Commercial and industrial businesses alike can benefit from air compressors. A versatile and powerful device, air compressors are used in a variety of settings and for a wide range of applications. They supply power for air tools in construction, HVAC control systems, and pneumatic tools in manufacturing. Credit: Pxfuel

Improve the daily operations of your facilities by considering air compressors. Here’s a lowdown on how useful air compressors can be for your establishment:

What Is an Air Compressor?

Air compressors are devices that take power from a motor or engine, transforming it into pressurized air. As the tank stores more air, the air is further compressed, which increases the pressure. The compressed air is then released to power tools and equipment.

Air compressors can provide a near-constant flow of controlled air streams limited by machine operating pressures and maximum temperatures. Most industrial rotary screw compressors can keep running as long as their parts are cooled and lubricated, and that the temperatures will not exceed 49°C. Different units operate using different horsepower levels, typically between 10 and 500 horsepower.

Types of Air Compressors

There are 2 basic types of air compressors: reciprocating and rotary:

• Reciprocating Compressor

This type of compressor uses pistons to compress air. It is composed of the following parts:

• • Piston
  • Crankshaft
  • Cylindrical housing
  • Inlet
  • Outlet

As the crankshaft begins to turn, the internal piston connected to it reciprocates within the cylindrical housing. There are 2 valves at the top of the housing, which are the inlet and outlet. While the inlet lets the air into the housing, the outlet removes the compressed air from it.

The piston follows the crankshaft as it turns. It raises and lowers, and changes the volume inside the housing. When the piston goes downwards, the volume inside increases and the pressure decreases. From the outside, the higher pressure air opens the inlet and enters. When the piston goes upwards, the said volume decreases and the pressure increases. This pressure pushes the outlet and releases the compressed air from the housing.

Reciprocating compressors are typically used for:

• • Natural gas processing and delivery
  • Oil refineries
  • Chemical plants
  • Refrigeration plants
• Rotary Compressor

Rotary compressors come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and have varying features. Below are the types and uses of rotary screw air compressors:

• Compressed Air Package – This combines a rotary screw compressor, refrigerated dryer, and air receiver, all in one compact system. This works well for workshops and small industrial facilities and is great for light industrial applications such as woodworking, machine shops, and metal fabrication.

• Small Rotary Screw Compressors – These are suitable for machine shops, auto repair and collision work. They are easy and quick to maintain, give minimal noise, and are efficient at transmitting power.

• Industrial Rotary Screw Compressors – These have a longer service life and can range from 25 hp to 650 hp, which helps to deliver outstanding performance while increasing energy savings. They use oversized airends to produce the required output in flow and pressure. They also offer a longer service life.

• Oil-free Rotary Screw Compressor – This type is designed to provide oil-free air, ideal for industries with strict requirements for air quality such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or chemical.

What Are the Advantages of Air Compressors?

Air compressors offer significant benefits for industrial, manufacturing, and commercial entities including:

• User-Friendly – Tools and equipment are powered by an external air compressor instead of a heavy internal motor, making it easier for operators to use such devices. Additionally, air compressors tend to be lighter, more compact, and ergonomically designed. Operators are able to use air tools in more confined spaces and for a longer period of time without experiencing fatigue.
• Efficient – Air compressors are more versatile and efficient when it comes to completing tasks. It makes switching from one air tool to another easier, allowing operators to work more quickly and save time.
• Reliable – Air tools usually have fewer moving parts than electrically-powered tools. In effect, they require less maintenance and are less likely to malfunction than their electric-powered counterparts.
• Safe – Electrical shock from a malfunctioning electrically powered tool is a safety hazard. Using air compressors eliminates this risk. Additionally, air tools are safer when used in facilities that may be housing combustive gases or in damp or waterlogged areas where the use of electricity is not ideal.
• Cost-Effective – Continuous use of compressed air in an industrial environment results in the consumption of less electricity. More powerful and typically less expensive than electrically powered tools, air compressors can offer you the best bang for your buck.

Which Industrial Sectors Need an Air Compressor?

The industrial world depends on the range and versatility of air compressors. Consider acquiring reliable air compressors if your business belongs in one of the following industries:

• Manufacturing

Rotary screw equipment is integral in manufacturing industries including:

• • Food and Beverage – Compressed air and vacuum are valuable factors in the food and beverage industries. Compressed air powers important machinery, such as primary processing equipment, mechanical conveyors, packaging equipment, printing and labelling, palletizers and de-palletizers, and air-drive tools. Meanwhile, vacuum helps in packaging, pneumatic conveying, and wastewater management.
  • Pharmaceuticals – The pharmaceutical industry uses compressed air to ensure that products are properly sealed to ensure the safety and security of their products. By using compressed air, the efficacy of medications is not affected.
  • Packaging – Compressed air helps in providing power to conveyor belts, presses, and packaging. Air compressors allow for smooth operations in packaging so products are pressed and sealed without any delays.
  • Plastics – For plastics and other shaping manufacturing, steady and robust air streams provide product finishes, formings, and cleanings. Compressed air can help complete the look of the products.
• Woodworking

Having to produce a huge amount of furniture, as well as processing lumber, compressed air is a necessity. Air compressors are used to power various equipment, from small air tools (like staplers and nail guns) to power equipment (like moulders and edge banders). They also power paint spraying equipment and laminating equipment, which can give these wood products a more finished look.

• Automotive
  

Air compressors are shown to be reliable for the automotive service industry. Air compressors provide compressed air for tools needed to repair or maintain vehicles. Whether it is for providing air for flat tires or making sure that the paint job is applied and done well, this industry can rely on air compressors to give them the compressed air they need.

• Brewery

Air compressors are also used in the brewing industry. In the brewing process, carbon dioxide and nitrogen are crucial to producing delicious beer. Compressed air is also needed and applied to several parts of the brewing process including: aeration, clarifying, canning and bottling, and cleaning and maintenance.

• Aquaculture

For the aquaculture industry, air compressors provide sustainable air for hatcheries and ponds, to name a few. Compressed air is used in various applications including: aeration, offshore cage farming, bubble curtains, carcass removal, oxygen generation systems, pneumatic feeding systems, and processing and packaging equipment.

• Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Air compressors help power pneumatic equipment that laundry facilities need without having to face potential issues, such as wasted energy and excess equipment downtime. With air compressors, dry cleaners can guarantee that their dryers provide clean and dry air.

• Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment requires blower systems and compressed air equipment that are used for aeration, agitation, membrane scouring, filter backwashing, and biogas recovery. With air compressors, contaminants from wastewater can be removed properly and effectively.

Air compressors are a valuable asset for manufacturing and industrial businesses, big or small. An air compressor is particularly beneficial when you have to perform multiple time-consuming tasks. Using air compressors in your daily operations can enhance the efficiency and output of your facility.

Commercial Air Compressor Ltd. offers quality air compressors and services for your specific requirements. Our team has been providing excellent service in all types of air compressors in the industrial area for more than 20 years. Call us now at 1-905-415-7744 or leave us a message online.