Rotary screw compressors are just one of a variety of air compressors. They employ a rotary type positive expulsion system, which conveys pressurized air to power drills, pumps and other types of machinery. Rotary screw compressors, also known as positive displacement compressors, deliver a determinate amount of highly pressurized air.

Rotary screw compressors contain the following components, all enclosed in a sealed case: the compressor unit, systems that maintain proper lubrication, proper temperature control, proper capacity control and the system that cleans the discharged air. Inside of the compressor unit itself there are two interlocking corkscrew-shaped augers or rotors. Each auger or screw has a wide end and a narrow end. The wide end of the screw is the inlet that allows free air to flow into the screw housing upon demand, helped along by the partial vacuum caused by the screws rotating inside the housing.

The air and oil combination flows downward from the wide ends to the narrow ends of the screw. This increases the vacuum, pulling more air into the housing. As the mixture is pulled downward through the grooves of the auger, the space where the air was narrows. At the narrow end of the screw, a valve tunnels the condensed air and oil into a separator, removing as much oil as possible from the condensed air. It is then released into the compressor receiver.

Rotary screw compressors are available in oil cooled and oil free. When comparing the oil cooled model to the oil free model, the procedure for compressing the air is basically the same, although the medium in which the procedure is carried out is different. One is performed in an oil filled chamber which provides coolant and sealant properties. The byproducts of the oil filled units are gas and oil instead of air and oil, which are the byproducts of the oil free systems. Oil free rotary screw compressors work the same except that in the absence of the oil the process does create higher temperatures and it is less energy efficient.

When choosing a rotary screw air compressor there are some important things to remember and take into consideration. What type of project are you working on? Does your compressor need to be transportable? Do you want oil cooled or oil free? Many consumers report that rotary screw compressors are easy to maintain and have a long life. They are known for their above average production abilities in a small package.

Using compressed air as an efficient kinetic energy resource requires a simple machine and holding tank. All compressors will have the same basic parts: receiving tank, pressure gauge and compression machinery. The identifying difference between two-stage and single-stage compressors is the number of compression cylinders incorporated.

Single-stage air compressors follow a few simple principles. When the compressor’s piston is actuated it literally squeezes the air contained inside its cylinder until the PSI is strong enough to release a one-way valve connection between the cylinder and the receiving tank. As the piston cycles, the receiving tank is filled with compressed air. A pressure switch is located on the receiving tank to regulate the tank's maximum PSI with a mechanical relief valve attached for safety purposes. When the set maximum air pressure is achieved in the tank, a switch connected to the pressure switch will signal the motor to turn off. The pressure inside the receiving tank is continually monitored by the pressure gauge. When the PSI in the receiving tank drops below a preset level, the pressure switch will activate the motor to add more compressed air to restore the overall pressure of the receiver.

A two-stage air compressor follows the exact same principles as the single-stage but there are two actuating pistons. The first stage will produce compressed air at a lower pressure than is ultimately desired for the end use. As the pressure in the first receiving stage builds it supplies air to the second stage's cylinder. The air is again compacted before being released into the output receiving tank. The advantage of a two-stage compressor is that it distributes the work load between two components to achieve a higher level of compressed air without having to overwork a single piston. The higher PSI offerings of two-stage compressors make them the better choice for industrial use and high torque pneumatic tools.

A single-stage compressor is a highly efficient machine. Choosing an oil-less type will ensure long use with little maintenance required. The disadvantage to a single stage compressor is that its output is limited to providing air below 125 PSI.

Two-stage compressors require slightly more maintenance because they have more parts. The advantage is that greater PSI offerings can be efficiently maintained without over-exerting the machine. Two-stage compressors also generate less heat than single-stage compressors do, which means that parts may not wear out as quickly and your compressor will likely have a longer life.

Industrial air compressors are a great choice for those that need compressed air in many separate areas of their business at once. While portable air compressors are useful for small jobs, a well placed, well connected industrial air compressor can offer significant increases in productivity. This is due to their increased pressure allotted over portable models and the ease with which a worker can obtain compressed air from the network of pipes that are connected to the stationary unit.

When deciding to install a stationary industrial air compressor, it is important to note a variety of factors that could impede performance or degrade the components of your unit. Appropriate placing is important for a variety of these factors. A well placed unit should first have access to enough actual cubic units of incoming air flow. This amount varies from unit to unit, but a standard 1000 cubic feet of air flow per 5 hp of the compressor's motor rating is necessary. When placing the unit it is also a good idea to make sure the motor and functional parts are placed to allow for easy maintenance access.

Temperature is also important to be aware of as temperatures below 32 or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit are conditions where the compressor could be under undue amounts of stress, leading to early malfunction. Dust and humidity present in the air can also be an issue, as any humidity in the air is transferred through the air compressor being used by the workers, potentially causing problems. Dust can be another factor in the early degradation of compressor parts.

Lastly you should consider noise when placing your unit. A poorly placed air compressor can severely impede work performance for those that are subject to it's noise. Reviewing local statutes on noise limitations and discussing placement with an experienced compressed air vendor is a good idea before placement.

Effective placing will prevent the compressor from shaking too much and will prevent any unnecessary maintenance in the future. Finally, consider the use of floor dampeners along the anchoring areas of the unit to further reduce noise, vibration, and any possible damage to the floor or your industrial compressor unit. Units that do not use floor dampeners can create unnecessary stress on the unit due to vibrations. By using these floor dampeners, not only will the compressor be relieved of stress, but the sounds of the industrial air compressor will be muffled to a peaceful hum.

If your business requires an industrial air compressor, then you have two options: you can buy a new air compressor, or you can buy a used one. While it may be very tempting to buy a new air compressor, there are many advantages to buying on that has been used.

One of the biggest advantages of buying a used air compressor is that it can save your company thousands of dollars. A well-maintained used air compressor will make your work much easier and reduce the amount of time needed for a task. Because of that, your company will have more time to focus on other tasks, allowing you to finish them more quickly, and therefore completing jobs faster than before. The return you make because of your used air compressor can quickly make up for the investment you spent on it, much more quickly than that of a new air compressor.

Additionally, a used air compressor will frequently still be under warranty from when it was first purchased. As long as the warranty is still good, fixing broken compressors should not be a problem. Many used air compressors are sold by business owners that had cared for it originally, owners who knew how to take care of their equipment. This means that many used air compressors are in great condition, and can easily compare to new air compressors.

When you are looking for a used air compressor, certain things should be taken into consideration. You should always make sure the air compressor has clean, working parts. Check inside the compressor for sludge build up, missing parts (like pistons, hoses, and rings), and to see how well it has been taken care of. If there are a lot of scratches and dents on the body of the compressor, its parts may be damaged as well. If the compressor you are thinking about buying needs repair, figure out how much money will be needed to repair it. It could be worth the investment to buy an air compressor that needs a little fix, because it may still be cheaper than buying a new air compressor. If the seller is asking too much money for it, try negotiating. Many people who sell used industrial air compressors have no idea how these machines are valued, and may be unaware how much repairs may cost. Negotiating is a great way to get a more appropriate price.

Buying a used air compressor can be a better decision than buying one brand new; however, it is important to be careful and know what you are buying. Do your research before making the purchase, and you will be sure to make the right decision.

Moisture can run through an air compressed air system’s hoses and into the unit, which can cause damage that can be quite costly, especially from repairs. Fortunately, refrigerated air dryers are units that remove moisture from compressed air systems. In order to maintain a compressed air system, installation of an appropriately sized refrigerated air dryer is necessary.

A common entry point for moisture is the air compressor’s inlet air filter. Standard air compressors can convert seven cubic feet of air to 100 psig per single cubic foot, making any water vapor in the air also compressed to that size.
Water that winds up contained in compressed air comes in different forms, including liquid, mist and vapor or gas. A general purpose filter can be used with a compressed air system in order to remove the liquid water within the system, with the remaining water that is either a mist or vapor being removed by the refrigerated air dryer.

Refrigerated air dryers also prevent equipment contamination located downstream from the air compressor. Water contamination can cause moving parts to fail, with the holding capacity of moisture in the air reduced by fifty percent when the air temperature drops at fifty degree levels. This can lead to costly repairs.

The refrigerated air dryer’s process begins with the use of an air-to-air heat exchanger, which first cools the compressed air. The heat exchanger condenses small amounts of moisture by pre-cooling incoming air and sending it to an air-to-refrigerant exchanger, which is cooled even further by use of a liquid refrigerant. Remaining moisture is condensed into a liquid that is drained out of the system. Air is finally heated inside the heat exchanger to prevent the hose’s pipe from sweating.

When searching for the right refrigerated air dryer, keep in mind of the pressure dew point. The pressure dew point is a temperature required in order for water vapor or mist to condense into liquid. The type of pressure dew point class most often used is a Class 4. In order to determine the pressure dew point class and temperature requirements, have a test of equipment performed.

Compressed air is a great tool to use in the workplace. It delivers energy and power to tools such as nail guns, pneumatic drills, and even jackhammers. When dealing with a large worksite, you are going to need to deal with a large compressed air unit, or an industrial air compressor. These large sized compressors are equipped to handle any job put in front of them, so long as they are outfitted with the proper equipment. This is where an industrial air receiver comes into play. These large tanks fill with air inside the unit and are often used to decrease wear and tear on a compression module.

Control storage is an important function of a compressed air system. The main purpose of control storage is to optimize the effective operation of the compressor control. Essentially control storage is any storage generated between the onset of air compressor discharge and before any cleanup equipment. While control storage overlaps in its purpose with demand (dry) storage it differs in the location of the storage and its usefulness. Often, compressed air design systems manage to combine the key functions of both control and demand storage enhancing its effectiveness.

Reducing the pulsations from the compressor discharge is the fundamental reason why a control storage with reciprocating air compressors is used. Removing condensates through condensation and settling and removing short cycling of the compressor controls is another fundamental reason they are used.
There are two different locations of air receivers, wet ones and dry ones. Wet receivers are great for additional storage and reducing moisture. Removing moisture in the system downgrades the load on filters and dryers. Wet receivers refer to a storage tank placed right after the compressor. Usually this type is used to help with reducing pulsation and pressure stabilization. On the other hand, dry receivers are good for when large air demands pop up unexpectedly. As for sizing, the size of an air receiver depends on air usage, as well as compressor style.

Installing air receivers can be a tough task, but with careful attention you can have yours working correctly. Wet receivers have to be installed opposite or downstream of the moisture separator. Dry receivers are often installed after purification equipment. Remember that every air receiver should be on a sturdy foundation to keep it safe, also allowing for space and preventing it from rusting. After installation, keep in mind that moisture should be drained often. Compressed air receivers allow the addition of receiver accessories and safety relief valves are required. Every receiver has a drain in order to eliminate any added up moisture, either manual or automatic.

Every maintenance department has a designed preventive maintenance schedule for their industrial air compressors. This PM program must be followed to allow the air compressor to run at optimal performance. The maintenance schedule must be broken down into hours of use for the air compressor, while considering ambient conditions. An air compressor used in an industrial environment will have daily, weekly and monthly maintenance that must be performed and recorded to ensure the unit is operating properly and efficiently.

The maintenance manager or foreman will design a checklist for the industrial air compressor that will be filled out by maintenance staff and filed each day. The checklist will include the inspection of the lubricant levels. The industrial air compressor has low- and high-level marks on a gauge. The daily inspection will also include draining the moisture traps, drop legs and receiver tank to release the water that has built up during use. Inspect the safety guards, valves, hoses and connections for leaks to ensure they are visually acceptable for use. Check the gauges on the pressure lubricating units. Every unit has an oil pressure requirement specific to the model and manufacturer. Operating temperature should also be checked regularly.

A weekly maintenance schedule must be included on the maintenance checklist. This requires the maintenance staff to inspect and clean certain parts of the industrial air compressor. The pressure relief valves must be inspected for proper operation. Check for any air leaks and the air distribution system for any leaks. The compressor and coolers must be cleaned by wiping these components down and blowing out any dust or debris build up. Check the lubricant and change if necessary. The air intake filters must be replaced weekly.

Every month the belt tension and/or coupling on industrial air compressors must be inspected. If the belts are loose, they must be tightened. If the belts are worn or cracked, they must be replaced. Inspect the electrical components, such as the contactor tips and brushes on the motors. Worn, burnt or melted contacts or brushes must be replaced.

These maintenance tips will allow your air compressor to last for years.

When choosing an air compressor, make sure to pick one that is powerful enough to meet your needs or those of your business. Take into consideration an air compressor’s airflow and pressure when comparing compressors. There are three main types of air compressors: rotary screw, reciprocating and centrifugal, or dynamic, compressors. Screw and reciprocating compressors are positive displacement machines. Reciprocating compressors use a piston within a cylinder to increase the pressure of the air by reducing volume, while screw compressors use intermeshing screws that force air into a smaller and smaller space.

Unlike rotary and reciprocating air compressors, a centrifugal air compressor is a dynamic system. A dynamic compressor increases air pressure using impellers – rotating disks - as well as a diffuser to convert velocity energy to pressure energy. It has the distinct advantage of being an oil-free air compressing system.

Progressive stages are used to increase the pressurization of the air to the desired level, driven by an electric motor or a steam or gas turbine. Because centrifugal compressors compress air in stages, the air being compressed stays cooler and the air compressor is more efficient, both mechanically and in terms of the energy being used.

Centrifugal air compressors usually operate at a high minimum speed. They are also capable of running continuously for long periods of time. They are often found in manufacturing plants, automobiles, and in gas, oil and refining industries. These compressors can also handle large flow rates, and these kinds of compressor can be some of the most efficient and consistent air compressors available. Centrifugal air compressors are often very compact as well.

Centrifugal air compressor systems are a great fit for industrial settings, as they produce a constant flow of high-pressured air to meet high demands. The rotating impeller system means that centrifugal air compressors are able to provide continuous air flow. Other benefits are that centrifugal compressors provide oil-free compressed air, and because of their few wearing parts tend to be very low maintenance as well. Centrifugal air compressor systems are also usually very compact.

Among the many benefits of a centrifugal air compressor are its simple design, its ability to produce oil-free air for sensitive applications such as the food and beverage industry, and its ability to produce high volumes of air. Although centrifugal compressors often have a high initial cost, this is usually compensated for by their long and relatively low-maintenance life.

Industrial air compressors are heavy duty machines that are used by a variety of industries to supply power to run tools and machinery. They feature an airend that compresses air, and this can be used to supply the energy that is needed to move machinery such as construction or fabrication equipment. Buyers need to be aware of several issues that are associated with these machines, and this ensures that they will purchase the proper machines for their needs.

Businesses often choose to power machinery and tools with compressed air. This offers a number of benefits from other choices, and industrial compressors can supply equipment and machinery with a steady supply of air power.

Consumers should be sure they purchase the right product for their needs, and there are several things to keep in mind before making a purchase. The primary component that is used to buy an industrial air compressor is the amount of air that is needed to run machinery or other tools. Compressors are variable in the amount of air that they can supply, and buyers need to research the needs of their machinery before they make a purchase.

There are also several different products on the market, and they are known for their differences in the way they compress air. Industrial rotary screw compressors are one of the most common types, and they feature energy efficiency, low maintenance and low noise. Rotary lobe blowers are another option, and these machines are best for air knives, waste water treatment and pneumatic conveying. Portable compressors are the machine of choice for those in the construction industry. Most of these are affixed to a trailer and are designed to be towed behind a vehicle.

There are a few maintenance tasks that are essential for ensuring an industrial air compressor lasts for as long as possible. The tanks that are used to hold air should be drained on a regular basis. There is a lot of water that can accumulate in these tanks, and draining will ensure the tank lasts. Another issue has to do with filters, and these should be changed on a regular basis. This prevents dirt and other debris from ruining the parts that are used by the machine to compress the air.

Have you ever been interested in finding out what a compressed air receiver is and does? Air receivers are tanks filled with air that are suggested to be in all compressed air systems. These air receivers serve many purposes. They are often used to decrease wear and tear on a compression module, get rid of pulsations from a discharge line, separate moisture, give extra storage for compensating surges in compressed air usage, and to reduce energy costs. They are used by thousands of facilities and can be found in different forms, ranging in color, size, specialty, and more.

Control storage is an important function of a compressed air system. The main purpose of control storage is to optimize the effective operation of the compressor control. Essentially control storage is any storage generated between the onset of air compressor discharge and before any cleanup equipment. While control storage overlaps in its purpose with demand (dry) storage it differs in the location of the storage and its usefulness. Often, compressed air design systems manage to combine the key functions of both control and demand storage enhancing its effectiveness.

The fundamental reasons why control storage with reciprocating air compressors are used together in air systems are to reduce the pulsations from the compressor discharge, removing condensate through condensation and settling and removing short cycling of the compressor controls.

There are two different locations of air receivers, wet ones and dry ones. Wet receivers are great for additional storage and reducing moisture. Removing moisture in the system downgrades the load on filters and dryers. Wet receivers refer to a storage tank placed right after the compressor. Usually this type is used to help with reducing pulsation and pressure stabilization. On the other hand, dry receivers are good for when large air demands pop up unexpectedly. As for sizing, the size of an air receiver depends on air usage, as well as compressor style.

Installing air receivers can be a tough task, but with careful attention you can have yours working correctly. Wet receivers have to be installed opposite or downstream of the moisture separator. Dry receivers are often installed after purification equipment. Remember that every air receiver should be on a sturdy foundation to keep it safe, also allowing for space and preventing it from rusting. After installation, keep in mind that moisture should be drained often. Compressed air receivers allow the addition of receiver accessories and safety relief valves are required. Every receiver has a drain in order to eliminate any added up moisture, either manual or automatic.

The reliability of an air compressor system can benefit immensely from control storage provided it is properly assessed. Before purchasing an air receiver, make sure you check out the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for a specialized code regarding pressure vessels and compressed air receivers in general.

A business owner searches for a building to house his business cheaply, then begins production. As problems arise with the pipes, air ducts and air supply systems, a large portion of his revenue is eaten away in repairs. His bottom line gets consumed faster by defective or old systems because they take more power to run. The business owner in this situation would benefit tremendously from an Air Demand Analysis for an overall view of his present numbers and how to best approach repairing or upgrading his property's current system.

An Air Demand Analysis gives business owners access to substantial savings in energy consumption, air quality, and maintenance of existing systems. Industries such as food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, research, health care to name a few would benefit from an analysis of the air in which they operate. Air pressure, emissions and air quality all have consequences, especially if left unchecked. This is especially important to the small business owner or those in professions dealing with delicate products.

The analysis is carried out by experts who place sensors in strategic spots to obtain an accurate reading of air flow, energy consumption and air pressure in existing pipes and ducts. When the reading is complete, a detailed report is produced that details the readings and provides an appraisal of changes the business owner needs to make, complete with projections of savings. Energy and money saving equipment designed by engineers will be installed by professionals, who will then provide contact information in case of questions about the repaired or upgraded system.

The initial consultation and analysis is generally free of charge, though some companies may charge a nominal fee. Many companies that offer an Air Demand Analysis, repairs to the system, and installation of new equipment exist and can be found online. A little research into the matter will give the business owner a better idea what his needs are, what equipment he will need to supply those needs and the cost of the supply. The companies will supply the business owner with fax and phone numbers, email addresses and live chat boxes with which to contact them for support. Manuals and warranties can be found on these sites, giving the business owner a better understanding of the services offered and how they will be carried out. Air Demand Analysis is a necessary item for many businesses concerned with improving air quality, energy consumption, and maintenance.

There are few tools found in the workshop that prove as useful and versatile as the air compressor. These machines can be utilized in a variety of applications including impact wrenches, airbrush painting, nail guns, and many more. However, the decision of which air compressor to choose can sometimes be a difficult one.

When choosing an air compressor, it is important to determine the crucial specifications and needs. One must decide the maximum pressure needed, duration of operation, and expected life of the compressor. This article will focus on how these specifications factor in to choosing between a one-stage or a two-stage compressor.

Applications which require 125 psi or below can typically be handled by a single stage compressor. This type of compressor works by pulling air into a chamber and then compresses it by reducing the volume of the chamber. For applications requiring greater than 125 psi, a two-stage compressor is necessary. The two-stage works the same as the single-stage; however, in the second stage the air is cool before compressing it a second time.

Duration of operation is also essential when it comes to choosing between single stage and two-stage compressors. Two-stage compressors allow for more air to be stored in the same amount of space, as the air is more compressed. This is ideal for applications in which the demand for air is high over a lengthy period of time. The continuous operation of tools usually will require a two-stage compressor for ideal operating conditions. Single stage compressors are best used in situations where the duration of operation is short. Such examples are inflation of tires or periodic use of an impact wrench.

The final decision point in choosing a one or two-stage compressor is amount of use over the life of the compressor. Single stage compressors tend to be much less efficient than two-stage and as a result are cheaper initially. However, if the application requires a lot of use, single stage compressors can be costly for the electric bill. It will also eliminate any savings that were seen at the time of purchase when compared to a two-stage.

It is important to consider these factors when choosing a compressor, as the price point can vary drastically across the board. One can easily find themselves in a scenario in which they have overpaid if they have not performed the proper due diligence to identify the key needs.