Understanding the Parts of an Air Compressor

Air CompressorKnowing more about an air compressor before purchasing one can benefit you greatly. The type of compressor you purchase also depends on where and how it will be put to work. Understanding the parts of a compressor and their functions can be beneficial before deciding on purchasing one. 


 Name of Part

Part’s Function

Motor

The motor drives the compressor and provides the main source of power for it so that it can compress the air.

Storage Tank

Stores the compressed air until it is ready to be used. The tanks come in different sizes according to the compressor you are using.

Drain

Discards excess water from the tank by preventing moisture

Intake Filter

Cleans out dirt for air to flow and compress cleanly

Exit Filter

Removes any contaminated air in the air that is being compressed

Control value

Control air pressure in the compressor

Switch

Turns the compressor’s motor on to a minimum air pressure and will turn the motor off at a desired pressure

Once you gain more knowledge about the parts of an air compressor and their functions, your shopping experience will be a lot easier and more successful.

For all your installation needs Air Center, Inc. can help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Preventative Maintenance for Industrial Air Compressor Systems

Air DryersAll businesses that utilize air compressors know that a well-maintained air compressor is an air compressor working at maximum efficiency. Proper maintenance can prevent problems and save energy and repair costs. Most air compressors have maintenance schedules and have procedures for handling each specific maintenance interval. Here are some general ideas to keep in mind and follow when it comes to maintaining an air compressor.

  • Scheduled maintenance allows for baseline measurements to be taken at regular intervals
  • Filters are often designed specifically for certain pressure ranges
  • Many units come with specific maintenance plans that must be directly followed as instructed
  • Be sure the power is ‘off’ before beginning a maintenance plan
  • Make sure all pressure in the unit is exhausted and that any source of power to the unit is locked out as well
  • Maintenance often involves a basic check of the compressor and accessories
  • Unusual vibrations or noises should be acknowledged during these checks
  • Drain excessive moisture from the tank drain valve


Failure to use preventive maintenance can lead to product contamination and lower production quality. A compressor whose pressure output is off by even 4 PSI can cost thousands of dollars in energy costs per year. A sound maintenance plan can be performed daily or weekly. Be sure to meticulously follow the compressor’s maintenance instructions to the letter.

For all your installation needs Air Center, Inc. can help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Choosing Between Single Stage and Two-Stage Air Compressors

DEVAIR Recriprocating Air CompressorIndustrial air compressors are utilized to power the largest machines through compressed air. From indoor industrial factory work to outdoor construction, industrial air compressors are one of the most necessary components of a worksite. There are two categories of air compressors; single stage and two-stage. Which type of air compressor you need depends on several factors.

  • The amount of pressure you wish to get out of your machine is the biggest difference. Applications that require 125 PSI or below can usually be handled by single stage air compressors. Those that require more than 125 PSI need two-stage air compressors.
  • CFM, or cubic feet per minute, is the amount of space the air compressor takes. Larger CFM equals more compressed air and pressure, allowing for multiple appliances to be connected to the compressor.
  • Single stage air compressors are better suited for smaller jobs or where the amount of connected tools will be low. For much larger places and tools, two-stage air compressors work best.

It is important to take these factors into consideration when it comes to purchasing an industrial sized air compressor. Determine which one works best for your business is crucial, so be sure to check out an established, reputable air compressor dealer for more information on single and two-stage air compressors.

For all your installation needs Air Center, Inc. can help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

What You Need to Know About the New Jersey SmartStart Building Program

New Jersey Clean Energy ProgramMany buildings, whether they are commercial, industrial, or residential in size, have the capability to reduce energy consumption. The New Jersey Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) is a new program that strives in doing just that. NJCEP’s goal is to increase the energy efficiency in structures of various sizes. In order to qualify for the program, the building must have a yearly electricity usage of more than one hundred kilowatts.

What are the benefits of the program?

Some great benefits of the New Jersey Clean Energy Program are:

  • Creating more jobs for those who are looking for work
  • Gives businesses the ability to expand while remaining environmentally sensible
  • Preserves important areas of the state for farmland and agriculture
  • Opens up new opportunities for housing and wide price ranges for people who are looking for a space

Do Air Compressors Bring Any aid to this program?

Having an air compressor can be very beneficial with this program. Not only do air compressors have extensive industrial use, but they can also be used in home shops and smaller structures. Having one motor on the compressor allows the energy to be transferred in a way that is more eco-friendly. The compressors also run very quietly and with few parts.

What is the Clean Energy Council?

When the NJCEP originated in 2003, the program came up with the Clean Energy Council. This council is comprised of three committees which are Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Marketing and Communications. The Council’s meetings are not restricted to the public but actually encourage them to come and voice their opinion on issues.

For all your installation needs Air Center, Inc. can help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Variable Speed Air Compressors

Variable Speed Air CompressorA variable speed air compressor is an energy efficient machine that works very similar to a rotary screw compressor. As opposed to other types of air compressors, variable air compressors can provide air while using less energy and can change compression speed to use the right amount of electricity. They are useful in environments that need different levels of air for different times. Here’s how they work.

  • They start by allowing air to enter the screw compressor intake, where it goes into a smaller space through two rotating screws meshing together
  • The cavity created by the meshing is flooded with oil
  • As the screws continue to turn, the oil cools and closes any gaps during compression
  • The air and oil admixture is discharged as it is moved down from one end of the screws to the other
  • The discharged mixture is sent to a separation chamber
  • The cooled air flows into a storage tank
  • The oil is reused and returned to the air compressor

While there is an increased lifespan and reduced power usage from variable air compressors, keep in mind that these compressors also tend to be more expensive as well. Have an air audit performed to determine whether a variable air compressor would be efficient for your facility.

For all your installation needs Air Center, Inc. can help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.