciprocating air compressors. However, screw compressors are more expensive than reciprocating compressors, which is why few people choose them in the household, in contrast to reciprocating air compressors.

This type of compressor compresses the air with the help of a propeller. In a screw compressor, air is compressed while two propellers are operating. When we hear a specific noise, the air is compressed with the help of screws. When the screw compressor presses the full tank with high pressure air, it shuts down and becomes silent.

Reciprocating compressors: Reciprocating compressors are generally used part-time and with low compressed air volumes of up to 1000 l / min. One of the most valuable advantages of these compressors is that they are inexpensive, affordable and affordable, so you can easily move compressors from one place to another.

Maintenance of reciprocating compressors: Maintain the required oil level at all times, change the suction filter regularly, and drain the condensate that has accumulated in the receiver after use.

The types of reciprocating compressors are divided into:

• Oil-free air compressors

• Direct drive air compressor

• Belt driven compressor

Compressor performance

Performance is one of the most important components of a compressor, this indicator is measured by how much air the compressor can release to the outside in one minute, the amount is measured in liters. Different work areas require different quantities, so when choosing a compressor, carefully calculate the need for liters in your workplace. For example, an impact nut requires an air consumption of 150 l / min, which means that you need an air consumption of 200/250 l / min, the reserves are needed to avoid overloading the compressor. When choosing a compressor, consider the tool or unit that consumes the most air consumption, add performance margins, and if you have tools that require extremely low air volume, choose a compressor with a limiter, so it will be extremely versatile. Also keep in mind that some compressors are for continuous use, some for intermittent use, decide how often you will use the air compressor, as purchasing a low-performance compressor can cause it to malfunction without stopping pumping air, but the required pressure will also will not reach, such work will accelerate the wear of the compressor.

Receiver capacity

A receiver is a capacity into which compressed air enters, otherwise known as a collector capacity or pressure vessel, air tanks. One of the most important aspects you need to pay attention to is certificates, safe and quality receivers must be certified, have permits and documents. Pay attention to the need, the receivers are divided into horizontal and vertical, so responsibly evaluate in terms of practicality what kind of receiver you need. No less important is the capacity of the collector, find out your need for what kind of capacity you need now and do not forget to calculate in the future what the need will be so that you will not feel a shortage in the past for a short time. You will also encounter problems when the small capacity receiver is unable to service your desired unit, the compressor will shut down because it will be overloaded. Another aspect is the pressure, pay attention to your equipment to be used with the compressor, different tools-equipment require different air pressure, air compressors have limiters, but the limiters do not add pressure, so if you buy too low a pressure receiver it will not be used with higher pressure devices.

Air pressure

As with receivers, air pressure is very important with complete air compressors. Experts advise that it is better to have more than less, because if the air pressure for the tool is too high, then the air pressure is reduced with the help of a limiter, but if your device requires a higher air flow, you will not raise it anymore, higher air pressure. Therefore, from a practical point of view, it is suggested to immediately buy a compressor that has more powerful functionalities. It is recommended for the service to have an operating pressure of 10 bar, but if the service specializes in fitting tires, 8 bar is enough for this service. For example, when choosing a tire fitting machine, an operating pressure of 8-10 bar is required. Specialists advise to choose a two-stage compressor because its pressure and capacity will be higher.

Noise level

Pay attention to the noise level, different compressors have very different noise levels. It is important to responsibly evaluate the rooms where you will use the compressor, as well as the work rooms have different levels of acoustics, which can affect both the quality of your work and your health. Compressor noise is measured in decibels (dB), if possible be sure to test the compressor at the place where you want to purchase the compressor, to reduce the chance of buying a device that will be inconvenient for you to use.

Mobility

In order to choose a convenient and functional work tool, it is important to understand how often and under what conditions it will be used. For example, if you use a compressor in a garage and do not have the option to install hoses that will reach the desired locations, choose a mobile compressor. Mobile compressors usually have two or more wheels, so if you need to drag the compressor to different places, you will definitely find a mobile compressor useful, saving you time and energy as well.

Overall dimensions

When arranging the place where you will use the compressor, responsibly distribute the plan of all the appliances and evaluate the size of the appliances you can afford to build according to the total area of ​​use. Too big a compressor can become a real burden and clutter in your workshop. If you buy a compressor that is too large, you may not be able to use all the features it provides, which could be a loss for you, as there is an additional charge for the options. But don’t forget to evaluate the future perspective and need, if you plan to increase the volume of work and think that the need for compressor functionality will be higher, buy with a future perspective, thus saving money.

Material (Zinc, iron)

Blue air compressors are made of plain steel, which when exposed to moisture can corrode and release air with water, which can interfere with or damage your work process or product. Also, to extend the life of the steel compressor, an air dehumidifier can be fitted to it, which will not allow air with water to enter the compressor system. Silver-colored compressors are galvanized, both externally and internally, these compressors are durable because zinc does not allow rust to occur, but if the process requires air without water and the galvanized compressor requires an air dehumidifier to dry air out of the compressor.

Electric power

Compressors of different capacity, capacity and structure have different electrical power, so it is necessary to take into account whether your electrical input will have enough electrical power and you will be able to work smoothly with various workplace devices - tools.