What Compressor do you need?
When deciding what Compressor do you need, there are a few things that need to be considered.
How does a compressor work?
Compressors take a gas, usually air, and to compress it they literally force it into a smaller space. Air compressors make use of electric motors, pistons,screws or sliding vane technologies to achieve this.
Once the air is compressed, it is stored in an air receiver (closed chamber), and then can be used either immediately or as required by the application. It is then channelled through pipes or tanks to power another tool far more efficiently than if the original source of energy was applied directly.
Compressed air can therefore be stored easily, where no other power is available and can also be used where other energy types cannot be used due to an explosion hazard or fire risk.
Compressed Air Applications
Air compressors are used to power devices or machines and pneumatic tools. Convenience, safety and practicality make the use of compressors ideal for powering a hot of machinery, from air tools to CNC machines, valves, dentistry equipment, diving devices, gas dusters or air brakes.
Types of Compressors
There are numerous types of compressor technology. Here is a quick guide to some of the most common ways or compressing air. Here at Air4u Group we are happy to visit your site and assess your needs and which type of compressor is best for your application.
Reciprocating (Piston) Compressor:
Pistons have a lower initial cost than the other types of compressors like screws. But, screws cost must less to operate over time. Energy efficiency - if both a piston compressor and a screw compressor were running the same number of hours, the screw compressor will be much more efficient and have lower operating costs that the piston over the lifetime of the compressor. Piston compressors are also typically very noisy.
Rotary Screw Compressor (available as oil-lubricated or oil-free):
There are three different types of screw compressors:
- Belt drive - motor is connected to the pump with a belt
- Gear drive - motor is connected to the pump through gears
- Variable speed drive - motor and compression pump are synchronised to produce precise amounts of compressed air.
What are the advantages of a rotary screw compressor? Rotary screw compressors differ from Piston compressors in the following ways:
- The flow capacity is much higher than that of a Piston compressor
- It can supply a continuous airflow, because of its lower internal temperature
- It produces less noise that a Piston compressor, because the moving parts are not in contact with each other
- Greater energy efficiency, leading to reduced running costs.
Vane Compressor
The advantages of a Vane Compressor are:
- Straightforward design and not so many moving parts
- Long life expectancy of as long as 100K hours
- Continuous air supply
- Easy on-site maintenance
- Small amount of oil needed for lubrication
They tend to be less efficient than modern Screw compressors. There is a limited range of capabilities in comparison to those offered by Rotary Screw Compressors.
In terms of turndown rates, speed range limitations and energy demand, the innovation embodied in advanced Rotary Screw Compressor technology provides a clear advantage in performance and compatibility in the era of a smart factory.
We will be uploading Blogs over the next couple of week with more information on "How do I know what size compressor I need", "Pressure" and "Flow/Capacity".
If, in the meantime, you would like to discuss your requirements or would like more information, please follow this link to send us an email: sales@air4ultd.co.uk