Learning the Lingo of Compressed Air

air-compressor14The compressed air market is no different than any other type of specific specialization in that it has its own level of jargon.  Learning what the different terms mean will help you have a better understanding of what you are dealing with when it comes to compressed air.

Different Parts of an Industrial Air Compressor:

  • Air Regulator – used to gauge how much air is being expelled from the tank.
  • Tank – this is the largest part of the unit.  It holds all the air until it is ready to be compressed and used.
  • Pressure Gauge – this is on the tank and it shows how much air is available to use inside the tank.
  • Check Valves – these ensure the air is flowing in the same direction.
  • Line Pressure Gauge – measures how much air is in the pneumatic hose that supplies all your tools with air.

Difference between Single Stage and Two-Stage Compressor Units:

  • Single Stage Compressor – a smaller unit that compresses air in one stage.  It can store a moderate amount of compressed air.
  • Two-Stage Compressor – this is a larger unit which compresses air in one stage but then takes the compressed air and compresses it again in a second stage which leads to a higher CFM and PSI.

Measurements Involved in Reading your Air Compressor:

  • PSI – this is one of the most important measurements.  It stands for pounds per square inch.  This is the measurement of the pressure inside the tank, the hoses, and the system itself.  It measures the amount of force being expelled by the machine.
  • CFM – this stands for cubic feet per minute.  This measures the amount of air being delivered from the compressor to the other tools.  A higher CFM rating means more compressed air is being delivered.

For all of your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. will be able to help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Latest Trends and Technology in Air Compressor Systems

air-compressor5Air compressors come in all different sizes and types so the first step to selecting an air compressor is figuring out which type is best for you.  Before the selection is made, it is important to inquire about the model differences, advantages, and disadvantages.

You will also need to keep in mind that air compressors require maintenance.  To ensure that your air compressor is running smoothly and efficiently you should subscribe for air audits.  Air audits are a service provided by companies that are specialists in offering air compressor maintenance services. 

It can also be helpful to compare the costs of different brands.  Kaeser is one of the most trusted brands, but there are also other reputable names to look into.  Choosing a brand with a good reputation helps insure that you do not incur too many extra maintenance costs.

You will also need to determine what the air compressor will be used for.  If you need something for residential applications such as filling the tires or spraying paint then you need an electric air compressor.  This type of air compressor would not be ideal for an industrial setting, but has enough power for various home jobs.

Another level of air compressors is the commercial level.  These compressors are not as portable as their electric counterparts, but they are more powerful.  These compressors also run for a longer time without needing a refill.

Industrial air compressors are another level.  They are similar to commercial ones, but tend to be bigger in size.  They are also easier to maintain.

Warranty is another issue to consider when searching for an air compressor.  Good brands come with a longer warranty as the manufacturers are confident in their products.

For all of your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. will be able to help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Why you need an Air Demand Analysis


air-compressor2 Professional engineers can help you design a new compressed air system according to your needs. In order to have a professional engineer design the system you need, an air demand analysis is crucial in ensuring you have a system that features optimal performance and efficiency. The air demand analysis consists of several steps.

  • Air demand and other data is collected
  • The data is used to produce an air consumption profile, which will determine which system is best suited for your operation
  • Each system is tested to determine its power consumption and overall efficiency

Through this data the professional engineer will be able to determine the best system for you. Everything, including the layout and type of the compressor, is completely designed and tailored case by case. There are several advantages to having a customized system, which includes:

  • Reduced energy costs
  • Reduced financial costs in the long run as a result of energy savings
  • Maximum performance
  • Optimized reliability
  • More efficient


Speak with a professional demand and have him or her conduct an air demand analysis today. In the long run, you will have a system that can minimize the energy and financial costs while maximizing performance and efficiency.

For all your installation needs Air Center, Inc. can help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Used Air Compressors

air-compressor7Air compressors play an important role in industrial operations.  They are machines that escalate the volume of air which is stored within a particular space.  While holding volumes of air, the pressure is relatively increased.  This produces a force that is commonly used for a range of application.  The applications are usually by industries in manufacturing, commercial, and even personal use. 

There are several types of air compressors available and the ones intended for industrial use are categorized in two forms, dynamic or positive displacement.

Typically when you are looking to purchase an air compressor for your business you plan to buy a brand new unit, but if you are looking for a way to save some money purchasing a used model may be a good way to do so.

Regardless of your needs or demands for an air compressor there are many benefits to purchasing one that is pre-owned.  If you are considering investing in a used air compressor you should think about what the quality of the unit will be like.  To ensure that you receive an air compressor that is in good condition you will need to do research on the best leads and sources.

If you find the right source it is possible to get an air compressor with the same quality as a brand new one, yet with a much lower price.  Another gain you get is that your range of options is broader.  Also, the chance for getting better and more advanced models are increased since you have more money to spend.  There are tons of uses and applications that an air compressor can play for your business and having a unit around your business will always be a benefit for you.  Given some know-how and doing your homework correctly, you can obtain everything you need from a used air compressor.  

For all of your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. will be able to help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Refrigerated Air Dryers

refrigerated-dryers2It is important for any compressed air system to be able to rid itself of moisture and water vapor inside the unit. Areas of the air compressed system such as the inlet air filter are common entry points for moisture. As standard air compressors often convert and magnify air to psig, the same can occur with water vapor. Failure to rid moisture from a compressed air system can result in damage to the system and costly repairs. In order to keep an air compressed system in working order, install an appropriately sized refrigerated air dryer.

  • The process of the refrigerated air dryer begins via use of an air-to-air heat exchanger
  • The air-to-air heat exchanger first cools the compressed air
  • The heat exchanger then pre-cools incoming air, which condenses the moisture and sends it to an air-to-refrigerant exchanger
  • Liquid refrigerant further cools any incoming air
  • Any remaining moisture is condensed into liquid and drained out of the system
  • Lastly, air is heated within the heat exchanger to prevent the hose pipe from sweating

When searching for the right refrigerated air dryer, keep the pressure dew point in mind. The pressure dew point is the temperature needed for water mist or vapor to condense into liquid. To assess temperature requirements and the pressure dew point class, be sure to have an equipment test performed.
For all of your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. will be able to help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.