Many job sites regardless of the industry (whether construction, farming or mining) use tools that use compressed air to operate. Since not all applications have the same requirements, the compressed air systems come in many different types and sizes. It is of utmost importance to choose the right compressor for the right application. You may ask: “With so many compressed air systems available on the market, how am I supposed which one will best suit my requirements?”
To choose the best compressor, you need to be familiar with both advantages and disadvantages of the most common compressed air systems used in various industries. Read our comparison of the three most commonly used types to get a better understanding of air compressors in general.
- Centrifugal Air Compressors are most commonly used for higher industrial applications. They can often be seen in larger manufacturing facilities which have constant demand for compressed air for powering larger industrial machines.
Advantages:
The Centrifugal compressed air systems:
– produce compressed air that is lubricant free;
– can be fitted over any kind of surface, with no need of special base;
– can produce up to 500hp compressed air.
Disadvantages:
The Centrifugal compressed air systems:
– require specific maintenance;
– are not suitable for limited loads;
– require special observance of vibration and clearance.
- Lubricant-Injected Rotary Screw Compressed Air Systems are used in most industrial plant air applications.
Advantages:
Lubricant-Injected Rotary Screw Compressed Air Systems:
– are cost efficient;
– come in compact sizes;
– do not produce vibration during the application.
Disadvantages:
Lubricant-Injected Rotary Screw Compressed Air Systems:
– have lower operating efficiency, especially in part-load operations;
– require special maintenance of the lubricant.
- Single-Acting, Air-Cooled Reciprocating Air Compressors are the most common type of compressed air systems used in industrial plant systems. These systems feature light weight and small size with reduced level of efficiency.
Advantages:
The Single-Acting, Air-Cooled Reciprocating Compressed Air Systems:
– come in compact size and have small weight;
– can be easily moved to the place where the application is being performed;
– do not require special and complex maintenance procedure.
Disadvantages:
The Single-Acting, Air-Cooled Reciprocating Compressed Air Systems:
– produce high level of noise;
– require high costs for operating;
– can not run for more than 50 percent of the time of application.
