Are you overwhelmed by the numerous choices and different types of air compressors available? Do you want to buy an air compressor but are afraid of buying the wrong type?
Don’t worry! You have landed at the right place. Here, we highlight all that you need to know about air compressors to make the right choice.
Years ago, it was pretty common to use mechanical means such as shafts and belts to move power around the work place. But now, air compressor has become the heart of the system. These machines generally work on gases, squeezing it into smaller volumes and pumping it to different places at the same time.
Choosing the right air compressor depends upon your required capacity and pressure. These are two different things that you must be clear about.
What pressure do you need?
Pressure is how strong an air compressor is. It is stated in bar or PSI, pounds per square inch. Quite a few compressed air equipment operate at 90-100 psi which is 6-7 bar. Therefore, a lot of gas stations today look for an air compressor with a 7 bar for maximum pressure. Not all applications require higher pressure up to 15 or 30 bar such as paintball and scuba diving.
Air compressor power ratings and CFM – What capacity do you need?
How much power an active air compressor is using can be measured through horsepower. CFM means cubic feet per minute. The volume and rate by which a machine offers compression is measured in CFM. It is an important thing that needs to be considered when taking into account how much pressure a machine can offer.
However, the atmosphere also plays a part in the cubic feet per minute of a machine. Since the weather conditions are not same all the time, the rate at which the outside air enters into the cylinder differs across time.
To figure out CFM along with outside humidity and pressure, manufacturers use SCFM, standard cubic feet per minute. This way, they are able to take internal as well as external factors into account.
Manufacturers also use displacement CFM to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the compressor pump. They generate this rating from cylinder displacement and motor rpm.
The big advantage!
The major benefit of air power is that every tool does not need its own heavy motor. Electrical energy can be converted into kinetic energy by a single motor on the compressor. This is why its tools are compact, light, and easy to handle. Added to this, they wear out less and run quietly.
John W. Kennedy Co. provides superior petroleum equipment service and offers a wide range of gasoline station equipment. To buy gas station nozzles, gas pump filters, or air compressors, contact us now.