11 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Compressor

In this article, I will share with you some of the factors to consider when selecting a compressor for a particular application.

When you need a compressor to use in a certain application you have to determine several things.

There is a reason why we have compressors of different types and with different working capacities.

You can’t just use any compressor when a compressor is needed for a particular application.

One has to know the characteristics of the compressor and its working principle.

You might like this: Characteristics Of Centrifugal Compressors

Without wasting time, let me share with you what you need to know about this.

Factors to consider when choosing a compressor

1. The demand for compressed air in the area of application.

The compressors in the market are of different types and the demand for compressed air differs in each of them.

The main compressors available are the positive displacement type and dynamic compressor.

If you want to know the difference between these two compressors check out the article below.

You might like this: Difference Between Positive Displacement and Dynamic Compressors

The dynamic compressor provides continuous discharge of compressed air while the positive displacement type offers an intermittent supply of compressed air.

So, before you select a compressor you have to identify the demand you want in the area of application.

And the discharge duty of the compressors is one of the factors you have to know.

2. The capacity of the compressor.

As I started earlier that different compressors have different capacities.

The working capacity of a centrifugal compressor is not the same as that of the reciprocating compressor.

So, if you want to purchase a compressor you have to know the exact capacity you want in your area of application.

The compressor you choose should be able to supply the demand of compressed air needed at the point of application at any required time.

If you select a compressor that won’t manage the demands needed in the area of application then you would have wasted money on purchasing the wrong compressor.

One has to identify the amount of compressed air needed at the point of application before selecting a compressor.

The compressor should also be able to provide excess compressed air for storage in an air receiver for future use.

The compressor selected for certain applications should also be able to handle any future development.

If there is a possibility that the compressor uses will increase in the future then one should ensure that the capacity should also be able to handle that development.

3. Capacity control of the compressor.

When selecting a compressor this is one of the factors that should be considered.

One should select a compressor whose capacity can be controlled, in case there will be a need for it.

Capacity control is important when the compressor is used in varying load applications.

There are some cases whereby the pressure discharge or the volume of compressed air discharged will need to be changed.

If this is the case then the compressor should be able to provide that.

For instance, if the demand for the compressed air at the point of application is intermittent then the automatic start and stop pressure-actuated switch should be provided to enable capacity control.

This is one important factor one should consider when selecting a compressor for a certain application.

4. Method of cooling needed for the compressor.

The compressors have different cooling mechanisms and this affects their selection.

We have water-cooled, oil-cooled and air-cooled compressors.

When one selects a compressor they should identify the area where it’s going to be used.

Is the area of high or low temperature? Does the area provide good ventilation for the compressor?

These are some of the questions one will have to answer to determine the right compressor one should pick.

For instance, if the compressor is going to be used in confined places where the surrounding temperatures are higher then one will have to use a water-cooled unit compressor.

This will provide effective cooling of the compressor without any issues.

Also, if the compressor emits a lot of heat during its operation then one will have to go for a water-cooled compressor unit since they provide effective cooling.

If the area that the compressor is going to be used is well ventilated then one should use the air-cooled compressor unit.

5. The power consumption of the compressor.

The power consumption of the compressor is another important factor one should consider before selecting a compressor.

You don’t want to purchase a compressor that consumes a lot of power yet provides a lower efficiency.

The compressor selected to be used in a particular application should consume less power and provide a higher working efficiency.

No one wants to pay higher electric bills simply because the compressor is put in use.

The power consumption of the compressor is directly affected by the compressor efficiency.

The power used in the compressor is based on the compression it offers and the mechanical efficiency.

The number of stages of compression in compressors affects the amount of power consumed.

For instance, selecting a compressor with more stages reduces the power consumption, reduced pressure ratio, lower temperature delivery since the air is cooled in between the stages and increased volume efficiency.

A single-stage compressor uses more power compared to a multi-stage compressor.

6. Maintenance of the compressor.

When selecting a compressor this is another point that should be put into consideration.

One should select a compressor that is easy to maintain and the maintenance cost are considered low in case of any repair.

Different types of compressors need different types of maintenance.

We have compressors that need constant maintenance while we have those that require less maintenance.

One should go for a compressor that requires less maintenance, the spare parts of the compressor are easily available in the case when replacement of some parts is needed and the maintenance is easier.

This is one of the factors that will facilitate the ease of operation of the compressor.

As you the maintenance of the compressor is what increases its efficiency and increases longevity.

7. The capital cost of the compressor and the life span.

The initial cost of the compressor should be lower and it should also have a maximum life expectancy.

You don’t want to purchase a compressor that will only work for one year and the next one can’t be used.

This will only be a waste of money and resources.

The type of compressor one selects should have a max life expectancy to save money and resources.

When selecting a compressor one should also be considered the amount of money that will be used to purchase it.

You don’t want to break a bank account simply because a compressor is needed for a certain application.

Apart from the initial cost of the compressor also the installation cost should be put into consideration.

The installation cost of the compressor should not be higher.

One should choose a compressor that offers easy installation to reduce the cost.

8. The noise and vibration offered by the compressor.

When choosing a compressor this is also one of the factors one should consider.

The area where the compressor is going to be used matters when it comes to the noise and the vibration offered by the compressor.

You can’t use a compressor that is noisy in a hospital or learning environment.

So, if the area where the compressor is going to be used requires less noise and vibration the compressor selected should be able to provide that.

But if the compressor will be in a closed area then one shouldn’t worry about the noise and the vibration it produces.

You might like this: Advantages & Disadvantages Of Vibration In Machines

Sliding vane compressors are best when it comes to the amount of noise and vibration they provide.

They produce minimal noises and this makes them perfect in areas of application where fewer noises and vibrations are needed.

9. Air cleanliness provided by the compressor.

Air cleanliness is also one of the factors that determine the choice of the compressor.

If the compressed air discharged from the compressor is needed to be oil-free then one should select centrifugal compressors.

Centrifugal compressors are best at that part, but if you go for reciprocating and screw-type compressors it will be hard for you to get such a requirement.

So, if the point of application of the compressor requires the air to be free of oil then one should select a compressor that can deliver that.

10. Atmospheric pollution in the area where the compressor would be used.

The atmospheric pollution of the area where the compressor is going to be used also determines the choice of the compressor.

Different types of compressors have different abilities when it comes to handling the pollution offered by the environment.

For instance, if the area where the compressor is going to be installed for use has a higher pollution rate (dusty area) then you should think of using compressors that don’t require higher maintenance of the air filters.

The good choice in such a case would be a roots blower (air blowers) and the centrifugal types of compressor e.g the axial flow dynamic compressor.

Thank you for reading, I hope you find the best compressor you are searching for.

If you have any questions leave your comment. See you in another one.