A bad compressor design can be detrimental to your business. You also run the risk of injuring people and spending lots of money. Don’t throw money into a bad air compressor.

The compressor design process is the time that you fully evaluate your needs. This is the point to decide on your materials, the location, and pipe system of the compressor.

Keep reading for a few things to consider when designing an air compressor system.

Types of Compressors

The are several types of compressors. The materials you choose for them will depend on the needs of the individual compressor. 3 common types of air compressors are rotary vane, and rotary screw, reciprocal.

Rotary vane compressors are the least known type used in mobile units. Because there aren’t as many manufacturers, parts can be hard to come by. They deliver a smoother air flow at a lower initial cost than other compressors.

Rotary screw compressors, like the ones by Able Sales, are increasing in popularity. They are touted to last longer and have the same power throughout its working life. A drawback of these compressors is the cost.

Reciprocal compressors, also called piston compressors, are the most well known. They are also the most common type found in mobile units. These compressors can be broken down in the field for maintenance. A drawback is that it is usually the most expensive in a production facility.

Environment Conditions

Something major to consider is where the compressor will go. Factors like humidity and airborne dust can affect your unit. Dirt and gases can be corrosive to inner-workings of the machine. The substances also cause the equipment the unit services to wear down faster. Ensure that the air intake is as clean as possible.

Maintenance Needs

After choosing an air compressor, consider it’s maintenance needs. Regular service of your compressor will keep it in good working order for the duration of its life. Make sure all the common parts subject to wear and tear are easily accessed.

If you are designing a piping system, keep maintenance in mind here also. The displaced air will still need to travel if the pipes undergo servicing.

Materials

Changes in the environment and the size of the system affects the performance of the machine. Mistakes in the line and compressor sizes can lead to an inefficient money pit. These costly mistakes shorten the system’s life and waste precious production time.

Safety Regulations

Is your system in an area where people are working? Are there hazardous fluids or gases given off by the system? These are a couple of the questions you must ask in the design process. Failure to follow proper safety guidelines can be fatal to others.

A common indicator that something is going wrong is a change in temperature. Proper pressure relief protects it from operating outside of a safe range.

Compressor Design

Designing a compressed air system is a nuanced project. There are many moving parts that each needs proper consideration. The type of compressor you chose will determine how the rest of the system is put together. The compressor design should be based on a proper assessment of your needs.

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