FAQS

An air compressor is a vessel that creates and stores compressed air.

This compressed air is then used an as energy source to power tools and equipment.

Compressed air is air that is created and kept under a pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure.

Tools and equipment powered by compressed air tend to be lighter, safer and more efficient that tools powered by electricity due to the lack of electric motor.

Not only that, but air tools have less moving parts, meaning less maintenance costs.

By using an air compressor.

A Compressor draws air in from the surrounding atmosphere and into the compression system.

Yes, there are 4 common basic designs that are relevant to all applications and budgets.

1. Piston Compressors – these are smaller units designed primarily for hose use. 1 HP of motor delivering 3cfm of FAD (Free air delivered)
2. Centrifugal Compressors – these units are quite large running from 2000cfm and common in the mining industry.
3. Scroll Compressors – these units are used in dental and low volume medical practise. 1 HP of motor delivers 4 cfm of FAD.
4. Rotary Screw Compressors – these are the most designed compressor currently used. 1 HP of motor delivering 4.5cfm of FAD.

Cubic feet per minute. This indicates the amount of air that a compressor can produce at a given pressure level – the compressor flow rate.

Pounds per square inch.

The compressor takes in air from the atmosphere and compresses it via the screw air end. The air is pulled in via the inlet filter into the male and female screw rotors and as it travels through, it begins to compress.

The screws are either lubricated with oil to keep the metal cool, or, if the compressor has oil free air ends, are Teflon or ceramically coated screws which cools the process instead of oil.

The air travels into the separator vessel which splits oil from the air and returns the oil to air end and sends the air to the manifold outlet and repeats.

An aftercooler cools/dries compressed air to remove moisture.

Aftercoolers protect equipment from excessive heat and moisture, prolonging the life of your equipment.

100% oil free air is air from an oil free compressor that has no oil within the compression process. The air ends are either coated in Teflon or ceramically coated which cools the process.

There are many applications where even the tiniest drop of oil can cause product spoilage or damage production equipment. The consequences of oil contamination are just too high to risk, which is why oil free compressors are ideal.

‘Instrument quality’ air is air that has been treated by an Aftercooler Dryer and Filtration pack prior to entering the pipes. Some clients may also need a desiccant dryer to meet there standard.

Pharmaceutical, gas and food companies may all request dew points of -40.

Technically oil free air is air supplied from a normal rotary screw compressor, then dried and filtered to remove moisture and oil. Technically oil free air is also cheaper.

Breathing air is technically oil free air with removal of levels of CO and CO2, hence regular air testing to meet the standards.

Even if we test the air, it can still have CO and CO2 in it as the air source may be allowing fumes into the system. Hence correct servicing of units and exhaust systems and placing the units in a fresh air environment.

An Air Receiver is a type of pressure vessel which stores compressed air for large demands in excess of compressor capacity.

These pressure vessels are potentially very dangerous and can fail catastrophically causing fatalities, serious injuries, and property damage. Read more here

Compressors are like cars; they need to be regularly maintained to ensure breakdowns do not occur.

Regular servicing, maintenance and checks will:

• Potentially avoid downtime and decreased productivity.
• Keep your compressor working in top working condition.
• Bring any malfunctions to light – CATCH POTENTIAL PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY CAUSE HAVOC eg. Overheating, fire, unexpected shutdowns etc.
• Save thousands on replacement costs.

Yes! Air Powered also perform:

• Major servicing.
• Air end rebuilds.
• Compressor overhauls.
• Comprehensive reporting regarding your compressed air system performance while in operation.
• Pipework installations.

Again, like cars, compressor servicing depends on the actual operating hours and time. If the compressor does not reach its operating hours within a 6 or 12 month timeframe, it still needs to be serviced. We recommend you have your compressor serviced at least once a year to ensure maximum working capabilities.

We recommend filters to be changed every 6 to 12 months at the most.

We recommend the oil to be changed changed every 6 to 12 months at the most.

Your pressure vessel needs to be externally inspected every 2 years and internally every 4.

For information regarding inspections, registrations, and advice, please contact the office on 1800247769.

Yes, we can! We can set up service reminders on your account, or better yet, set you up on an Air Powered Service Agreement.

Read more here or call 1800247769.