When looking at purchasing a portable air compressor, you can become overwhelmed by the options and which one will best suit your needs. From rotary screw to oil free, natural gas, electric air and multi stage, there really is an air compressor for everyone. However, if you don’t know much about the world of portable air compressors, it can be difficult to make the right decision, especially when it’s an expensive piece of equipment. Therefore, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide of the types of portable air compressors and how they work.
Table of Contents
Rotary Screw Air Compressor
Rotary Screw air compressors use two internal rotors that run next to each other at a high speed to compress the air. Equipped with an internal cooling system powered by either water or oil, these air compressors are perfect for long periods of use as they are designed to never overheat. Rotary screw compressors are available in a horsepower of 5 up to 500, with the highest PSI available at around 150 PSI. One of the major benefits of Rotary Screw compressors is that they don’t require much maintenance, making them a great option for those working on small scale projects where only basic tools need to be operated with the air compressor. If you’re looking for a reliable, low maintenance air compressor that’s available in a range of different powers; the rotary screw air compressor is the one for you.
Natural Gas Air Compressor
Natural Gas air compressors are often used in large scale industrial settings such as oil refineries and factories; usually in an attempt to operate more economically while powering large machinery. In fact, Natural Gas air compressors operate much more efficiently than diesel or electrically powered air compressors. Operating on natural gas, these compressors are highly portable and are appropriate for outdoor or remote projects were power outlets may not be easily accessible. Therefore, if you’re looking to reduce your energy usage and costs, even if you aren’t working on large scale projects, a natural gas air compressor may be suitable for you.
Oil-Free Air Compressor
Commonly used in food manufacturing environments where oil in the air can affect the safety of food, oil-free air compressors are best suited to environments where oil contamination is a significant risk. One of the major benefits of oil free compressors is that they don’t require oil changes and filter maintenance, making them much easier to maintain then oil powered air compressors. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that oil-free air compressor are generally quite noisy which is something to consider if you are using it in a residential area.
Electric Air Compressor
Electric air compressors are perfect for worksites that have plenty of access to power points and are great for use in residential areas as they produce little to no noise. Being electrical, another bonus is that they don’t require fuel storage or produce any fumes, making them perfect for use indoors. However, the downside of electrical air compressors is that they consume lots of power, therefore making them expensive to run. Additionally, if you don’t have power points nearby you will need to use extension cords, which can pose a safety hazard and make your worksite look messy.
Multi-Stage Air Compressor
Multi-stage air compressors work by compressing air in multiple stages, allowing for cooling between the stages to prevent overheating. Producing less heat, multi-stage air compressors have a longer lifespan, also making for less wear and tear on the internal components. These machines are very powerful and therefore are most suitable for large manufacturers who need to power heavy machinery.
