The size of an air compressor tank will determine how much air is stored within a tank. Additionally, the size of the air compressor tank will also impact how often the motor must turn on in order to refill the tank with compress air. If the air compressor tank is too small, the air pressure will drop rapid with the use of an air tool, leading to the motor having to turn on and off frequent.
A larger tank, however, will provide the air compressor with longer periods of work without having to turn the motor on again. The pancake-style air compressor tanks is some of the lowest in height and some of the most stable air compressors, especially on even surfaces like rooftops. The horizontal air compressor tanks tend to have a low center of gravity, which provide additional stability when placed on trailers or shop floors.
How to Choose the Right Air Compressor
Finally, vertical air compressor tanks take up less space and are thus useful in workspaces where the available area for the air compressor tanks are limited. You must purchase an air compressor that can provide the required amount of cubic feet per minute (CFM) to your air tools. While it may seem sufficient to ensure that your air compressor’s CFM ratings matches the CFM requirements of your tools, you need to purchase an air compressor with a more higher CFM output rating to allow for the air compressor to have time to refill it’s tank.
For instance, air tools like sandblasters require a large tank of an air compressor and high CFM ratings. Tools like nail guns, however, dont require a large air compressor tank. The number of stages within the air compressor will impact the maximum air pressure that can be released from the air compressor and the temperature of the air compressor.
Single stage air compressors are generally sufficient for tools that requires only 90 PSI of air pressure, with maximum releases of approximately 135 PSI. Two stage air compressors can release higher levels of air pressure, as well as run cooler during operation because the two stage air compressor allow the air to be compressed in two stages instead of one. Two stage air compressors are generally found in the larger air compressor tanks for professional use in professional environments.
The horsepower of the air compressor will impact the rate at which the motor can move air through the air pump. The more horsepower an air compressor has, the more air that can move through the air pump. Additionally, if the air compressor can refill its tank with compressed air rapid, the air compressor will be able to perform its tasks at a rapid rate, as well.
In order to ensure that the air compressor lasts for a long period of operation, you should perform maintenance of the air compressor regular. You should drain the air compressor after every use to prevent rusting within the air compressor tank. Additionally, you should check the oil within the air compressor and change the lubricant at regular interval to prevent the air compressor pump from wearing out.
Finally, you should also inspect and clean the belts and filters for the air compressor if they become clogged with debris or dirt over time. The purchase of an air compressor is dependent upon you’re work requirements. For tasks that are short in length and that must be moved to various locations, it is best to purchase a small portable air compressor.
For those who require long periods of continuous work with a variety of air tools, however, it is better to purchase a larger air compressor with high horsepower and large air compressor tank size. You should of looked at the motors size when buying.
