You’ve decided that your current application needs compressed air. You’ve also figured out how much air you need, how you will drive the compressor, and what engine you will use to power it. Now it’s time to decide what air compressor is best suited for your needs!
There are three styles of air compressor commonly found in mobile industrial applications:
- Reciprocating/Piston Compressors
- Rotary Screw Compressors
- Rotary Vane Compressors
Each of these air compressors have particular benefits and challenges, which we will break down in this article.
Reciprocating Compressors
Reciprocating compressors are the most common air compressors found in mobile applications and are the type most people are familiar with. There are a wide variety of manufacturers and suppliers worldwide, providing an array of options.
Benefits
- Low initial cost
- Easiest to service & rebuild
Of the three compressor types, reciprocating air compressors generally have the lowest initial purchase price and are suitable for low-duty cycle operations. Unlike many vane and screw compressors, most reciprocating compressors can be serviced or rebuilt in the field with simple hand tools.
Challenges
- Large & heavy
- Many moving, wearable parts
- Higher air temperature
- Excessive pulsation
- Requires an air receiver tank
Reciprocating compressors are typically the largest and heaviest when compared to compressors of equal CFM. They have the most moving parts and, like the vane compressor, experience increasing amounts of oil carryover. Because of how reciprocating compressors produce air, more after-treatment is required to reduce air temperatures and pulsation before the compressed air reaches your tools and equipment. An air receiver tank is also required with a reciprocating air compressor and takes up additional space.
Rotary Screw Compressors
Traditionally, rotary screw compressors were found in stationary applications and were not widespread in mobile applications. However, times have changed! Rotary screw compressors have become more affordable, and their benefits are increasingly recognized across diverse industries. Today, rotary screw air compressors are used in numerous industrial applications and are being manufactured by companies around the world, including VMAC.
Benefits
- Continuous duty cycle
- High air flow delivery
- Compact size
- No air receiver tank requires
- Few wearing parts
- Easy maintenance
Challenges
- Higher initial cost
- Requires routine maintenance
Rotary screw compressors generally have a higher initial cost when compared to the other compressor types, but last longer as they have fewer wearing parts. As most screw compressors found in mobile applications are oil-injected, they have an independent lubrication circuit. As a result, the oil used is specific to the compressor and the system will require routine maintenance.
Rotary Vane Compressors
Of the three common compressor types found in mobile applications, the rotary vane compressor is the least common. There are fewer manufacturers of vane compressors compared to reciprocating compressors, and service parts can be more challenging to find.
Benefits
- Fewer moving parts
- Compact
- Continuous-Duty
- Low pulsation
- Low initial cost
Like the rotary screw compressor, the rotary vane air compressor has fewer moving parts when compared to a reciprocating option. Vane compressors are compact in size compared to reciprocating and rotary screw compressors when comparing equal CFM compressors. They are designed for continuous duty and deliver a relatively pulsation-free air flow to your tools or equipment. The rotary vane compressor generally has a lower initial purchase cost.
Challenges
- Hard to find service parts
- Difficult to get service support
- Expensive rebuilds
As with other wearing compressors, oil carryover increases the longer it is in service. A complete rebuild is required to prevent this from happening, which is an expensive process. Finding service parts and support can also be a challenge.
Choosing An Air Compressor
When choosing a compressor for your mobile application, there are many factors to consider. The initial purchase price, ease of and cost of maintenance, size, availability, airflow, and longevity are all critical for your overall satisfaction with your compressor. Knowing which compressor meets your needs is an essential step in finalizing your industrial compressor system.
Visit our OEM page to find out how VMAC can help you build your custom industrial application!
