27 March, 2024
In an air compressor, many high-quality components work together to deliver compressed air or gas efficiently and reliably. However, one component can claim the title of being the most critical of them all, the compressor Air End. This leads us to an important question: what happens if the air end has suffered wear or damage? Can it be replaced, refurbished or repaired?
Why is the compressor air end even more vital than other components?
Air Ends come in different types, depending on the technology and physical principle. The two main principles of compression are: positive displacement and dynamic compression. Positive displacement refers to compression by reducing the air volume. Technologies that use this principle are pistons, scrolls, and tooth or screw rotors. Dynamic compression uses centrifugal – or turbo – technology to compress air or gas by changing its speed.
Selecting the most suitable compression principle and technology depends on the required amount of air (FAD), pressure (bar) and the air quality needed for your production process. The most widespread industrial compressor type is the rotary screw compressor, either oil-injected or oil-free.
What causes an compressor air end to deteriorate?
All mechanical equipment is subject to wear. Especially in demanding applications or harsh working conditions such as a hot, humid or dusty environment, the performance of the air end may decrease over time.
Increased or uneven tolerances, a damaged coating or a degraded geometry of the screws… To compensate for all this wear and tear, your compressor will have to work harder, causing it to consume more energy.
To avoid excessive energy costs and the increasing likelihood of a breakdown, it is time for action.
Can I repair the compressor element?
Restoring the Air End requires specific processes and tools that are only available to the equipment manufacturer. Coating of the rotors is a core technology and when the Teflon coat is worn out, replacing it with a new element is the best way forward.
Opening and reassembling an air end without thorough knowledge will almost certainly result in higher energy consumption, a shortened lifetime and oil contamination of the compressed air.
Can the air end be replaced without buying a new compressor?
All Element types can be replaced. The Atlas Copco Element Xchange program gives you access to the latest Air End technology to restore, and possibly even improve, the original performance of your compressor.
Unlike generically sourced Air Ends, the Xchange program ensures that the new ‘heart’ of your compressor is correctly sized and compatible with the rest of the equipment. In all its details, the new Air End will match the original one.
By avoiding the need to scrap a compressor that is still in good shape, the Xchange program offers you a sustainable solution to keep it in operation.
Is refurbishing by Atlas Copco an option?
Refurbishing is offered on all oil-injected rotary screw air ends, at a competitive price with short lead times.
Our dedicated refurbishing centers apply the highest factory standards, with rigorous controls to ensure the reliability and energy efficiency you signed up for when purchasing your compressor.
The refurbishing program gives you the time-saving option to exchange your air end for a refurbished one. While your old element is sent to one of our refurbishing centers, you get a suitable replacement instantly.
