The Different Types Of Air Compressors

Before deciding which brand or model to buy, you need to know and understand the different types of air compressors first. This is so you can have an informed decision on your choice and be certain on what to look for in terms of a compressor type.

1. Single Phase Air Compressors – 240V/10 and 15 amp

A single-phase air compressor works in a standard 220/240 domestic power supply. This type of compressor normally has under 3.0HP electric motors. A single-phase air compressor is ideal for at-home craft projects, small home repairs, use of a few air tools, small businesses like automotive shops, repair shops, dentist’s clinic, beauty parlours, and other small enterprises that use air tools.

2. Three-phase Air Compressors – 450V

This is the most common type of air compressor for the tool being used naturally in industrial works. This is the type that can be seen in large manufacturing and production areas and other commercial use. The 380/440 power range consumption of the three-phase provides for a stable power supply that helps extend the life of electric motors. This stability is required of heavy-duty compressor works with lots of air tools harnessing energy from it. Due to its power and high PSI capacity three-phase air compressors are mostly used in manufacturing and production, big construction works, highly industrial processes and large commercial enterprises.

3. Diesel Air Compressors – 5.5 & 13HP

Diesel air compressors are known to provide the highest level of output compared to electric and petrol compressors. It provides an output that ranges from 185 to 1,600 CFM that far outdo other types. This compressor type provides higher torque and greater capacity for a vast range of simultaneous air tool connections and is usually used for behind truck-mounted and towable models. While you may need to take extra fuel with you since many diesel air compressor models are made with smaller fuel tanks than some petrol models so it can easily be mounted on a variety of work vehicles. There are very few disadvantages in using diesel air compressors that can easily be eased with proper usage and logistics. They tend to be noisier than their electric and petrol counterpart and can be heavier and bulkier which makes transportation challenging and requiring the use of large transport vehicles. It is also advised to use this compressor outdoors due to the toxicity of the fumes it releases. Indoor or at-home use may cause some health problems, especially when the workers are not using protective gear. Despite these, the benefits of using diesel air compressor far outweigh the disadvantages if you are really looking for high power output, portable and heavy-duty compressor.

4. Petrol Air Compressors – 4 & 10HP

Petrol air compressors are often portable and a very great alternative to rural area works that have no access to a power grid. This multi-stage compressor is good at providing power to simultaneous air tools usage. Depending on the brand and model, many petrol air compressors today provide a better performance in heavy-duty works. While some may frown over petrol air compressors in comparison to its diesel counterpart, there are actually many that prefer this air compressor type over diesel or electric of a number of reasons. Primary to this is the flexibility of petrol air compressor engines that allow greater control on the power output and fuel usage. If a particular task requires just a low output, the compressor can be easily calibrated to match the need resulting in low fuel consumption and wastage and lower noise levels. Diesel may be considered economical but petrol is generally cheaper by monitoring output and fuel usage, you may actually save more over time if you have less work to do. This is on top of the fact that petrol air compressors are cheaper to purchase than diesel or electric, making it perfect for intermittent light and heavy-duty works. Moreover, it is highly portable so it is easy to transport to outdoor sites or rural areas where no stable electricity can be used. On the flip side, although it is cheap to buy initially, it may require more maintenance over its lifetime to make sure that it performs well. Due to its lower capacity than diesel, it may not be able to produce as much as the amount of torque and power as a similarly rated diesel compressor can produce. Like diesel compressors, working outdoors with petrol compressors require efficient and safe transport and storage of fuel.
If you need more information on air compressors, do not hesitate to contact All Air Compressors today!

source: compressorcare