Belt Drive Compressors Vs Direct Drive Air Compressors - Understanding the Difference
Choosing the right air compressor can make all the difference in your work.
Whether you require an air compressor for spraying crops and ventilating silos in agricultural facilities, running pneumatic machinery in manufacturing plants, operating laundry presses in dry cleaners, performing various processes in food and beverage manufacturing, oil and gas operations, you need to be heedful during the time of purchase.
Belt drive and direct drive compressors both have pros and cons that make each one more suitable for certain applications.
If you are uncertain about which type of compressed air system is best for your needs, keep reading this blog for a helpful comparison guide and understanding.
What Is A Belt Driven Air Compressor?
The belt drive air compressors consist of a belt that links the air pump to the motor.
Belt drive air compressors are an excellent choice when the pressure requirements change frequently. They have an adjustable pulley system that enables you to change the speed of the motor and produce more or less pressure in seconds. So, if you wish to increase PSI output or adjust pressures for a specific job, you can conveniently do it.
Are Belt Driven Air Compressors Better?
Honestly, it all depends on your requirements.
If you require the same level of pressure and don’t need to change it frequently, you should go for Direct driven air compressors. However, if you need to adjust pressures frequently and precisely, then a belt driven air compressor is a clear winner!
These air compressor belts provides more power, durability and flexibility (in terms of RPM) than direct drive compressors, which means better performance, productivity and efficiency.
Belt driven air compressors are relatively economical than the direct driven ones and that’s another reason why most industries believe it’s the better choice. But then again, the final decision for the air compressors all comes to the frequency of use, budget, maintenance capabilities, noise requirements, environmental conditions and other important factors.How Does A Belt Driven Air Compressor Work?
Belt-driven air compressors use a drive belt to connect the motor to the compressor pump. As the motor turns and the belt turns with it, thus activating the pump.
Direct Drive VS Belt Drive: What’s The Difference?
We have broken down the benefits of each type of compressor to help you decide which one works best for your compressor needs.
Belt-Drive Air Compressors: What Makes Them A Better Choice?
Adjustable Pressure Speed
The best advantage of belt-drive air compressors is that they can run at multiple speeds and pressures within seconds. In addition, you can achieve different compressed air output by simply adjusting or replacing pulleys without having to purchase a new compressor unit altogether.
Easy Maintenance
Belt-drive air compressors are much easier to maintain, especially in terms of general upkeep. This is because all that needs to be done on a regular basis is checking the belt tension, lubricating and changing filters and oil. Most of these tasks only require some basic hand tools, so they are easier to perform by someone who wants to do it by themselves.
Less Noise
When it comes to noise, belt driven air compressors are a clear winner! As long as they're well maintained and lubricated, belt drive air compressors function at minimum noise without compromising the efficiency.
Cost Effective
Belt-drive air compressors tend to be more cost-effective to purchase. This is because they are a single piece construction that includes the motor and compressor in one unit.
Direct-Drive Air Compressors: What Makes Them A Better Choice?
Easy Maintenance
The direct drive air compressors are quite affordable to purchase and maintain. They require fewer component replacements, which results in lower maintenance costs over the lifetime of these compressors.
More Reliable
With fewer parts to break and operate, direct driven air compressors are more reliable than belt driven ones.
Energy Efficient
Moreover, the direct connection between the air compressor pump and motor makes this type of air compressor more durable and energy efficient. So, you have one less thing to worry about.
Support Harsh Conditions
Direct-drive air compressors provide effective air therapy, even under harsh conditions. They can perfectly function under extreme conditions, such as high or low temperatures.
Atlas Copco - The Best Suppliers Of Belt Driven Air Compressor
We hope that this article gave you a good understanding on the differences between belt driven air compressors and direct driven air compressors.
Atlas Copco is one of the best supplier of air compressor in UAE and provides robust compressed air solutions that are capable of handling pressures up to 205 bar and volume flows up to 560,000 m3/h.
Get in touch with our air compressors experts at Atlas Copco to further understand the differences between the two, and figure out which one works best for your air compressor needs.