Overview of Air Compressors

If you’re wondering what an Air Compressor is and which one you should have, then you’ve come to the right place. Put simply, an air compressor is used to power tools and equipment in many different sectors. So much so, that it is now referred to as the “4th Utility” alongside water, gas and electricity. They are powered using a piston to ‘inhale’ air and compress it into a small storage space which is then released to provide power.

Air compressors are highly used in industries like automotive, pharmaceutical, food & beverage and agriculture, therefore, it is important to apply the right one for your needs. There are two types of Air Compressors; Oil free and Oil injected (Oil Flooded). Although both versions work in similar ways, they are used for different applications and it is important to know why.

Air Compressors in Detail

Reciprocating air compressors are compiled of an electric motor system that allows air to be sucked through a valve and then compressed into the storage tank. The air can then be released at a chosen pressure suitable for the application it is powering. When air is compressed, it heats up and without the appropriate maintenance, it can drop the cycles efficiency. Not only this, but if gas, oil or a lubricant interferes with the overheated air, explosions can occur. For this reason, a single-stage compressor has a pressure output limit of 10 bars (145psi). Multistage compressors can provide a higher output limit as a cooling system is embedded into the air compressor which cools the air before being stored. A multistage compressor can provide an output pressure of over 20 bars (290psi) and some versions can include a water-cooling feature.

Rotary System

Another example of an air compressor is the rotary system. Rather than a piston, it is comprised of a cylindrical shape with rotary vanes placed at an offset position within the cylinder itself. This creates large and small chambers rotating inside. The air first enters into the larger chambers, it is then compressed and leaves via the smaller chambers. One main advantage to choosing a rotary system is that it is not easily damaged by dirt. The rotary air compressor is mainly used for water waste, dirt/dust collection and vacuum packing.

From small mobile direct drive compressors to large screw compressors JHM Butt & Co can offer a solution for every application. If you are looking for a small compressor just to inflate tyres or a sophisticated screw compressor with dryer and micro filters, we have the answer. Our range includes Atlas Copco Compressors, available receiver mounted or with a separate receiver all with SIGMA control, with a range of accessories including dryers & filters, Atlas Copco have a solution for your needs. We are also able to keep your Atlas Copco compressor in tip top condition with our own factory trained engineers and can we offer low priced service plans for all Atlas machines. In addition, we are pleased to offer ABAC compressors as a lower priced solution for smaller users of compressed air.

Why Choose an Oil Free Air Compressor?

For anyone in food & beverage, pharmaceutical or any other industry where clean air is needed, oil free air compressors are for you. The air is not contaminated and will ensure a cleaner work area. Although filters can be used on an oil air compressor, anyone working in the above industries will opt for the oil free version. As there is no oil lubricating the motor components, it does heighten the risk of damages after so much time which leads to repairs or buying a new one. On the other hand, oil free air compressors are made with less parts meaning it weighs less and is more cost effective.

Why Choose an Oil Air Compressor?

Oil is used to lubricate components in the air compressor and will ensure efficient work for longer. This does of course mean that more maintenance is needed to keep your oil air compressor safe. The downside to oil compressors is that the air is contaminated when outputted and therefore is not suitable for any industry that require clean work environments. The key selling point for most oil air compressors is the fact that it creates less noise compared to one without and also produces less heat. For many customers, the fact the noise is dramatically reduced prompts them to go for the more costly, yet efficient oil air compressor.

What to Consider When Choosing an Air Compressor?

Below I have included a list of factors I would think about myself when purchasing an air compressor.

Maintenance

How much time do you have to maintain an air compressor? Do you already have an engineer on site that can manage this along with his/her other tasks? Do you need someone to come maintain it for you? These are all questions that need answering before you pick which type of air compressor you purchase. If you would rather have an air compressor that you can install and forget about then an oil free is the way to go.

Costs

Let’s be honest, air compressors can be expensive and so when you buy one, you want it to be around for a while. The oil free compressors are more cost effective and will still last an incredible amount of time but if you want longer life then look into oil injected.

Noise

As I’ve already mentioned, the oil free versions are usually noisier and would not be suitable for certain industries. It all depends on your needs. Do you already have a noisy work environment? Would it matter if you can hear it? Is it going to be somewhere customers/employees won’t hear it? Do you want good hearing when you’re 60?

Power Requirements

Here you need to consider your CFM output aka cubic feet per minute. The more CFM you have on your air compressor the more power will be required.

Longevity

There is no other way to put this. If you want an air compressor that will last a life time then oil air compressors will give you that. Yes, they require more maintenance but it’s a small sacrifice for a more cost-effective purchase.

Air Contamination

Finally, when it comes to industries such as health/medicine/pharmaceuticals, an oil free compressor is a must. Industries like these have certain standards to uphold in the work place and an air compressor could affect that. In workshops, engineering, auto mechanics it isn’t a worry.

JHM Butt & Co offer a huge range of air compressors that will meet your needs. Along with this, we offer installation and maintenance plans to keep your new compressor in tip top shape to provide longer life.

For more information give us a call or view some air compressors.