Air compressors can be a great addition to any business. They have multiple uses, from powering small tools up to huge industrial applications. But choosing the right air compressor for your business needs can be tough. Pistons, rotary screw compressors, portable, stationary. With so many to choose from, how do you find the right one for you?
This quick guide will help you to find the perfect air compressor for you and your business, no matter what the size or need.
Why choose air compression?
Air compressors provide clean, consistent energy for many different applications, and unlike electrical power don’t lead to frequent overloading. Industrial grade compressors such as rotary screw compressors, are particularly efficient at saving long-term costs, and can even channel byproducts such as heat into further business savings.
1. Choose the right size
Consumer Grade
These compressors are small and portable, and are often used for DIY projects or tasks such as inflating tires. Because they’re powered by pistons, they don’t offer a continuous flow of compressed air and can be prone to overheating.
Professional Grade
These compressors are larger than the consumer grade and can be used to power multiple air tools at once. Larger models may use rotary screw technology, providing more power and higher pressurized air.
Industrial Grade
Industrial air compressors are the ideal choice for continuous use. They have a stronger, more durable design and can run at a constant temperature, regardless of demand. Compressors in this category use rotary screw technology for efficient long-term use.
2. Check how much power you need
The output of an air compressor is measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). The higher the CFM of a compressor, the more applications you can power with it.
Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) measures the pressure of that air output. As air pressure goes up, the overall capacity goes down. A compressor with a higher CFM can output more air and at a higher pressure.
It’s important to check the number and size of applications you want to power by adding their required CFM together. Choosing a compressor with a CFM about 20 to 30% over your needs is recommended to cover future business expansion.
3. Consider an air receiver
Air receivers are tanks that are connected to compressors and store compressed air. While compressors can still be run without them, they allow the removal of moisture and other particles, prevent pulsation in pressure and reduce load on the compressor, reducing overall wear and tear. Without air receivers the running life of a compressor will be shorter, and its performance will also be less efficient. Certification is very important for air receivers, as if they are not confirmed and tested for high quality then using them can be dangerous.
4. Or an air dryer
Compressed air dryer’s remove water vapor and other particles from the compressed air. Drying the compressed air helps to avoid problems such as corrosion, contamination and control malfunctions. Dryers are essential for treating air that must be completely clean, such as in laboratory use. Not drying the compressed air will also lead to more frequent maintenance, and consequently a shorter life of the equipment.
5. Plan your future service
If you take care of your air compressor, it can be an efficient long-term investment. That’s why it’s important to think about future running costs such as servicing. Buying from an experienced and professional company is essential to ensuring a long equipment running life.
Express Compressors are the air compressor specialists, and believe in professional quality products and services. So contact us today to see how we can meet your business needs.
