I know what your thinking, you just purchased a new compressor and your asking yourself;
"what am I going to do with this old air compressor?"  No worries, you have a few great options;

1. If your old air compressor still has some life and you have room, keep it as a back up compressor.  Back up air compressors are UNDER RATED.  If your new compressor sneezes; the back up compressor is there to keep your plant running.   If your new compressor is due for service; the back up compressor is there to keep your plant running.  Calculate how much your plant generates per hour and calculate 8 hours of down time, it's worth having back up.  If you do hook up the old air compressor as a back up machine, stagger the pressure switches so the old compressor is set 5-10 psi lower than the load set point on the new compressor.
2. If you purchased or have a reliable back up compressor then sell the old compressor on any social or online auctions like craigslist for local listings or ebay for online auctions.  A good rule of thumb would be $100 per 1 hp for good condition or $125 per 1 hp for great condition.  If it's a well known brand and in great-excellent condition, then you may be closer to $150-$200 per hp.  In any sale, it's always recommended to take quality photos.   And try to clean up the old compressor as the cleaner it looks, the more you'll sell it for.
3. If your old air compressor has been decommissioned then its best to cut a large whole or cut the tank in half with a torch or cutting tool.  This can eliminate any liability if someone else takes the old compressor tank from your property.  We don't recommend it but we have heard some people cutting the old tanks into bbq pits                                                          (I hope they used food grade oil :)
4. Salvage the old compressor for scrap.  Many clients will separate the metals for better scrap value; steel, copper (electric motor), cast (pump), etc.

Feel free to contact anyone at the Compressor World office to discuss your old air compressor application.  Compressor World specializes in selling air compressors, air dryers and tanks to any and all fabrication, manufacturing, university, medical, automotive and granite fabrication shops

The biggest seller for many small businesses is the 15 hp air compressor.  All styles; 15 hp piston or two stage, 15 hp rotary screw or 15 hp rotary vane compressors, working in a variety of industries; small granite fabrication shops, manufacturing, medical/lab or automotive/body shops.   The 15 hp air compressor offers a range of air flow as low as 45 CFM to 80 CFM.

Popular Brands; we have listed some of the most popular 15 hp air compressor models and configurations.  There are so many different set-ups that we have broken up by base mounted (standard), tank mounted and then total air systems;

ROTARY SCREW AIR COMPRESSORS;
- Base Mounted 15 hp air compressors
- Base Mounted with Air Dryer 15 hp air compressors
- Tank Mounted 15 hp air compressors
- Total Air Systems 15 hp air compressors
- Variable Speed Drive 15 hp air compressors

TWO STAGE - PISTON AIR COMPRESSORS;
- Base Mounted 15 hp air compressors
- Tank Mounted 15 hp air compressors
- Bare Pumps 15 hp air compressors

OILLESS 15 HP AIR COMPRESSORS
- Base Mounted 15 hp air compressors
- Enclosed Units 15 hp air compressors
- Tank Mounted 15 hp air compressors
- Bare Pumps 15 hp air compressors

Viewing the best 15 HP Air Compressor by Brand
Atlas Copco -->  GA11 125 AFF
Chicago Pneumatic --> QRS 15 HPD
ELGI Compressor --> EN11-125-120T-G
Ingersoll-Rand --> UP6-15-125 TAS & R11i-TAS
KORE Compressor --> E15
Quincy Compressor -->  QGS 15 HPD

The 15 hp air compressor has a 1 year bumper to bumper warranty,  which covers the parts and labor.  You will also receive a factory start up when buying rotary screw air compressors larger than 25 hp.  This allows the buyer to meet their local service center as well as receive start-up and training.

If you're looking for the best 15 HP compressor, search online within our site Compressor World, which we offer some of the best compressors on the market.

When doing research on buying the best 15 hp air compressor, make sure you review the client reviews.  Stay away from factory reviews on 15 hp air compressors as they are just promoting the product.  Look for authentic client reviews, hopefully showing pictures of their 15 hp air compressor in operation.

When you are searching for your 15 hp compressor, remember to ask about the controls. "How does the control system work?" Especially when you are buying a used 15 hp compressor. The older compressors had modulation controls and were very inefficient. For example, at 50% of full load the motor was operating at 89% bhp. Newer machines run with load/no load controls with timed shutdown. Ask one of our compressed air experts to see which compressor would work best air compressor for your application; 866.778.6572.

Today we had a client call us about his air compressor pump not working properly and only holding 60 psi to his plant.   It's easy to sell someone a new compressor but to find the right machine for their application, our staff asked for a picture of their current system.  From this picture we can evaluate and find a solution.

When we received the picture, we found a piece of a granite countertop holding down their safety valve on the second stage.

This is a big SAFETY NO, NO!   The safety valve is their for a reason...

If the safety valve "pops" it is best to;

- Replace the Safety Valve
- Inspect/replace the Check Valve
- Inspect/replace the Compressor 1st and 2nd Stage Valves

It is NOT recommended to remove the safety valve or hold it down with any item!

If the compressor pump has discoloration on the discharge pipe, this could be a result of the compressor pump reaching it's upper end of it's duty cycle and maybe it's time to replace it with a new, larger compressor pump (increase the hp size) or with a new rotary screw air compressor.  Rotary screw air compressors can operate at 100% duty vs a piston pump is rated at 60%.  Piston pumps require a "time out" to cool the oil in between cycles.

If the compressor items are in good condition and the compressor pump is beyond repair, replace the compressor pump only and retrofit a new style on the air tank.  This is a inexpensive solution vs. buying a new air compressor system.

Tips for Keeping a Compressor Pump Running;
- Size the pump correctly
- Change the compressor oil frequently.  Piston oil is inexpensive, change the oil every 4-6 weeks
- Keep the Inlet filters clean and replace accordingly.  Pipe the intake filters outside if the compressor pump is near an outside wall.  Make sure you have outdoor filter assemblies to protect the filter element
- Drain the tank weekly or install a tank drain
- Keep the compressor pump clean

Remember, your air compressor is the lifeline for your business.  Spending short money on maintenance can eliminate compressor downtime and keep your business in operation.

Some of the best 25 hp air compressors are installed in granite fabrication shops, automotive service and body shops, manufacturing plants and at universities around the World.  When you install a 25 hp air compressor (piston or rotary screw), you generally have demands that fall between 60 and 100 CFM, any demand under 60 cfm should install a 20 hp piston or rotary screw air compressor.

Compressor World offers a variety of different compressor manufactures that make 25 hp air compressors.  The most popular brands we offer are;

• Atlas Copco; GA18, 25 hp Air Compressor.
• KORE Compressors; E25, 25 hp Air Compressor
• ELGI Compressors; EN18, 25 hp Air Compressor
• Quincy Compressors; QGS 25 hp Air Compressor
• Chicago Pneumatic; QRS 25 hp Air Compressor
• Mattei Compressor; ERC 1081, 25 hp Air Compressor
• Ingersoll Rand; UP6-25, 25 hp Air Compressor
• Champion Compressor; HRA25-12, 25 hp Air Compressor

You will also find 25 hp air compressors in a few different configurations;
- Base Mounted 25 hp air compressors
- Tank Mounted 25 hp air compressors
- Total Air Systems 25 hp air compressors
- Variable Speed Drive 25 hp air compressors

Every 25 hp air compressor Compressor World sells offers a bumper to bumper warranty, 1 year parts and labor.  You will also receive a factory start up when buying rotary screw compressors larger than 20 hp from Compressor World.  This allows the buyer to meet their local service center as well as receive start-up and training.  To confirm, Compressor World offers air compressor brands that make some of the best 25 hp air compressors, followed by great aftermarket service.

If you're looking for the best 25 HP compressor, search online within our site; best 25 HP rotary screw or two stage air compressors.

When doing research on buying the best 25 hp air compressor, make sure you review the client reviews.  Stay away from factory reviews on 25 hp air compressors as they are just promoting the product.  Look for authentic client reviews, hopefully showing pictures of their 25 hp air compressor in operation.

When you are searching for your 25 hp compressor, remember to ask about the controls. "How does the control system work?" Especially when you are buying a used 25 hp compressor. The older compressors had modulation controls and were very inefficient. For example, at 50% of full load the motor was operating at 89% bhp. Newer machines run with load/no load controls with timed shutdown. Ask one of our compressed air experts to see which compressor would work best air compressor for your application; 866.778.6572.

What to expect when you are having service performed on your Air Compressor

It’s that time again, time to perform your scheduled preventative maintenance service, “PM”, on your air compressor system.  What will that mean for your business?  Will there be time where you will be out of air?  How long will it last?  When can we start production again?  These are the common questions when scheduling service. 

During a PM, there are many variables that determine the time of “down time” in the air production, as well as ways you can minimize this down time and eliminate it all together.

• A “typical” PM on an Air Compressor (Rotary Screw, Piston, Oilless Scroll) if under 50 Horsepower, will range from 2-6 hours on site.
  • This includes Air filter, oil filter, separator, belt change and complete oil change (if applicable to the system).
  • A full inspection of the equipment, checking of the electrical connections and tightening as needed, cleaning out any dryer cooler & condensers and drains checked for blockage.
  • Any inline filtration elements are changed as well as oil/water separator elements
  • System as a whole is checked and any issues identified during the visit are documented and brought to the person in charge’s attention and addressed for quote for repair or noted for observation.
• Units over 50 Horsepower or systems where there are multiple units can range from 4+ hours to multiple visits on site.  It will all depend if you are having a minor or major service on your compressor.
• Down Time can range from 30 minutes to multiple hours depending on the system.  Having a reliable backup air compressor to take over during a PM helps eliminate down time all together.

Is Having Backup Air Compressors Worth it?

Quick Answer… YES… having a backup compressor is one of the best decisions to make if your business depends on air.  Whether you are a large production plant, with dozens of machines working or you work out of your home garage, your need for having a constant flow of air is vital to your business and keeping production going.

• Backup compressors eliminate having down time with your air. 
• Multiple machines in tandem will evenly disburse the working hours
  • Creating an environment where wear and tear will be minimized
  • PM expenses will be minimal and routine
• Scheduled PM services for both compressors can be worked on at the same visit. 
  • No down time, and no lag in air

Backup compressors are also essential in production as if the compressor goes down and is not usable, you are still with air and won’t lose production time.

Without a backup unit, and your compressor goes down, so does your production… which means lost revenue.   

So do not sell your back up compressor on craigslist or eBay… keep it for back up!

Feel free to contact anyone at Compressor World with any questions or concerns.  866.778.6572 or info@compressorworld.com

Performing regular scheduled service on your compressor system is a vital key to your compressors longevity, performance level and “uptime” with your production. Regular maintenance will ensure clean, dry air and like your car, your air compressors need to be serviced regularly. 

Regular service helps to ensure your machine and all in line equipment are running at maximum efficiency.  Your business is important, if your air compressor shuts down, so does your business.   Regular service will also help to identify and head off any potential issues before they cause longterm damage to your air compressor. 

Each compressor type i.e.; Rotary Screw, Piston, Oilless Scroll has a unique service schedule, and each manufacturer has a specific schedule and maintenance kit they recommend to do proper service. Here are a few generic standards for service, you should follow your recommended service schedule outline in your compressor manual.

Rotary Screw Air Compressor Schedule

Quarterly:

• Replace Oil Filter element
• Oil top off
• Inspect and Tighten Electrical Connections
• Inspect the Air Filter Element
• Sample Lubricant
• Inspect the after cooler

Annually

• Replace Oil filter, Air filter & Separator elements
• Complete Oil change
• Check Belts – Tighten as needed or replace from wear
• Inspect and Tighten Electrical Connections
• Clean the after cooler from debris and dust

Piston (Two-Stage) Compressors

Quarterly:

• Inspect and Tighten Electrical Connections
• Change Air Filter Element
• Change Lubricant
• Tighten and Inspect Belts

Oilless Scroll Compressors

Quarterly:

• Inspect Air filter elements
• Grease Motor
• Check Belts – Tighten as needed or replace from wear
• Replace Tip Seals (Every 7-10,000 hours)

*MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE TO MAINTAIN THE WARRANTY. 

Air Compressors are only one piece of the air system.  Other pieces of equipment in line also need regular maintenance.

Air Dryers

• Desiccant Air Dryers
  • Inspect and replace the desiccant when needed.  It is recommended to replace the desiccant every 3 to 5 years
• Refrigerated Air Dryers (High-Temperature, Cycling)
  • Blow out the exchanger, inspect the drain and check the ambient and inlet air temperature to ensure the dryer is working properly
• Membrane Air Dryers
  • Inspect and check the dew point.  Change the membrane every 3 to 5 years

In-Line Filtration

• Coalescing, Fine Coalescing, Particulate & Active Carbon Filters
  • Replace the element annually
• Pre & Post Filtration
  • Replace the element annually

Oil/Water Separators

• Annual replacement of the internal media is recommended

Air Tanks

• Condensation can build up inside the tank, daily drainage should be performed either by a manual tank drain, or continuous with an automatic tank drain.

Every air compressor manufacturer offers a warranty on their product.  To maintain the warranty, you must follow the manufacturers maintenance schedule.  Which means using all OEM parts, sampling the compressor lubricant during the warranty period.   Should a problem arise during the warranty period, make sure you have all of your records; ie., receipts, oil sampling results and maintenance logs.  Your factory service center will need this information to submit a claim.  It is recommended to read the operation and maintenance manual and create a maintenance log for your equipment.   

Again, to maintain warranty you should follow these guidelines:

• Use machine as factory intended
• Register your machine online with the factory (For example, here is the link to Quincy Compressors online registration)
• Follow the factory recommended maintenance schedule
• Have service performed by a factory recommended service company (not required but recommended)
• Use OEM parts & lubricant
• Perform Oil Sampling
• Keep records of all service visits

Once you have surpassed the warranty period, using OEM parts and lubricants is not mandatory.  Aftermarket parts are available and can save your and your company substantial amounts of money.   In some cases 200-300%.

Not all parts will have an aftermarket version.  The most common parts are the regular maintenance parts.  Air filter, oil filter, separator elements, in-line filtration elements, hoses, fuses, belts and other “consumables” most likely have an aftermarket cross-over.  The more “internal” parts may not.  Items such as motor components, air end parts, temperature probes, sensors and control panels most likely will need original OEM parts replacement through the factory.

Switching to aftermarket parts is a safe change.  Many customers are cautious to switch over but there are many reputable companies that manufacture durable and long lasting aftermarket parts.  Your local compressor service company will most likely have several companies they work with regularly and use their aftermarket parts to perform service.  Customer beware, if you outsource the service to your air compressor, check to see what they are using.  Service companies have been known bill for OEM parts and install aftermarket parts.  A good way to check would be to ask for pricing on both OEM and aftermarket, control your service center before they control you.   

Regarding aftermarket parts, there are many benefits:

• Maintenance costs (regular scheduled service visits) are reduced
• Parts are more readily available
• Aftermarket parts are direct replacements.

Compressor World recommends using aftermarket parts after the warranty period.  Use the savings and buy a new air dryer, additional air storage tank or put it aside for a new energy efficient variable speed compressor :)

Have a question?   Feel free to contact any of our sales experts at Compressor World @ 866.778.6572 or email info@compressorworld.com

Compressor World - 3/2017

The Compressor World "Air Compressor Guarantee" Overview

Every product Compressor World sells offers a 1 year parts and labor warranty (some rotary compressors offer a extended warranty), if a product has manufacturer's defect, and the factory cannot correct the problem by a factory trained service technician, Compressor World will offer a 100% refund or exchange.  

Start Up

Start up and training is included on all rotary screw compressors 20 hp and larger by the local service center.  In many cases, this start-up will extended the warranty from 1 year to 5 years.  Contact one of Compressor World’s experts to buy the right industrial air compressor.  This cost is included in the purchase price of the compressor.

Who will service my Air Compressor?

Once you make the purchase from Compressor World, you will receive a package containing your operating manuals and information containing your contacts for your local service and/or warranty center.  You will also receive a list of spare parts that is recommended for stock.

About Compressor World

Compressor World sells air compressors, air dryers, air tanks and accessories from only the BEST manufacturers and takes pride in their offered equipment.  Our expert team specializes in selling all types of air compressors, especially rotary screw compressors and dryers.

Sizing Air Compressor for Sandblasters

Are you buying a new sandblaster?   Here are a few research tips and questions to ask your supplier as you'll need to know how much air is required.

1.  What size nozzle are you using?
2.  Does the nozzle wear?
3.  What size air compressor do you recommend?   Have your supplier give you the CFM required per nozzle.   Understanding how much air is required can help you size the right compressor and/or how much air you'll be taking from the current house compressor system.
4.  If you need a new air system, make sure you know what power supply do you have available to operate the compressor, 115/1/60, 230/1/60, 208/3/60, 230/3/60 or 460/3/60.  Remember, single phase limits you on the air compressor size, you are maxed at using a single 7.5 hp compressor or multiple units or what we call a duplex 7.5 hp air compressor system.

Once you get your air and voltage requirements, you can then size the air compressor for your sandblaster.   It is recommended to size the air compressor 20% over the sandblaster demand/requirement.

Here are a few sizing tips when sizing air compressor for sandblasters
15-17 CFM = 5 Horsepower Air Compressor
18-25 CFM = 7.5 Horsepower Air Compressor
26-37 CFM = 10 Horsepower Air Compressor
38-60 CFM = 15 Horsepower Air Compressor
60-80 CFM = 20 Horsepower Air Compressor
80-110 CFM = 25 Horsepower Air Compressor
110-125 CFM = 30 Horsepower Air Compressor
125-180 CFM = 40 Horsepower Air Compressor

If you plan on operating the sandblaster on a continuous duty, it is recommended to install a rotary screw air compressor as they are rated for 100% duty.  People think rotary screw compressors never turn off...not true, the new rotary compressors have built in timers where they'll turn off with no demand.   If you plan on running the sandblaster at a lower duty cycle, a two stage air compressor would work just fine.

Call our hotline for any related questions or help with sizing air compressor for sandblasters.  866.778.6572 or info@compressorworld.com

Screen printing companies are converting over to machines that require air, dry air.  When buying a new, pneumatic screen printing machine or equipment, remember to ask the manufacturer/supplier for the required capacity or cfm that is needed to run the equipment.

Normally the air compressor sizing is based on the number of stations.  The screen printing machine can have 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, etc.. The more stations, the larger air demand/supply.

Typically, buyers will invest in the total air system which incorporates the compressor, tank and dryer.  These compressor systems are compact and quiet, great for installations near work stations.  Here are a few questions you'll need to ask when specifying a new compressor from your screen printer;

1.  How much air (cfm) is required?
2.  What pressure (psi)?
3.  Know your power requirements, what power do you have in your warehouse as this could limit the compressor size.  For example, if you only have 1-phase, a 7.5 hp compressor (20-30 cfm) is the largest single phase compressor you can install.
4.  Space, you should have 24-36" around the compressor for preventative maintenance.

Existing Screen Printers with the Compressor - NO DRYER
What do you do when you already have the compressor but no air dryer or filtration?   You have two options;
1.  Install the dryer after the compressor and dry the whole air system
2.  Install the dryer at the point of use, directly before the screen printer.

Answer:   We recommend installing a new air dryer after the compressor.  Dry the whole air system vs. one section.  What if you add new air lines and want the new section to be dry?   It's cheaper to have one dryer than multiple dryers.

Feel free to contact a staff member at Compressor World for additional support; 866.778.6572 or email info@compressorworld.com