Air compressors play a unique yet very important role in the fabric of smooth and successful industrial operations. Air compressors are machines that escalate the volume of air which is stored within a particular space. While holding volumes of air, the pressure is relatively increased. This produces a force that is commonly utilized for a range of application. The applications are usually by industries in manufacturing, commercial and even personal use.

There are several types of air compressors present today in the market. Basically, air compressors intended for industrial use are categorized in two forms: dynamic or positive displacement. Each type is defined through their primary mode of application.

Now, used industrial air compressors aren't something that most prospecting buyers would think about. When you are about to purchase something such as this, you apparently assume that you'll be purchasing a brand new unit for your business since that is what you know is the only option. However, when you are searching for holes in which you can squeeze some savings, a used model may suffice.

There are tremendous amounts of benefits in purchasing an industrial air compressor that is pre-owned, regardless of what your needs or demands are for an air compressor. If you are considering on purchasing and investing on a used industrial air compressor, your priorities should be what the quality of the used unit will be like. It is only normal to imagine about whether or not you can really obtain a mint condition air compressor unit with a cheaper price tag. To do so, you should take the time and the effort in researching for the best leads and sources in which to purchase an air compressor.

If you are able to purchase and bet on the right places, it is indeed possible to get an air compressor with the same quality as a brand new one yet with a much cheaper price. Another gain you get from purchasing used industrial air compressors is that your range of options is broader. Also, the chance for getting better and more advanced models are increased since you have more money to shell out. There are tons of uses and applications that an air compressor can play as for your business and having a unit around your business will always be a benefit for you. Given some know-how and doing your homework correctly, you can obtain everything that you need. At the same time you can invest a portion of your funds into a used air compressor.

Designing a new compressed air system includes hiring a professional engineer to complete an Air Demand Analysis to customize the system according to your needs and usage in order to optimize performance and efficiency. The professional engineer will perform a series of tests and use that information to create a detailed analysis, which will help develop a compressed air system for you that has environmental, energy, and cost benefits.

Accurate and valuable data will be gathered throughout the process that will be used to optimize your system. Air consumption profiles will determine which system is best suited for your operation. Everything including the type of compressor and its layout is completely tailored and designed case-by-case. This step is highly recommended due to the amount of energy savings it guarantees, which translates into a significant amount of money saved over time.

Energy costs can be significantly reduced when an Air Demand Analysis accompanies a new system. This is significant because electricity is by far the highest cost of operating it. The goal of the process is to meet all your requirements while keeping the amount of pressure used to a minimum. This is achieved by matching you with the appropriate device and then customizing its features and layout.

The Air Demand Analysis consists of a few steps. First, air demand and other data is collected. Second, that data is used to appoint the best systems. Third, each system is tested vigorously to determine its power consumption and overall efficiency when faced with the variables of your working operation. Fourth, the best system is selected and then tailored to fit. It is even possible for you to view a detailed 3D image of your system before it is installed.

The professional engineer will be able to provide a realistic prediction of energy savings. You will have the opportunity to compare the extremes of having an Air Analysis and not having one to get a true picture of its necessity. The best systems are durable and have optimal performance. The professional will do everything to ensure you have the best system.

An Air Demand Analysis is a very important step when designing and selecting a compressed air system. A professional engineer or vendor will perform tests to determine the system that will perform best in your environment and save the greatest amount on energy. It will be completely designed and tailored to your needs to ensure maximum performance, reliability, and efficiency.

Moisture can damage an air compressor by running through the system’s hoses. Fortunately, there are refrigerated air dryers that serve to remove moisture from compressed air systems. In order to maintain these units, it is necessary to install an appropriately sized refrigerated air dryer.

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

Refrigerated air dryers can also prevent contamination on equipment located downstream from the air compressor. Water contamination can cause moving parts to fail, reducing the holding capacity of airborne moisture by fifty percent when the temperature drops below fifty degrees, leading to costly repairs.

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

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

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.

Air compressors can provide a great source of heat when converted from electrical energy. With the increase in electric costs, recovering heat from air compressors is more important than ever in having an efficient air system.
The transference and transportation of heat from a medium to a compartment where it can be utilized is the guiding principle of heat recovery.

Heat can be recovered from electrical energy from three parts of a screw compressor: the fluid cooler, the aftercooler and the drive motor. The heat recovered from both the fluid cooler and aftercooler is dissipated heat, whereas the heat recovered from the drive motor is radiated heat. Together, the heat recoverable from these three parts (theoretically) totals ninety-four percent of the electrical energy consumption.

The greatest percentage of heat that can be recovered in the fluid cooler is seventy-two percent of the electrical energy consumption. The total heat recoverable from the drive motor and compressed air aftercooler is nine and thirteen percent respectively. The six percent of heat lost comes from the heat radiated from the compressor (two percent) and heat remaining in the in the compressed air (four percent). Being able to recover the ninety-four percent of heat largely depends on the options available in your industrial air compressor.

Redirection of heat can be achieved by using conventional HVAC ductwork and controls. This allows warm air from compressors to either provide or remove heat in the compressor room or adjacent areas. Practical applications of the redirection of heat can be used as auxiliary or primary heating for warehouses and workshops, drying air for paint spraying or washing, air curtains, and improving oil burner efficiency.

Space heating, PTG water heating systems and SWT water heating systems can all be used to redirect heat. If your space heating has a ducting system, it can redirect the heat made by the air compressor. The air compressor makes heat which then flows through the vents and is redirected throughout the facility.

A PTG water heating system is composed of a compressor, plate-type heat exchanger and hot water storage tank. The plate surface allows for heat exchange, created through turbulence, and is ideal for hot water supply plants where mixing water and cooling fluids should be avoided. It automatically directs the flow of water through the standard fluid cooler if minimal hot water is needed.

A SWT water heating system is made of tubes with a heat transfer medium fitted between adjacent tubes. An expansion tank maintains the pressure of the heat transfer medium; the pressure system is controlled by a pressure switch, which can shut down the compressor in the event of breakage or corrosion. This system ensures constant compressor cooling whether or not hot water is needed.