When you buy an air compressor from Atlas Copco, you are buying a product backed by decades of research & some of the best warranty coverage in the industry.
What are the different types of air compressors available?
There are mainly two generic principles for the compression of air or gas: positive displacement compression and dynamic compression.
Positive displacement compressors include:
- Piston compressors (Reciprocating)
- Scroll compressors (Double Rotor)
- Rotary screw compressors (Single Rotor)
How to pick the right type of compressor for you?
- When choosing the right type of compressor, you should ask yourself these questions:
- What is the application
- How much flow does my facility/workshop use
- What pressure is needed within the facility
- Do I need clean/dry air (use of dryer and filters)
- How many hours per year does my compressor operate
- How many shifts do I run per day
- Is there fluctuation in flow demand between shifts (if so, a VSD compressor could be a good option and offer great savings)
- Are there any plans for future expansion
Air quality: Oil-Free vs Oil-Injected air compressors
Atlas Copco has an extensive range of products and can feasibly meet any compressed air requirement out there. So why don’t we start with air quality, the main categories of which are Oil-Flooded / Oil-Injected technology and Oil-Free compressor technology. Most air compressors on the market rely on oil in the compression chamber for lubrication, sealing and cooling, but, of course, this means that some of the oil will get mixed into the air and microscopic droplets of oil will carry through the machine and end up in the air network - and eventually in the process or product.
Fixed Speed Compressors vs. Variable Speed Compressors
Why does Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology saves energy if compared to fixed speed?
It's obvious from the name itself!
Fixed speed compressors run at one fixed speed which is very efficient when operating fully on load 100% of the time, when the motor is running & compressed air is being produced.
However, The inefficiency comes when the unit unloads (stops making air). Although eventually the compressor will stop, it spends some of the time turning the motor & using energy whilst not actually producing anything, and therefore wasting energy.
A variable speed drive compressor (VSD), turns the motor relative to the amount of air required exactly How?
If the demand increases then the motor speeds up, if the demand decreases the motor slows down, and uses only the energy required to produce the air required – therefore no energy is wasted.
In fact, a VSD can reduce energy consumption by up to 35% or even up to 60%, depending on the VSD technology.
It is therefore definitely worthwhile getting our FREE air usage audit to see if your energy consumption could be reduced by using a VSD compressor.
Check out the more detailed comparison of fixed vs. variable speed compressed air technology.
At the end of the day, there is a need in the market place for a mix of both technologies depending on the air requirement for the given application. We hope that this brief overview offers some insights into air compression, a process which is often overlooked, but much depended on in manufacturing.
Do you need guidance on which air compressors types systems would work best in your facility?
We can send a team to your site and find out your exact requirements, highlight existing efficiencies and give you a list of alternative solutions.
Request a FREE consultation from us by filling this form.
Use our selection of calculators to measure your on-site conditions and determine equipment specifications.
You could also call one of our sales representatives directly.
What is the difference between an air compressor and air blower?
Air blowers and air compressors are both used to pump air in order to do work. They use similar mechanics. The difference is that blowers don’t compress air. They move the air internally and apply kinetic energy to increase the velocity of the air. The simplest example of a blower is a tabletop fan. However modern-day blowers can generate pressure up to 1000 mbar (1barg) and there are multiple technologies used to achieve this. Please contact Atlas Copco team for more details on blowers and blower applications.
What is the advantage of using compressed air as a source of power?
There are multiple advantages to consider, depending on how you look at it. Relying on compressed air reduces the risk of electrical hazards. Tools built to use air tend to weigh less than electrical tools. Air compressors are more mobile than electrical outlets and generators. In most cases the initial purchasing cost of air-based tools is more than electric or hydraulic tools, however the advantage of flexibility and increased productivity overcomes easily the little extra paid for a pneumatic tool. Moreover, air distribution systems are easier to install and user friendly when compared to electrical grids and hydraulic systems. Air cannot damage or overheat the internal mechanics of the tools. And air tools run with less expended heat therefore easier to handle and manage by the users.
Which industries require air compressors?
Air compressors are one the most common equipment in any industry. There are too many uses to name them all. Here are a few examples: Spray painting, filling air in tires, supplying air during medical procedures, filling air in packaging, producing goods in food & beverage, running farm equipment, running power tools, pneumatic conveying, aeration, mixing of products etc.
What voltage do I need to run my air compressor?
How much air pressure will my tools and equipment need?
Again, it depends on the type of work you’re doing, and you should get in touch with Atlas Copco to give you an audit that will correctly assess your needs. Most basic air tools require about 70-100 PSI and consume less than 10 CFM. It will help you to consult the manual and documentation that comes with your tools and machinery.
