Choosing the right air compressor for your business can be an overwhelming process as there are many options available on the market and it can be hard to know which one is best for your needs.

So let’s take some of the guesswork out of this process for you, whether your business is in the process of installing their first air compressor due to production expansion or you’re looking for a replacement unit for your worn out system, there is a high chance you have come across the terms ‘Full Feature Air Compressor’ and ‘Standalone Air Compressor’

So how do you know which air compressor is the right one for your business? Well first we must talk about what goes into a Firstly let’s take into consideration what are the components of a quality air compressor system and to a lesser degree the air-line installation.

A high-quality air compressor system consists of three core components:

• The compressor,
• The refrigerant air dryer and
• The storage vessel.

Note: In addition to this within the compressed airline installation will also be an inline filter.

Each component plays a key role, the compressor takes the air from the atmosphere and ‘compresses’ the air, which then passes through the refrigerant air dryer (removes moisture in the air) and then into the storage vessel.

It is these three components that make up a ‘Full Feature Air Compressor’ with each component perfectly matched to the other to ensure the highest efficiency for your compressed air needs. In addition to all of the components being perfectly matched to suit either other, they are all bolted together in a complete package. This ensures that the unit itself takes up minimal floor space, great for tyre shops or small manufacturing workshops or any business where floor space is a concern.

Alternatively, you would have all of these components taking up their own floor space, this is common when using a ‘standalone air compressor’ where either floor space is not a concern or the other components in the compressor system aren’t requiring replacement.

Lastly when using a Full Feature Compressor, it can make the airline installation easier as the compressed airline installer is only concerned with plumbing to the air station itself and not the individual components which may not be located with each other.

And so the next time you’re in the market for a new air compressor unit it’s key that you first understand what your compressed air needs are, and if you have an existing airline installed, what the condition of this is.

The best part of all of this is that you don’t have to be the expert!

In addition to being able to supply and install the air station, they can also conduct a few system prechecks such as compressor power audits, review your application requirements – to ensure your new system is the right system for your needs, and airline ultrasonic leak detection to ensure your airline system will live up to the flow of your new air station.

So, if you’re in the market for a new full feature air compressor or you’re unsure if your current system is holding your business back, contact the team at Direct Varied Solutions today.