Why
is Compressed Air Useful?
2.
Rotary Screw Compressors
Proportioning the Compressed Air Dryer
Trying to figure out which air dryer capacity is best for you? Here are some factors to consider. Read More…
What Do I Need to Know When Buying an Air Compressor?
Why
is Compressed Air Useful?
The compressed air energy contained within a balloon is equal to the energy required to inflate it. The energy is stored as pressure.
When the balloon bursts, the pressure equalizes and the energy is released. This energy can be used to complete work.
Two Types of Air Compressors:
1. Piston Compressors
How do they work?
Just like an engine of a car, as the pistons rise, they press the air into a tighter space which creates pressure. Compressors can have 1 stage or 2 stages of compression.
Single-Stage Piston air
is compressed once and then discharged. Max Pressure = 130 PSI. Two-Stage Piston air is discharged once in a low pressure side and again in a higher pressure side before discharge. Max pressure = 175 PSI.
Advantages of Piston Compressors:
- Low Price
- Easy to Understand
- Simple to Maintain
Duty Cycle: Piston compressors generate a lot of heat during the compression process, they are restricted to the
amount of time they can operate. This is what we can the "duty cycle". Single-stage pistons normally have a 50%
duty cycle and two-stage pistons have a 75% duty cycle.
2.
Rotary Screw Compressors
Rotary Screw Compressors:
Variable Speed Compressors Quiet Rotary Screw Compressors
Rotary screw compressors act like superchargers in a sports car. Two helical rotors match each other and rotate together. As they do, air is squeezed into a smaller and smaller cavity, creating increasing pressure. A thin film of oil lubricates the rotors and keeps them from overheating.
Advantages of Rotary Screw Compressors OVER Piston:
- Runs cooler so it can operate continuously - More stable pressure - Air always available when you need it - Low sound level- 7 times quieter than a Piston - Better work environment for your team - Lower Oil Carryover - Reduces product contamination - BEST choice for painting - Better for the environment
Sizing the Compressor
To size the compressor, we need some basic information.
1. Maximum Operating Pressure: - Look at the pressure ratings on the equipment - Are there any known pressure issues?
2. Total Air Requirements (Total cfm) - Add up all the cfm ratings on the equipment (they are listed on all tools) - Do you want to wait on the compressor for air? - How many tools are you using at once? - Have existing compressors and storage tanks?
Calculate the Correct Air Requirements 1. Determine the total air requirements (in cfm) for all equipment 2. Make adjustments: - Add 10% for leaks and growth in business - Use consumption x 1.5 for piston compressor - Use consumption x 1.0 for rotary screw 3. Determine final air requirement in cfm for the equipment 4. Check your air requirements with the "benchmarks" below on the number of workers
6.5HP 50L Cast Iron Petrol Air Compressor SF302 KOHLER
$1,950.00 NZD exc.
$2,242.50 NZD inc.
$2,242.50 NZD inc.
3HP 100L Belt Drive Cast Iron Piston Air Compressor SF302HD
$1,900.00 NZD exc.
$2,185.00 NZD inc.
$2,185.00 NZD inc.
3HP 50L Belt Drive Cast Iron Piston Air Compressor SF302HD
$1,750.00 NZD exc.
$2,012.50 NZD inc.
$2,012.50 NZD inc.
5.5HP 30L Twin Tank Petrol Air Compressor (12.4 cfm, 10 bar) CPBA-55E
$1,433.90 NZD exc.
$1,648.99 NZD inc.
$1,648.99 NZD inc.
3HP 100L Belt Drive Piston Air Compressor CPBA-3100
From
$1,306.90 NZD exc.
$1,502.94 NZD inc.
$1,502.94 NZD inc.
3HP 50L Belt Drive Piston Air Compressor CPBA-350
From
$1,019.90 NZD exc.
$1,172.89 NZD inc.
$1,172.89 NZD inc.
2.5HP 50L Belt Drive Cast Iron Piston Air Compressor 'Ironman' CPBC-2550
$968.90 NZD exc.
$1,114.24 NZD inc.
$1,114.24 NZD inc.
2.5HP 50L Belt Drive Piston Air Compressor CPBA-2550
From
$896.90 NZD exc.
$1,031.44 NZD inc.
$1,031.44 NZD inc.
1.5HP 50L Oil-Free Air Compressor with Filter Regulator (5 CFM)
$745.00 NZD exc.
$856.75 NZD inc.
$856.75 NZD inc.
2.5HP 24L Direct Drive Piston Air Compressor CPDA-2524 (9.5 cfm)
$435.90 NZD exc.
$501.29 NZD inc.
$501.29 NZD inc.
2.5HP 50L Direct Drive Piston Air Compressor CPDA-2550
$397.90 NZD exc.
$457.59 NZD inc.
$457.59 NZD inc.
1.5HP 6L Oil-free Piston Air Compressor CPRB 6
$322.90 NZD exc.
$371.34 NZD inc.
$371.34 NZD inc.
Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and weβve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a
reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!
Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries
ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white
cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations
nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.
With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our
efforts on the following:
Talk to the team today:
Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!
Reliability and Efficiency
Read more from our #expertcorner
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Using nitrogen is not about fully replacing CO2, but it can reduce their consumption of CO2 by close to 70%. Using nitrogen is about sustainability. Creating your own nitrogen is easy and will reduce the use of a greenhouse gas, which is better for the environment. It will also save you money as early as month one adding that savings to your bottom line. Read More…
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A question that is occasionally asked by our customers to Ash Air is 'what is the cost of compressed air?'Β This article looks at the product costs involved with compressed air, as well as minimising the energy cost of compressors and cost allocation. When looking at these factors, we need to realise what causes dropped efficiency of your compressor, leading to increased costs of compressed air. Read More…
How to avoid falling objects when working at heights
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Providing a safe working environment for operators is essential, especially when using pneumatic tools and compressed air. If there is a failure in the air network and the hose is not adequately clamped, the resulting whiplash could be devastating. Failure to follow best practice can result in injuries, associated production downtime and decreased productivity. Read More…
Why do I need a dryer for my compressor?
A common questions asked is why do I need an air dryer for my compressor? Typically, air compressors produce water, and although the
water can be drained, there can still be aerosol and vapour droplets that are present. This is because water cannoet be compressed. Water
can damage your compressor by corroding the valves, pipes and machinery controls, which will cost you time and money to resolve. In
the long run, the cost of a new compressor is a small price to pay compared to the loss of production that could potentially arise due
to water damage in your compressor.
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What are some preventable causes of air compressor failure?
Air compressors can fail for an assortment of different reasons: Normal wear and tear, lifespan and age of the unit, poor maintenance, power surge, install issues are just a few the come to mind. Check out this blog to find out our top 7 tips to ensure your compressor is looked after! Read More…
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Simple Ways to Reduce Your Compressed Air Costs?
Air compressors use considerable volumes of energy during a typical work cycle. When you add up all the expenses of operating a facility, any savings can help you boost your bottom line. Read More…
What Should You Know When Buying a Compressor for the First Time?
If you have never bought a rotary screw air compressor before; do the following. Add up the air consumption of all the equipment at your shop. That will be the amount of air your desired compressor should provide. Read More…
How to Know When Your Industrial Air Compressor Needs Servicing
Knowing the telltale signs of wear and tear, understanding your productβs specifications and usability guidelines, and knowing when itβs prudent to call in repairs are skills that could save you a lot of time, effort, and money in the long term. Read More…
One-stage vs Multi-stage Compressor
Find out the difference between a one-stage compressor and a multi-stage compressor. Read More…
How do I winterise my air compressor?
That cold, rainy, and in some places icey New Zealand winter is upon us, and with the following air compressor tips, your air system will be prepared with the preferred temperatures, despite the weather outside. Regardless of whether or not it actually snows or freezes up where you live, most winterisation service recommendations are also basic, solid maintenance procedures that will help extend the life and operational efficiencies of air compressors regardless of whether you live in Queenstown or Northland. Read More…
