What you Should know when Buying an Air Compressor

Knowledge is power. This brief article is a simple list to help first time buyers in selecting their first industrial air compressor.

To start, add up the air consumption of all the equipment at your shop. That will be the amount of air your desired compressor should provide at a minimum. Be sure to note the pressure that each piece of equipment operate at. Most people, however, buy a bigger air compressor, as these machines tend to leak air during load-unload times.

There are some key features that you can decide on.

After cooler – Your ideal air compressor must have an after cooler to cool the compressed air before it leaves to feed air tools. Air coolers also help eliminate moisture in the compressed air, which would otherwise condensate into water and reduce the machine’s performance.

Variable Speed Drive – Variable speed drives in rotary screw compressors help match your equipment’s demands with the machine’s output. In effect, a variable speed drive can help save on energy consumption, since the compressor will lower or increase horsepower usage depending on demand. Variable speed drives do not suit every application, but when chosen correctly they have large savings implications.

Air dryer – This feature helps eliminate moisture and oils in compressed air, which in turn improves efficiency while prolonging the machine’s service life. The dryer could be integrated or stand alone, this all depends on the quality of air required and space requirements.

Air Flow – It is always about the air flow when it comes to a compressor’s capability. As such, choose a machine with an air flow that matches and exceeds your demands. This is the final, but most important feature to consider.