Making the choice to invest in an industrial air compressor or to upgrade an existing one is a big decision for any business. It is a powerful, but complex, piece of machinery that requires proper maintenance and care. Careful consideration and preparation are also necessary to make sure a business is getting the most out of its compressor.
CompressAir is equipped to guide business through this process, and help them find the machine that best fits any set of needs. There is a long list of variables that impact what compressor is right for a business. CompressAir understands them all inside and out thanks to decades of experience working with customers across every industry, from food and beverage to steel and auto.
“It’s best if we can start working with the customer from the very beginning of their installation project,” Andy Crowl, owner of CompressAir, said. “When we’re there from the start, we can provide assistance with the complete system so that it is the best fit for their application.”
The simplest place to start is understanding what your compressor will be used for. If a business is producing food, paint, medicine, or any other item that require specific ISO air quality standards, an oil-free machine is likely the best fit. An automotive repair shop or steel manufacturer, on the other hand, might prefer an oil-flooded compressor.
Once the basic type of compressor is decided on, CompressAir will guide a customer on what actual cubic feet per minute and pressure a compressor needs to provide to meet the demands of its application. Choosing what type of part load control system is best suited for their application is next. Factors such as the air quality, humidity, and temperature of the room that will house the machine with be another important determination. These factors are important to discuss with end users to prevent the purchase a compressor that is underpowered or overpowered, resulting in problems such as higher energy costs, poor production output, or a shorter lifespan for the machine.
CompressAir has the engineering expertise to help capture the heat produced from the compressor to utilize and heat the customer’s facility during the winter months. This is a great design and method to help offset winter utility costs. Additionally, this system helps with the plant air make up system, reducing negative pressure in the facility.
There are even cases where a business might need to make some changes to their building to accommodate their optimal compressor. Most often, these changes could be new piping that goes from a compressor to its cooler or air dryer. Other possible changes might include additional ventilation or clearance space around the compressor.
“Knowing the location a customer will be housing their equipment in is the most important thing to know,” Crowl said. “That location determines what types of modifications they will need to make for their building. CompressAir has the tools to help them through this process from start to finish, and on to maintenance.”
Even the right sizing and material used in a compressor system’s piping should be carefully considered. Aluminum pipes, for example, are non-corrosive and fit well with clean air applications. Black pipes are often more affordable, but are uncoated and prone to rusting and corrosion which can limit their potential applications.
Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing compressed air system or are committing to your first install, CompressAir is ready to help. Visit compressair.net to learn more and to schedule a free quote.
