In the changing era of technology and increased global warming, Air compressors are the one which is widely used by industries to cope up with the temperature. If you are thinking of buying a new portable Air Compressor, this article is only for you.
In this short article, we are going to discuss the most critical factors we need to consider while buying a portable Air Compressor.
What is an Air Compressor?
An Air Compressor is a device that converts power using an engine into potential energy that is stored in pressurized air. Air compressors work in two phases, i.e., compression and release operation. Air compressors can be used for a range of tasks. Air compressors can be used for filling up inflatable pool toys or tires. Some of the other equipment’s that work with compressed air are:
- Drills
- Nail Guns
- Spray Guns
There are various types of compressors available in the market. Still, reciprocating piston type compressors are the most common and give the best value for that application—checkout the below factors before buying a portable Air Compressor.
- Horsepower (HP)
- Air Pressure (PSI)
- Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM)
- Tank Sizes
- Single Stage or Two Stage
- Fixed or Portable
- Duty Cycle
- Life Expectancy
Factors to Consider While Buying Air Compressor
Horsepower (HP)
Horsepower rating is one of the right ways to determine what size of compressor you exactly need. The engine size must be in between the range of 1-2HP. There will also be a 5HP engine but only in some industrial cases. The higher the HP, the more efficiently the air tank will be filled. In some cases, HP is rated differently, such as Gas engine HP is rated differently than electric motor HP.
Air Pressure (PSI)
It is usually rated in pounds per square inch (PSI). The minimum PSI required to run an air compressor is 90. To maintain a pressure of 90 PSI, you need another compressor of high shut off pressure.
Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)
CFM gives you a better idea to indicate the strength of the air compressor. It measures the volume of air. You may see different CFM ratings at different pressures on a compressor as it is calculated based on the size and speed of the compressor pump. CFM ratings just tend to be exaggerated like HP ratings, and you should get 3-4 CFM per Horsepower at 90PSI.
Air Compressor Tank Size
A compressor tank is only useful for storing the air. A Tank compressor size doesn’t matter a lot; what matters is a significant pump and a motor. But there are some situations where you can save money by buying a small compressor with a large tank only if you use limited air.
Single-Stage and Two-Stage Air Compressors
Single Stage compressors only have one cylinder, and each cylinder pumps air directly into the tank while Two-stage compressors consist of two cylinders, the air is pumped from one cylinder and then moves into the tank. The two-cylinder pumps move air through the cooling tube and into the second cylinder at a PSI of about 90 and finally into the tank at a PSI of about 175. A benefit of a two-stage compressor is that you can use air pressure at any moment without losing the pressure while Two-stage is quite more expensive than a single-stage compressor. The main reason why people buy two-stage Air compressors is only because of High pressure.
Fixed or Portable
It’s all upon your which type of compressor you want a fixed one or a portable one.
A fixed air compressor is stationary at a place and is bolted on the ground, and its access is restricted.
Portable compressors are movable, and you can move them from place to place according to your own need.
Duty cycle
Duty Cycle is one of the essential factors that you have to keep in mind while buying a portable air compressor. It can be explained as a percentage and tells you about the number of minutes a compressor can run for 10 minutes. A consumer-grade compressor must have a 50% duty cycle. It is not recommended to extend the duty cycle as the pump will get too hot and won’t last as long as it should, but some compressors can run continuously at a 100% duty cycle.
Life Expectancy
While choosing the best air compressor, you need to consider how much it costs per hour of life expectancy. Purchasing a bigger compressor rather than a high-quality compressor helps you to get a long-life expectancy. For example, if the minimum size required for your application is 10 Hp, you should buy a 15 HP compressor that runs about two thirds and stays cooler.
Maintenance of a portable Air Compressor.
To make sure that, your compressor can run efficiently with no dysfunctions, it is essential to perform routine maintenance such as:
- I was checking for all the oil and air leaks.
- I was checking the pressure difference in the compressed air filter.
- Have a look at the oil in the compressor, and, if necessary, change it.
- Verifying the temperature of the system and making sure that it is operating at a safe temperature.
Conclusion
The responsibility of choosing the best portable air compressor with having proper knowledge and information by your side is a plus point for you. By the right information, you can buy a stable and energy-efficient compressor that can last for years. With the help of this short article, our only purpose is to inform you about the factors you keep in mind while choosing the air compressor. So, now it is your responsibility to choose the best one according to your need wisely. That’s all for this article. I hope you find it resourceful, and please don’t forget to share it once.
