What to Look for When Purchasing a Rotary Screw Compressor

Check out this blog and video included to help you know what you should be looking for when you're thinking about purchasing a Chicago Pneumatic Rotary Screw Compressor for your shop or application. If you want to learn about what a screw compressor actually is, check out this article

If you're a large or small production facilities or factory, a large garage or workshop, or just someone that needs a lot of compressed air, rotary screw compressors are often the compressor of choice. 

First of all, you want to make sure that the compressor you buy can supply the amount of compressed air you need to do the job. In alot of cases, people don't know what actually need and end up buying an air compressor either that generates too little air. Usually when you buy a rotary screw compressor it's because it a) might be your first air compressor b) it's a replacement of an old screw compressor c) you need more air capacity than a piston compressor can deliver d) you need more air capacity than your current screw compressor delivers

So, with that out of the way... you want to make sure that:

1) Make sure you appropriately size your compressor 

You want to make sure sure that your compressor is running continuously throughout the day to match your air demand, especially when you're looking at a fixed speed compressor. You don't want to have that machine starting and stopping all day because you're not meeting your air demand.

Then you know depending on the size you want, you want to have a look at the types of controls a compressor has - so a compressor with a simple electro pneumatic control type like our Chicago Pneumatic range has gauges with easy to read lights. When you step up in compressor size, you will see more advanced types of controls, which will show maintenance hours. If you're looking at say a 7.5HP rotary screw compressor you want to make sure you're getting the right flow for demand.


2) Air flow is right for your demand

As a basic guideline, you want to have a look at the spec sheets of your pneumatic equipment. You should be able to have a look and see the amount of air it needs, and the pressure at which the equipment operates at. You want to make sure that the part that needs the highest pressure is addressed as this will dictate the required pressure. You'll need to account for pressure drop and load and unload differential of your compressor. Once you've done that, you need to add up the consumption of your equipment and it will give you the capacity of your air compressor. You'll want to buy a bigger compressor to ensure it isn't over working, but not too bit. 

 

Check out this great video by CP Compressors:

As you've probably Googled, you'll see there are many many different screw compressors with extras and options. The question you may be asking is:

What about the extras? Filters? Integrated Air Dryers? Condensate traps?

 

Air dryers and filters:

Chicago Pneumatic offer a all-in-one solution (sometimes called 'total solution' or 'full feature'. This means you get an air compressor with integrated compressed air dryer and sometimes also compressed air filters included.

For most systems, we recommend a compressed air dryer, as well as compressed air filters. With compressed air being naturally somewhat wet and sometimes oil as you can expect with oil lubricated compressors, air dryers and air filters work to combat this and improve your compressors longevity, saving your equipment from premature failure.


Electronic condensate traps:

A mechanical condensate trap (with the floater) can become clogged and subsequently results in being a top maintenance issue for screw compressors. When it non-functions, the condensate trap will result in lots of water in your compressor - not good! If you have a service plan in place, check the drain on your receiver super regularly, every week or so you'll be able to know when it stops working. However, if you don't have time for that run about, an electronic condensate drain is the way to go and can be installed at a later date. 


Variable Speed Drive:

A variable speed drive compressor matches the output capacity to the actual demand. In simple terms, it simple let’s the compressor run faster or slower, depending on the current pressure. A VSD compressor is a good choice when it runs at 50 – 80% load. This is where the money-saving is. Plus it allows the compressor to heat up, which will prevent lot’s of maintenance issues.


Aftercoolers:

On most stationary screw compressors, an aftercooler in standard. I would always choose to have an aftercooler anyway. Without the aftercooler, the compressed air leaving your compressor would be around 80 – 100 degrees, which is too hot to fed into most air dryers, air piping or air tools.

Besides that, the aftercooler removes huge amounts of water from the compressed air. If you don’t have an aftercooler, all this water stays in the compressed air (as gas) and condensates when it cools (in piping system, tools, equipment.)

Have a look at our range of Rotary Screw Compressors by Chicago Pneumatic, trusted by businesses required compressed air for their operations longevity throughout New Zealand...

Here's some examples of our Chicago Pneumatic Compressors models we have on offer:

Fixed Speed

CPM 5.5

CPA 20

CPBg

VSD

CPVSd 15

CPVSd 50

 

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.

We have more than fifty qualified service engineers working throughout the country, and with 13 locations nationwide, we're here for you and your business' longevity around the clock. We take pride in the quality of our service and in our dedication to help our customers solve their problems. This is why we are considered a business partner by our customers! See the services we offer here

Make sure that you get in touch today, for expert compressed air service and products!

.



Do you have an idea for our #expertcorner? Let us know!

Useful links:

Book Your Compressor Service

Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve 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!

  • Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Nitrogen
  • An extensive line of air treatment components

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.

Reliability and Efficiency

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:

  • Increasing uptime
  • Reducing unexpected repairs
  • Reducing energy consumption
  • Improving the cleanliness of compressed air


Talk to the team today:  CONTACT US CONTACT US

Read more from our #expertcorner



Just like any other equipment, a compressed air installation also requires the necessary maintenance work during its entire lifespan. Even though maintenance costs are only about 5 to 10% of a machine's annual operating costs, failure to budget for maintenance can have potentially disastrous consequences. …


The air dyer is one of the most ignored cooler in the system. A dirty condenser will cause water in the lines, or worse it will cause complete dryer failure. …


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. …


A question that is occasionally asked by our customers to Ash Air is 'what is the cost of compressed air?'  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. …


You may have great fall protection measures in place to keep employees safe when working at height, but what about their co-workers below? Dropped tools and other falling objects are a major hazard – and one that isn’t always fully addressed.  …


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. …


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.





…


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!  …


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. …


If you're wondering what an air compressor actually is, you've come to the right place. Simply, air compressors convert power in to air that is pressurised which is then used to power air tools such as spray guns. Air compressors are used in a wide range of applications, so naturally if you want one that will be designed for spray painting your vehicle, you want a compressor specifically made for spray guns! This way your compressor will be able to provide the right amount of power to perform the job. …


Compressed air plays a fundamental role in industrial activities. Depending on the type of application, the energy cost of producing compressed air can be very high. Below are some tips to save on you compressor bill. …


Air Compressors are essential tools in a variety of industrial settings. No matter what industry you are in having a reliable air compressor can be a crucial part of getting the job done efficiently. However, like an investment, air compressors require upkeep and maintenance, and eventually will need to be upgraded. But how do you know when it’s time to upgrade your air compressor? Here are some things you need to consider. …


When it comes to laser cutting and other industrial processes, the choice of assist gas is crucial in achieving optimal results. Nitrogen and oxygen are commonly utilized as assist gases, each with its own unique properties and applications. Understanding the characteristics of both gases, will help you to make an informed decision to ensure precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in your operations. …


Mobile air compressors are portable, towable compressors particularly useful for applications that suit the construction and roading industry! You'll often see a mobile compressor being used for sandblasting, irrigation blow-outs, and for quarrying tools such as pneumatic block cutters and rock drills.   …


Did you know that Chicago Pneumatic helped man land on the moon? Notice in this photo of the Apollo 11 landing what appear to be "soccer balls" on top of the capsule. They were inflated through a compressor specially developed by Chicago Pneumatic for NASA. …


Your company purchased an air dryer for your compressor, now where should you install it? One of the most common things we see in the industry are air dryers being stored on top of the compressors. Seems like a wasted space not being used on top of the compressor, right? Wrong. …


When using air compressors, there are many variables that are integral to the quality and effectiveness of your compressed air. When dryer air is necessary, being able to constantly and accurately monitor dew points can be a critical factor to your operation. …


Compressed air plays an integral role in breweries both large and small around the world. From start to finish, all details in the brewing process are managed in fine detail and having the right air compressor is no exception. …


We Kiwi's love our Coffee! Coffee, like all other food & beverage products, must go through a preservation process to keep the beans fresh during storage and packaging before they reach the consumer. Coffee that is not properly stored after it is roasted will lose a large amount of carbon dioxide, which lessens its' flavor and speeds up the staling process. One of the most common ways to preserve the freshness of coffee is the use of nitrogen gas. Learn more here: …


Air compressors are helpful for an enormous range of applications such as air filling, packaging, tools, HVAC control, and more! One possible drawback is the amount of electricity they use; air compressors can be a huge drain on energy if used ​inefficiency...  …


We get it, buying an air compressor is a big financial decision. And now we are suggesting that you need two air compressors, not just one. Ask yourself one question- Can your business still run if your air compressor goes down? …


It’s no secret – air compressors are excellent sources of energy. Not only do they power essential manufacturing elements and applications, but the heat generated as a result of the compressed air processes can be used as a byproduct that offsets other energy costs. However, there’s another form of energy that is also a consequence of the air compression process – sound. …


The emergency stop, "e-stop", is for true emergency situations only. When hitting the e-stop, all power is halted from the machine and the unload process isn't achieved. The emergency stop button is intended to help with possibly hazardous situations that are developing. Common conditions of having to use the e-stop is the misuse of the equipment in ways that weren’t intended, predictable failures not addressed or failing to consider all the foreseeable uses of the compressor.
…


We've put together a list of tips for working safely with air compressors in your environment! We recommend that you always read owners manual before running your compressor. The number one cause for repairs and personal injury is improper use. You've got to remember to use eye protection and hearing protection when operating your air compressor and try to avoid using air compressors in a wet area.  …


Air Compressor Installation Tips Installing Your Reliable Air Compressor

So, you've just bought an efficient and reliable ALUP air compressor? Welcome to the world of compressed air. As your partners in compressed air, we will continue to assist you along your journey. We have provided air compressor installation tips to ensure you get the most out of your air compressor.  …


Air dryers remove any condensation from the air compressed by your air compressor. Questions about them? Find answers to the most frequently asked questions here. …


Selective soldering with nitrogen is an essential process in the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs). It is used for bonding components to PCBs that could otherwise be damaged if exposed to a lot of heat. Another area of application are mixed-technology circuit boards with layout constraints.  …

Show More