5 Basic Questions Need to Ask Before Purchasing the Air Compressor

A compressor has a wide variety of applications in various businesses and manufacturing industries. When you think about an air compressor, the one thing that pops in mind is that it is present at almost every shop from the garage to the dentist’s office. The popularity of the compressor is because it is reliable and can work in virtually any setup and keep well to the pace. But many a time people are made fools just because they don’t know anything about compressors while buying one. Here is a checklist of questions that will help buy a new compressor. Answering these questions will help in finalizing the right air compressor based on your needs.

What is the application for which the compressor is required?

The answer to this question decides the type of compressor that you are going to buy. The size of the compressor is determined by the most crucial factor that is the type of application you are using it. Also decide how long you intend to use the compressor whether it is 10 or 20 hours a day, five days a week, or only occasionally. Buy a perfect compressor like a screw compressor if your demands are consistent. If the needs are constant, get a compressor that is designed for a duty-cycle which equals or exceeds specified requirements.

Where will the compressor be placed?

The second main question that you have to answer before buying a compressor.

For example, if it is to be installed outdoors, the compressor would require superior protection against rain and heat. The compressor must have adequate ventilation for proper functioning since most reciprocating compressors are air-cooled. The compressor should not be placed inside of a closet. The closet, in most cases, won’t have enough ventilation to handle the heat produced by the compressor. Also, be mindful that sunlight doesn’t fall on the equipment and the noise generated it.

How much PSI do you require?

The PSI of the compressor will differ based on the type of work that you perform. The demand for compressor pressure depends on the needs of the tools that you are using. Check the system that requires the highest volume of air and use that as a reference to select the compressor. Also, be careful that you do not overpressure the system. Go according to the specification of the manufacturer. The pressure also determines whether the unit should be a single-stage or two-stage compressor.

How much airflow (CFM) does your operation require?

Cubic feet per minute or CFM is the measure of airflow created by the compressor. Sometimes the ideal volume of air is not exactly the ideal CFM ratings. In that case, take a load cycle on the existing compressor for all shifts if possible. Installing a flow meter on the new compressor for a nominal cost can save you thousands in the long run. Once you have determined your flow requirements, you can match that to consider the needs for future growth. Oversized compressors will use more power and increase the cost of power in the long run.

What is the type of control system that you need?

There are three variants of a control system that can be employed in a shop. The first is the start/stop system, the second is the constant speed control, and the last one is the dual control system. The Elgi air compressor has various types and will suit perfectly for your specifications.

Bottom line

Compressors help in maintaining the quality of the shop and efficiency. You can go for a screw air compressor that would be the best choice due to capabilities and functionality.