Choosing Your Air Compressor

3 Basic Questions To Ask

✓ HOW MUCH AIR DO YOU NEED?

How much compressed air is needed to service the demands of your application in CFM (Cubic feet per minute)? How much delivery is needed to keep everyone working smoothly, without interruption? It's important to note that how much air you need is a function of how you use your air - intermittently, continuously or both?

✓ WHAT PRESSURE DO YOU NEED?

Normally, the tool or equipment with the highest operating pressure determines the needed working pressure for the entire system. Take a look at the specs for the various compressed air tools and equipment you have - the highest operating pressure basically sets the pressure required for the entire system.

✓ WHAT ELECTRICAL IS AVAILABLE?

You need to determine whether you have three phase power or single phase power available to you, what the maximum electrical service available to you is in terms of amps, and also what voltage is available on site. It’s extremely important that the air compressor matches the electrical service that is available on site.

Additional Factors

✓ HOW QUIET DO YOU NEED IT?

What noise level is acceptable if noise is an issue? Do you need a relatively quieter air compressor to allow your technicians to work in peace, as well as work safely?

✓ HOW CLEAN DO YOU NEED YOUR AIR?

Many applications absolutely require clean, dry compressed air, such as auto body shops, food & beverage applications, etc.

For other applications you have a choice:

• You can run your system on untreated air and deal with the wear and tear of tools and equipment, or…
• You can treat your compressed air with filters and an air dryer and improve the performance and life of your tools and equipment.