When it comes to powering large equipment in construction or industrial settings, one of the best sources of power is compressed air. A large, industrial sized air compressor unit takes in large amounts of air in a tank, compresses air down to a high pressure, and expels that air via a pneumatic hose that goes into powering different tools.

Because of the often expensive nature of buying an industrial air compressor, doing research and picking out a model and its companion pieces that work for you is essential. One of the first factors you want to take into account is the amount of pressure being produced by the unit, which is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch. Every tool that you attach to the industrial air compressor will use a different PSI, so making sure that your unit can produce the required PSI for all of your equipment is vital.

Another important measurement that you need to consider is CFM, or cubic feet per minute. This measures the amount of air moving through the compressor unit itself. If you plan on running multiple tools at the same time from the same air compressor, you are going to need a higher CFM in order to keep the PSI going to each tool at its optimal level.

Aside from keeping all your measurements up to par, you are also going to need to take maintenance of the machine into account. One of the biggest problems with an industrial air compressor is condensates that form inside the system, so a dryer will be required to get rid of these condensates. Adding a dryer to your air compressor unit is another key aspect to consider when purchasing the entire unit.

Another aspect of maintenance that you need to consider when choosing the right industrial air compressor is the type of filter you are going to be using in the unit. Air filters are used to remove airborne micro particles from the system such as dirt, oils, water vapor, and other contaminants.

The final piece to the air compressor puzzle is how you want it to be run, either by gas or by electricity. Choosing between the two is a matter of preference and budget, but be sure to only use a gas operated machine in a well-ventilated area.

When choosing an industrial air compressor, take all of these considerations in mind, as they will help you get a better understanding of what type of machine you are really trying to purchase. Check out an established, credible air compressor dealer is a great place to start, as they will have all the expertise and knowledge to get you just the right compressor for your needs.

The importance of compressed air is not often recognized. It is astonishing to learn that 10% of electricity is used to produce compressed air; this translates as 80 terawatt hours of consumption per year. Furthermore, because of its wide range of uses, compressed air is commonly referred to as the fourth utility, after electricity, water and natural gas.

Common applications of air compressors include filling gas cylinders for paintball guns, building divers' 'hookah' systems, and powering various kinds of tools, such as sanders and paint-sprayers. One of the most common kinds of compressors are reciprocating compressors that can range in size from 1 to 50 HP (horsepower). Reciprocating compressors pressurize air by reducing its volume, also called positive displacement. This is achieved through having the compressor suck in successive volumes of air through unidirectional valves and confining the air in a chamber.

When purchasing a reciprocating air compressor, there are a number of types available on the market, each offering its own unique benefits. There is the option of portable or stationary compressors. The benefits of the portable compressor are self-explanatory, and many compressors are built to be portable. The basic design of a reciprocal compressor generates unbalanced forces and so it's rare to find a portable compressor with a HP over 3 as these must be secured onto a solid foundation.

Models may be single-stage or two-stage. Single-stage compressors will compress air to its final pressure in a single piston stroke. Two-stage compressors will compress air in two stages. For higher pressures opt for two-stage models since single-stage compressors are generally capable of not more than 125 PSI (pounds per square inch).

Lubricating systems also vary, with the choice of pressure lubricated, splash lubricated and oil-less compressors readily available. Most compressors use splash lubrication, in which a dipper splashes oil through the internal parts of the pump. However, for certain applications, such as heavy duty cycles and high temperature conditions, pressure lubricated pumps offer the best solution. Oil-less compressors should be adopted in situations where clean air is an absolute necessity, such as when building a diver's hookah system or in pharmaceutical applications.

Lastly, consider the drive system, electric or gas powered? Electric compressors can be used indoors or outdoors, but gas powered compressors are great for builders or re-modelers who may move the compressor from site to site and don't always have access to an electricity supply. Electric and gas powered compressors have comparable performance.

Heavy duty industrial air compressors are devices that collect air from the surrounding atmosphere and turn it into stored energy. They do this by gathering, compacting, and condensing the air to a high pressure. Later, when the compressed air is released and expands back into the atmosphere, it creates a great deal of force.

There are many different applications for industrial air compressors. One of the most important of these uses is to provide a power-source for pneumatic power tools. These are tools like hydraulic hammers, wrenches, drills and saws. With these tools, many normally long or difficult tasks will become very simple and quick. Pneumatic tools are essential in a number of different fields, like assembly line production, agriculture, and automobile production. Because of their power needs, these industries require the reliable and convenient power source compressed air provides.

Compressed air in itself is an essential part of production for many industries as well. They rely on air to make and form some of their products. In plastics, for example, compressed air is used to fill and expand bottles and containers into their intended shape, and compressed air is indispensible for running pneumatic tools.

If a business needs an air compressor, there are many things that will need to be taken into consideration before making a purchase. First and foremost, it is important to consider what the air compressor will be used for, as well as the volume and pressure required from the compressor. This will make it easier to select the most appropriate kind of air compressor for the needs of the business. Additionally, an air compressor should only be purchased if there are spare parts readily available for it. This ensures that, if some part of the compressor breaks later one, it will be easy to repair it. If the business's needs and compressor options are researched beforehand, the proper compressor selection is easier. In this way business can find the right kind of air compressor, and will be able to do the jobs expected of it.

If a company finds that they need more power, a heavy duty air compressor could be a wise choice. It can provide mass quantities of readily available and cost-effective energy, and will help production move much more quickly. So long as a heavy duty compressor is well-kept and correctly used, it will be an excellent long-term investment for all types of businesses.

Pneumatics is a form of industrial technology that employs pressurized gas in order to do work. The jackhammer you hear being used to tear up the street outside your window is a pneumatic tool. So is the spray paint system used to apply the finish on your car and home appliances. Today, pneumatic systems power everything from dentist drills to sand blasters and they are a true modern marvel.

Pneumatic tools and machines rely upon air compressors to fill up a tank with compressed air -- in most cases, the very same air that we breathe. The problem with this is that common atmospheric gas (air) contains a lot of moisture in the form of water vapor. The more you compress the air, the more condensate you generate. Pneumatic equipment can be very sensitive to moisture contamination, and when water gets inside a compressed gas system it can wash contaminate lubricants put there to protect the compressor cylinders from wear. Some industrial grade pneumatic systems can collect as much as 18 gallons of liquids in the form of water vapor and contaminants in a day.

Removing unwanted water vapor from a closed pneumatic system requires an air dryer; something that can keep the humidity out of the machine so that it can't corrode the tools or spoil the work. To accomplish this, the industry employs compressed air dryers which are systems designed to take moisture and contaminates out of compressed air before it can harm the metal system.

There are three basic types of air dryers for air compressors. The most common type of these works by cooling down the air supply using refrigeration methods. When you reduce the temperature of air, water vapor in it condenses into liquid water where it can easily be drained away. Cooling hot compressed air is an extremely effective way to deal with the problem of water vapor in your lines, but the method can be energy intensive.

Another type of air compressor drying system works by passing compressed air through a pressure vessel containing an absorbent material such as silica gel which can trap water vapor and keep it out of the compressed air system. When this absorbent material is filled to capacity the vessel can be purged and reused. In some of these units two vessels are used so one can be purged of water while the other one collects it. These systems are known in the industry as desiccant dryers, and when you employ a dual vessel system, you can go a long time without any interruption.

The third variety of air compressor air drying technology uses a dehumidication membrane, which rids compressed air of water vapor as it is being produced. It uses a multiple-step process that begins by screening gases through a fine coalescing filter before sending it through some hollow fibers in the membrane bundle where the water vapor can finally be vented outside in the atmosphere. Membrane type air dryers are quiet, reliable and do not require any outside power source to operate. Many are designed for continuous 24 hour, 7 day a week operation where no maintenance is ever required outside the changing of cartridge or two every year.

A large, industrial size air compressor is a piece of machinery that can be invaluable to the workplace, as long as it is running properly, Regularly scheduled maintenance is the best way to ensure that it is, and even though it might seem like there is a lot to check, going over everything now will save you time and money down the road. Your compressor will need to have daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance scheduled in order to keep it running, which can be as simple as checking the gauges for proper readings or removing and replacing filters in your unit.

Checking valves and gauges to make sure they are working properly is a daily maintenance task.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. This is also where you want to manage all your condensates, not just cleaning out the drop tanks, but also making sure that there is not any noticeable wear and tear on the unit from condensate buildup.

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.

The biggest way to keep your industrial air compressor in top shape is through these preventative maintenance techniques. Daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance go a long way in keeping your air compressor running efficiently. Speak to an established, credible air compressor dealer for more tips and information regarding regular maintenance.