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.

Air compressor emergencies can be very serious, resulting in personal damage and the breakdown of equipment. It is crucial that anyone involved in the process of compressing air is trained and aware of potential dangers. If you are working in an area you are unfamiliar with while using an air compressor, then take some time to look around for potential hazards, ask the owner questions about what is in the area you will be working. When operating an air compressor, be sure to read the handbook before using it. Follow the instructions precisely as each unit can vary.

When compressing air, keep the air pressure at the manufacturer recommended level. Check the gauge regularly and ensure it is working as intended so that you do not get a false reading. When operating an industrial air compressor it is important to use a hose reel, especially if your company has multiple air tools. This helps keep the work place more organized and efficient, essentially preventing wear and tear on the hoses. Hose reels also function to prevent tripping hazards, avoid air leaks and increase the overall productivity for the staff.

Not only can air leaks present a safety hazard, but can also cost a company potentially thousands of dollars a year depending on the size and amount of leaks. Therefore, identifying them as quickly as possible is crucial. Some signs of an air leak are; hissing sounds, lack of air pressure, the gauge reading an amount that is not equal to the amount used, and/or lack of air flow.

When dealing with an air compressor malfunctions, it’s crucial to be aware of back-ups and rentals available to you. Using qualified staff or sub-contractors to conduct regular maintenance on the air compressor units, a scheduled walk through and inspection of all the involved equipment can prevent leaks, fires and help make the units more efficient. There are many different condensate management devices, including zero loss drains, timed automatic drains, and oil/water separators that can help you lengthen the service life of your air receivers and lubricants by removing condensate efficiently, and keep you in compliance with regulations regarding condensate disposal. Make sure that repair technicians are up to date on the latest aspects of repairing, rebuilding and maintaining a wide range of equipment.

A refrigerated air dryer is a device that is used to remove moisture from a compressed air system. If a compressed air system contains moisture, it can run through the hoses and into the equipment, causing damage to the equipment that will cost a lot in repairs. You will need to install a properly sized refrigerated air dryer that you can use with your compressed air system.

The air compressor inlet air filter on the compressed air system is the typical entry point for moisture. A standard air compressor will convert 7 cubic feet of air to 100 psig at 1 cubic foot. Any water vapor that is in the air is also compressed to this size.

Water that is contained in compressed air comes in different forms. This includes liquid water, a mist and a gas or vapor. A general purpose filter can be used with a compressed air system to remove almost all of the liquid water in the system. The remaining water that is in the form of a mist or vapor is removed by using a refrigerated air dryer.

The holding capacity of moisture in air will be reduced by 50 percent when the air temperature drops at 50 degree intervals. The use of a refrigerated air dryer prevents the contamination of equipment located downstream from the air compressor. Water contamination can cause moving parts to fail that may lead to costly repairs.

The use of an air-to-air heat exchanger is used first to cool the compressed air. The heat exchanger for a refrigerated air dryer condenses small amounts of moisture by pre-cooling incoming air. This air is then sent to an air-to-refrigerant exchanger and is cooled even further by using a liquid refrigerant. All of the remaining moisture is condensed into a liquid that is drained out of the system. Air is then heated inside the air-to-air heat exchanger to prevent sweating of the pipe of hose.

When looking for a refrigerated air dryer, an important factor to consider is the pressure dew point. The pressure dew point is the required temperature for water mist or vapor to condense into liquid. The type of pressure dew point class that is commonly used is a Class 4. A test of your equipment is required if a specific pressure dew point needs to be determined. This is needed to calculate your pressure dew point temperature requirements.

An industrial air compressor is a machine that is used to convert power into energy by pressurizing and compressing air, which is then released in quick bursts. There are numerous methods of air compression, divided into either positive displacement or negative displacement types.

Compressed air is commonly used in industrial settings as a form of power output. It is used in equipment ranging from pneumatic equipment to engines. Most warehouses have their own air compressors, to speed equipment repair. Mechanical devices can be attached to an extended hose, and the power of compressed air is utilized to drive nails, run rotary gadgets, and even power forklift engines. For industrial applications, a small commercial grade compressor will not cut it. An industrial shop is going to want an industrial sized air unit, with a large air tank and powerful compressor.

Unfortunately, top quality industrial sized air compressors can be quite pricy. This is where strategic thinking becomes important. Some businesses have the cash to afford huge and brand new models of industrial air compressors. An independent business will likely focus on economy, which would mean making do with smaller units or hunting down a used model.

Pre-owned, or used, air compressors are a great way to save money. Not only will you be able to purchase an air compressor at an affordable price, but you will also be able to get a quality piece of equipment. Used or pre-owned equipment can be less expensive because it has already depreciated in value or is no longer required by the original owner. However, this reduction in price does not translate to a reduction in quality. Most pre-owned industrial air compressors are in great shape, run smoothly, contain all the necessary parts, and operate efficiently. In fact, many of these pre-owned models are still under warranty, which reduces risk to the buyers.

Air compressors are not sensitive equipment, and it is still possible to find replacement parts for most models. Those made by a established reputable manufacturer can last for decades. Many used air compressor models will still operate to their original specifications. It is generally the accessories that need replacement or better maintenance. These accessory parts are easy to come across to replace some of the worn out, depreciated ones found on pre-owned industrial air compressors. Purchasing a pre-owned air compressor is a terrific way to save money on a great quality machine.

Anyone who owns an air compressor understands the importance of properly maintaining their machine. A crucial tool in this process is a condensate management system. So long as these systems are functional, they are very important components of all air compressor systems because they separate the small amount of oil from the condensate that gathers in the air compressors. This allows the caretakers of the air compressor to perform simple, ecological, and economical disposal of any leftover waste.

Since unwanted and excess oil can be a serious problem in an air compressor system, oil and water separators or condensate managements systems are installed to reduce the waste oil concentration. However, before disposing of this oil into the sewer, you must make sure to reduce it to legal limits. If you do not do this, you could be harshly punished for disobeying the law and potentially poisoning the nearby environment. Most separators naturally reduce the oil to a level permitted for disposal, but always check with your local municipality to be sure everything is alright. It is also good practice to periodically send out a sample of the reduced oil for analysis, in order to be confident that you are correctly following the rules.

In the past, people would use a waste management company to come and remove collected condensate from their site. This, however, came only at a considerable cost. Today there are a number of different types of condensate management systems which can used independently within a company, and can separate almost any compressor fluid from the condensate. This allows the 98% of the condensate that is solely water to be disposed on site. The small percentage of remaining oil can then be collected and recycled, or disposed of at a much cheaper rate than what was possible before.

When one owns an industrial air compressor, there are many benefits of using a condensate management system to maintain and clean it. One of these benefits is that these systems will protect your air compressor from damage by removing harmful excess oils. You will also ensure that the compressed air that is being delivered to your company is clean, protecting your product from any possible harm. You will also be saving a great amount of money in waste removal and fines, because you can clean your air compressors without the help of a second party. Finally, condensate management systems allow companies to be environmentally conscious and safe during waste disposal by removing any toxic oils from water that could otherwise be safely drained into the environment.