Air Compressor Accessories Every Workshop Should Have

air compressor dealers in Mumbai

Air compressors are equipment used to generate pressure in gases, mostly air. These are useful in a range of industrial activities such as paint spraying, abrasive blast equipment, refrigeration, cleaning, and air conditioning. VEMC is one of the leading air compressor dealers in Mumbai and in this blog, we talk about the air compressor accessories that every workshop should have. 

Importance of accessories

As every air compressor dealer in Mumbai will tell you, accessories are absolutely indispensable. They enhance the value of your equipment manifold. The right kind of accessories will increase productivity and efficiency on one hand, and reduce the need for maintenance on the other. Any weak link among the accessories could mean suboptimal performance or worse, sudden breakdown of the compressor. Your compressor is in fact only as strong as its weakest component!

Essential accessories your workshop must have

  1. Filters

A workshop environment means lots of dust and particulate matter floating around in the air. This could clog your air compressor over a period of time and affect its performance. This also means greater need and higher costs of maintenance. Air filters cut down the amount of particulate matter that enters your compressor, and reduce its ill effects.

2. Regulators

If your tool requires say 120 psi pressure while your air compressor is feeding it around 150 psi, this means wasted energy, higher costs, more pressure on components, and greater wear and tear. Regulators adjust the pressure levels of the compressor to match the requirements of the tool.

3. Hoses

Having the right kind of hoses that connect your compressor to the tool is important. Hoses that are too long can lead to wastage of energy, while hoses too short mean reduced productivity. You must also inspect the hoses regularly to check for leaks or breakages. Replace worn-out hoses as quickly as detected.

4. Tools

Having the right tools such as spray guns, drills, nail guns etc. is important to get the job done. Lack of well-maintained or high-standard tools means poor performance no matter how good your air compressor is. 

5. Aftercoolers and dryers

Moisture in the air compressor can cause contamination or corrosion. This can be removed using aftercoolers and air dryers. aftercoolers use temperature control to remove excessive moisture from the air while dryers use silica gel, activated alumina, or molecular sieves to de-vapourise the air.

Environmental impact of accessories

Air compressor accessories are not just essential for a well-functioning workshop but they also contribute to a better environment. Accessories like effective regulators or right-sized hoses prevent excessive use or wastage of electricity. ELGi puts a huge premium on manufacturing environment-friendly air compressor systems.

Having the right kind of accessories is necessary for greater efficiency, productivity, maintenance and longeivity of your air compressor. If you’re looking for ELGi air compressor dealers in Mumbai, VEMC is the best option for your workshop. Get in touch with us on 022 43436655 or email marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the top ELGi and Kirloskar authorised dealer in Mumbai.

How to Use an Air Compressor: Things to Consider

Air Compressor

Air compressors are used for a variety of applications across industries. This is because of the enormous amount of power that compressed air generates. Compressed air when focused and channelised in the proper way can be used to accomplish tasks like cleaning, drilling, pumping etc. in an effective and efficient way. VEMC is the leading air compressor dealer in Mumbai and in this blog, we explain how best to use your air compressor.

Picking The Right Compressor For Your Needs:

It all begins with selecting the right compressor for your business operations. For instance, if you are using the compressor simply for cleaning tasks, a portable compressor without a tank will fully suffice. In case you wish to perform heavy-duty tasks, this obviously won’t be enough and you may have to look for a more powerful compressor. Likewise, you may also want to check out whether the reciprocating or rotary air compressor is better suited for your tasks. A quick call or visit to VEMC –– the authorised Elgi Air Compressor Dealers in Mumbai can help you choose better!

  • Getting started

Find the ideal position for your compressor. Make sure the floor is sturdy and can resist the load and vibrations from the compressor while it is at work.

  • Oil And Air Intake

Make sure the compressor has enough oil. Manually remove the oil cap and add the oil if it isn’t up to the specified mark. An adequate amount of oil keeps the compressor parts in good health by avoiding unnecessary friction.

Next, turn the switch on and fill the air tank. This should also get the PSI needle going. Set the PSI that you will be needing for the operation. Make sure the drain valve is tightly closed. Your nearest compressor dealer in Mumbai can definitely help you with these manual nitty-gritties. 

  • Moisture And Drainage

Moisture can speed up the process of rusting and corrosion, thus affecting the working life of your compressor. This naturally has implications for your maintenance, repair and replacement costs. Besides, moisture can also encourage the growth of microbes and cause spoilage of food or other sensitive inventory. Regular drainage of moisture is therefore necessary. This might call for some help from your nearest ELGi Air Compressor Dealers in Mumbai, but in most models, the drain valve is located at the bottom of the tank.

  • Power

Connect the air compressor to a three-pin power source. For your personal safety and to avoid damage to equipment due to high voltage, always make sure your compressor is grounded. As much as possible, avoid using extension cords and instead use an additional air hose to increase your reach. This is because extension cords can cause your compressor to overheat.

  • Meeting All Safety Regulations

Use goggles and closed-toe shoes to protect your eyes and feet from impact while using an air compressor. To ensure the safety valve is functioning properly, test it by tugging on it before use and listening to the air escaping.

Conclusion

To know more about how to make the best use of your ELGi reciprocating compressor while ensuring safety and efficiency, call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading air compressor dealers in Mumbai.

What Size of Industrial Air Compressor do I Need?

One of the most challenging decisions while buying an air compressor is sizing it. This is necessary for maximum efficiency and involves a number of parameters such as CFM, pressure, application, layout, etc. While sizing an air compressor may seem simple on the surface, it is determined by a host of factors to ensure optimum performance. As we are one of the leading Air Compressor Dealers in Mumbai.

In This Article, We Can Take You Through All Of These That Shape The Sizing Decision Of Your Industrial Air Compressor:

Size of your project

Quite simply, bigger the size, more will be the power generated. Whether you need your air compressor for heavy-duty construction work or office work will be the primary determinant of your sizing decision. Besides, if you need a constant flow, it will be better to invest in a large-sized air compressor as small compressors are not able to generate it.

Your tools and applications

Next, you’ll have to consider the work you’re going to perform with your air compressor. Air compressors have wide-ranging applications from drilling to sand-blasting. Choosing the right size for the right task is critical to ensure effectiveness. All tools have a required flow or CFM which should be matched with that generated by your air compressor. An ELGi Reciprocating Compressor is a great option for both light and heavy-duty use.

Your source of power

A standard domestic voltage should be enough for most compressors to work. But for larger industrial compressors, a 240-volt source is necessary. Where electricity isn’t available, compressors can also be powered with petrol. Since your source of power acts as an important constraint in the functioning of your compressor, take it into serious consideration before choosing one.

Space available

If you’re trying to buy an air compressor for your garage startup, there’s very little hope that a large industrial compressor will fit in there. Given the paucity of space in the city, most air compressor dealers in Mumbai will emphasize on the space constraint as the number one factor to size your compressor. Besides, if you’re going to move the compressor frequently, a smaller and lighter one will always be the better choice to avoid inflating your carriage and labour bills.

Size of the tank

The size of the tank is the most important factor that decides the size of an air compressor. This is significant because it determines how long you use the compressor before it needs to refill the air tank. If your tools and applications require a constant flow, a bigger air compressor is the right choice. Smaller tools like nail gun require short bursts of compressed air that don’t need a large tank. But the motor will have to switch on and off, which can cause wear and tear, and affect the lifespan of your compressor overall.

Conclusion 

Our expertise and experience make us one of the topmost air compressor dealers in Mumbai. If you’re specially looking for ELGi Air Compressor Dealers in Mumbai, we are the perfect choice for you. Dial us at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in to get in touch today!

How To Improve The Compressor Efficiency

Low-efficiency levels can seriously impact the operational costs of your business, as you will have to foot much higher energy bills, in return for some sub-optimal performance from your air compressor. As your air compressor dealers will tell you, most compressors usually have ample scope for improvement in terms of efficiency. VEMC as a top compressor dealer in Mumbai can share some insights from its vast experience.

What are the do’s and don’ts to achieve high availability with maximum efficiency?

Compressor installation:

Make sure you choose a spot that has clean dust-free air and also sufficient space for unloading, installation, and regular maintenance. The surface must be level and one that can withstand the load of the compressor. Ensure the compressor is protected from rain, sun, hot air, flammable material, and corrosive agents.

Regular check-ups of machine parameters:

Air compressors have a few critical parameters, such as capacity, pressure, temperature, etc. To ensure that the air compressor is performing at optimum levels, it is very necessary that these parameters are inspected at regular intervals. Any AMC service provider or reputed compressor dealer in Mumbai can be helpful on this front.

Proper maintenance plan:

Preventative maintenance is important to not just boost the efficiency of your Elgi compressor but also avoid breakdown costs.

  • Air leaks –– Never ignore the air leaks, no matter how insignificant they seem. Air leakage can cause serious loss of pressure and wastage of energy.
  • Change filters regularly –– Contaminants in the air such as dirt, dust, or grease, can lead to a drop in air pressure, and a rise in energy consumption. To maintain pressure levels, change your air compressor filters regularly.
  • Maintenance regimes –– Be sure that a comprehensive procedure and checklists are in place, and that your employees are trained in executing proper maintenance. Air compressor dealers and AMC service companies can guide you well on this.

Proper selection of ancillaries:

Unauthorised or generic ancillaries such as dryers, pipes, and filters, may not fit or work well with the air compressor, and instead cause damage to the system and reduce its life span. Always procure them only from an authorized Elgi compressor dealer.

Does a maintenance plan affect my compressors’ efficiency and availability?

As much as possible, follow the recommendations from your air compressor dealer. With a good maintenance plan in place, you simply don’t need to worry about parts, inventory, monitoring, and repairs. It helps you make the most of your investment and effectively manage resources. Therefore, a proper maintenance plan from a reputed AMC services company can significantly boost your compressors’ efficiency and availability.

Are there advanced ways to monitor my equipment?

You cannot possibly see what is happening on the inside of your Elgi air compressors. But parameters like temperature and pressure can tell you a great deal about its health. Any parameter going out of the acceptable range naturally indicates that the air compressor might malfunction, or at the very least, the efficiency levels are affected.

For more information on maintenance, call VEMC at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the authorized Elgi air compressor dealers, and also provide quality AMC services for your compressors. We are the leading compressor dealers in Mumbai.

Industrial Air Compressor Preventative Maintenance

Air Compressor Maintenance

Maintenance of equipment is necessary to ensure longevity and energy efficiency. This applies to air compressors that are used daily in an industrial setting. In this blog, we take you through some of the pressing issues with regard to the preventative maintenance of your industrial compressors.

Difference between preventative and standard air compressor maintenance

In an industrial setting, it is necessary to have an inspection regime in place to make sure your compressor and its allied equipment are functioning at the optimum level. This set of checklists or procedures is known as standard maintenance. 

Preventative maintenance on the other hand is all about finding and arresting mechanical issues before they spread and cause costly downtime. The schedule of preventative maintenance varies from component to component. While some may require daily inspections, others can be checked once or twice a year.

Benefits of preventative maintenance for industrial air compressors

  1. Avoids downtime: Downtime for any production facility can be costly for business and with preventative maintenance, this can be avoided to a great extent.
  2. Saves costs: Sudden breakdown of systems can cost more as compared to regular preventive checks.
  3. Ensures energy efficiency: Preventative maintenance brings to the surface any gaps or issues behind the sub-optimal level performance of the air compressor.
  4. Increases longevity: With regular check-ups, fine-tuning, and cleanups, an air compressor system can be kept in good health. This helps avoid fatal faults or wear and tear in the system and increases its life span.

Recommended preventative maintenance checks

  1. Oil filter: Oil must not be allowed to leave with the compressed air as it can corrupt the surface if the compressor is being used for spray painting. Oil filters must be checked weekly and replaced after every 4000-8000 hours of use. 
  1. Lubrication: Change the lubricant every 3 to 6 months to ensure the health of the compressor. Non-lubricated surfaces of the system could cause serious corrosion of moving parts.
  2. Air filter: Check, clean, and replace the air filter regularly. You do not want unclean air or air laden with particulates to come out of the compressor and hit a surface being spray-painted or cleaned with the compressor.
  3. Motor bearings: Make sure the bearings are sufficiently lubricated. Carry out regular inspections and check the bearings after every 4000 hours. Lack of lubrication can cause the bearings to get stuck in place.
  4. Intake vents: The air entering the vents can become dirty if the intake vents are lined with dirt, dust, and grime. The same air will then be released in compressed form.
  5. Belts: Belts must remain firm to ensure the proper functioning of the pulleys and connected parts. Replace the belts before they lose their tension or break down in the middle of a task.

Which maintenance checks should a technician perform

While some maintenance tasks can be performed in-house by your own team, for others, it is best you consult the compressor technicians. Some of these situations are

  • Replacement of motor
  • Relocation of heavy compressors
  • Safety shutdown instructions
  • In case of a mechanical breakdown

For operation and maintenance tasks of your air compressors by our skilled and qualified technicians, get in touch with us at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is the authorised Elgi air compressor dealer with an experience of over 72 years.

What is The Difference Between PSI and CFM in an Air Compressor?

If you’re looking for the right air compressor for your business, and are researching on the specifications of the product, you must have come across acronyms like PSI and CFM. These are necessary to tell you which size of air compressors are fit for your needs. Both these parameters are performance indicators of air compressors and other air-powered equipment. The main difference between PSI and CFM is that the former measures pressure and the volume of the latter measure. In this blog, we take you through a detailed understanding of both these metrics.

What is PSI?

PSI stands for pounds per square inch. Quite clearly it measures how many pounds of air occupies a square inch area. The greater the PSI value of a compressor, the greater pressure it is exerting and hence the more powerful it is considered to be. Quite simply, an air compressor with a PSI reading of 120 would indicate that it delivers 120 pounds of pressure per square inch. On an industrial compressor, the PSI value is typically displayed within the compressor system. As a convention ‘PSI’ is written in small letters. 

What is CFM?

CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. This indicates the volume or output rate of the air compressor in terms of cubic feet of air per minute. Simply put, it indicates how much air is being moved per minute. CFM is always measured at a particular PSI and increases proportionately along with the horsepower applied. Domestic compressors typically offer a volume of around 2 CFM while large industrial compressors that usually run at 200 HP, can deliver up to 1000 CFM of airflow. 

How are pressure and flow related in an air compressor?

To run an air compressor optimally, both volume and pressure must be sufficient. The principle isn’t very different from that of a garden pipe. When you squeeze the end of the pipe with your thumb, you are in effect reducing the space and creating less room for it to flow out. This will make the water shoot out farther. In air compressors, PSI and CFM relate to each other in a similar way. 

For the purpose of mathematical calculations, the relationship of pressure with volume in a compressed system can be demonstrated by Boyle’s law which states that:

P1 x V1 = P2 x V2

(P1 and V1 represent initial pressure and volume, and P2 and V2 represent final pressure and volume.)

The risks of over-pressurisation

Many times, users may over-pressurise the air compressors to ensure enough pressure is applied for a given task. This could pile up irrecoverable costs of energy losses since an increase in PSI value invariably increases the energy consumed. It can also reduce the lifespan of your equipment as the ‘artificial demand’ (another term for over-pressurisation) can cause unnecessary wear and tear.
For any questions regarding flow rates or accurate pressure levels for your air compressor systems, feel free to get in touch with us at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is the authorised dealer of Elgi air compressors with a rich industry experience of over 72 years.

Top 5 Ways To Minimise Your Compressed Air Costs

Air compression if not done with proper checks, maintenance, and energy audits could turn out to be a fairly costly affair. To control costs of air compression effectively, you must follow a checklist of critical factors. While most of these factors fall under your regular maintenance procedures, some require your special attention. In this blog, we take you through the most important measures meant to control costs while you compress air at your facility.

  • Avoid unnecessary running: The biggest overhead cost associated with air compressors is the energy cost. There is one simple trick that you can use to tackle this upfront: turn it off! Air compressors at most facilities are used during the business hours and yet these are often found running until late evening. This wastes precious hours of electricity and adds to your energy bills.
  • Look for leakages: Leakages in the piping can cause loss of air pressure although the energy expended on compressing the air might remain the same. This means that you are using the same amount of energy but getting lesser work done. It is extremely important to look for leakages due to corrosion, pipe breakage, sludge, and dust particles in the piping regularly. Keeping the piping clean reduces the likelihood of leakages caused by corrosion.
  • Use the right pressure levels: Using the compressor at pressure levels beyond your requirement can cause wastage of energy. One reason for turning up the pressure could be compensating for the loss of pressure due to leakages, clogged filters, and other piping problems.
  • Use proper piping infrastructure: Using the right piping infrastructure that determines the direction and pattern of flow of compressed air is essential. A variety of factors play a role in this regard. Getting the compressed air to the focal point through a short pipe can optimise pressure and reduce energy use. Similarly, reducing the diameter of the pipe can help increase air pressure, work on the focal point effectively, and reduce energy consumption significantly.
  • Recover heat: The heat generated as part of the compression process can be used for a number of productive purposes. These include warming the rooms or producing hot water in washrooms. This could indirectly reduce the energy that would otherwise be consumed by geysers and radiators, especially in colder regions.
  • Ensure proper maintenance: By and large, proper maintenance helps reduce operational costs in more ways than one. In fact, preventive maintenance is less expensive than breakdown maintenance which could result in halting of operations and loss of business.

These insights can help keep a check on the energy, operations, and maintenance costs of compressing air at your facility. 

For further assistance on air compressors, feel free to contact us on +919819907445. We would be glad to assist you in finding the best match based on your requirements. As one of the leading ELGi air compressor dealers, VEMC provides end-to-end services to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and is a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

5 Steps to Achieve Maximum Air Compressor Efficiency

The key to optimal air compressor efficiency is to maintain the integrity of your entire pneumatic system. This includes the air compressor, fittings, air hose, and tools. An efficient pneumatic system will ensure that you’re getting the air you need when you need it. An inefficient one will cost you time and money. So, here are 5 steps that will make sure your pneumatic system keeps operating the way it was intended to.

  1. Use 3/8-inch Air Hose: Whenever possible, use a 3/8-inch air hose to ensure you get the maximum amount of pressure to the tool. While a 1/4-inch air hose is lighter to work with, its smaller diameter restricts airflow and causes a greater degree of frictional loss. As a thumb rule, opting for a larger diameter hose ensures the maximum amount of pressure to the tool.
  2. Use Shorter Lengths of Air Hose: The longer the distance air has to travel, the greater is the loss of pressure. For the maximum amount of pressure, use shorter lengths of air hose wherever possible. This, however, may not be possible in certain unavoidable situations, and in that case, using an auxiliary tank can come to your rescue.
  3. Use an Auxiliary Tank: An auxiliary tank acts as a reservoir of extra air and allows a user to maximize the distance between the compressor and the tool. It also helps minimize frictional loss.
  4. Lubricate your Pneumatic Tools Regularly: Using lubricants on movable parts can reduce friction and achieve greater levels of efficiency. It is important to consider the frequency of lubrication as well as the type of lubricant being used in the tools. For tools that are used daily, 4-5 drops at the start of each shift, is the norm. Using the wrong type of lubricant can damage the O-rings and other critical components.
  5. Check the System for Leaks: This can be done simply by allowing the compressor to build top pressure with the air hose and other components connected. Once the compressor has stopped pumping, watch the tank pressure gauge and listen carefully for any hissing noise. If the needle of the pressure gauge drops continuously, it indicates a leak. If on the other hand, it stays put and there is no hissing noise, the system is completely leak-free. Leaks in the system can cause excessive running of the compressor, leading to early wear and tear. A leak can be detected by spraying soap water on the hose and other components and looking for the formation of bubbles.
5 Steps to Achieve Maximum Air Compressor Efficiency

For assistance to decide on the air compressor that suits your needs the best, feel free to contact us on +919819907445. We would be happy to assist you in finding the best match based on your requirements. As one of the leading ELGi air compressor dealers, VEMC provides seamless services to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and is a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

Different Types of Air Compressors

Compressed air is a great source of energy in wide-ranging industrial operations and is used for powering tools like impactors, drills, and other equipment. Air compressors, therefore, act as engines to create and supply this powerful driving force. Compressors are prone to falling into disrepair, especially due to impure, humid, or hot air, and therefore require regular maintenance, care, and protection to ensure optimum level performance.

Different types of air compressors are used in the industry, each with unique designs and operation specifics. So, you must understand the difference between all of these air compressors. Buying the right type of compressor from a reputable company ensures a longer lifespan and higher returns on your investment. In this blog, we shall take a look at the most common types of air compressors in use today.

Reciprocating Air Compressor

A Reciprocating Air Compressor, also known as a Piston Compressor uses one or more pistons to compress the air which enters it through a system of valves. The compressed air then flows into the holding tank. This is one of the most widely used types of industrial air compressors and finds application in areas like chemical processing, gas transmission, and hydrocarbon refining.

Screw Air Compressor

Screw Air Compressors make use of two closely meshing helical screws to compress air. Once the air enters into the chamber, the helical screws are turned to push it down into an extremely constricted space, which increases its pressure manifold. These compressors are mostly used in refrigerators and automated manufacturing systems. In the construction sector, these are used to provide compressed air to jackhammers, riveting tools, pneumatic pumps, sandblasting operations, and industrial paint systems.

Centrifugal Air Compressor

A centrifugal compressor makes use of a fast-rotating impeller and radial blades which create centrifugal force to suck the air in. These days, centrifugal compressors have high-speed electric motors to drive the impellers and create powerful centrifugal force. These compressors are used in gas turbines, automobile turbochargers and superchargers, oil refineries, natural gas processing, air-conditioning, and HVAC systems.

Oil-Free Scroll Compressor

Air compressors have a number of moving parts which create friction and wear and tear, leading to early degradation of the compressor. As such, oil lubrication is a must for air compressors. However, frequent oil lubrication can be burdensome and may not be suitable in operations where cleanliness is of utmost importance. Oil-free scroll compressors can come in handy in such situations. These use the rotary movement of scrolls to compress air into a very small space and pass it through the air outlet located at the centre of the scroll.

For assistance to decide on the air compressor that suits your needs the best, feel free to contact us on +919819907445. We would be happy to assist you in finding the best match based on your requirements. As one of the leading ELGi air compressor dealers, VEMC provides seamless services to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and is a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.