High-Pressure Air Compressors: Your Ultimate Guide
High-Pressure Air Compressors: Your Ultimate Guide
Table of Contents
How 'high' is high pressure for an air compressor?
There are many different types of air compressors. A common denominator amongst all of them is PSI or pounds per square inch. This is how we measure the 'strength' of a compressor.
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A standard 'household' air compressor is often used for various applications such as drill and nail guns, impact wrenches, sanders, inflating tires, and more. These typically have about 90 PSI.
Conversely, a high-pressure air compressor has a lot more power. It can compress air as high as PSI.
What is a high-pressure industrial or breathing air compressor used for?
High-pressure air compressors are often used for industrial applications and breathing air.
Industrial Air Compressors
Within the industrial space, there are many common uses for high-pressure compressors.
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Manufacturing processes
- Blow molding
- Powering tools and equipment
- Sandblasting
-
Testing and quality control
- Valve testing
- Leak testing
- Heat exchangers testing
-
Energy production
- Conventional and renewable energy sectors
- Fuel atomization and combustion control
- Hydraulic fracturing
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Oil and gas
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Extraction and processing
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Breathing Air Compressors
High-pressure air compressors play a crucial role in providing breathing air for various applications, particularly in environments where a reliable source of clean, pressurized air is essential for safety and performance.
- SCUBA Diving
- Firefighting
- Military applications
- Industrial and off-shore use
All breathing air compressors must meet stringent air standards set by C.G.A (Compressed Gas Association), and the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).
How do high-pressure industrial or breathing air compressors work?
High-pressure industrial and breathing air compressors operate through a multi-stage compression process to achieve the necessary high pressures. Initially, air is drawn into the compressor and compressed in stages, with each stage followed by cooling to dissipate heat generated during compression. This cooling is essential, as it helps maintain efficiency and prevents overheating of the compressor components. The air is compressed to pressures as high as PSI, making it suitable for various applications, including SCUBA diving, firefighting, and industrial processes.
In addition to compression, the air undergoes purification to meet stringent quality standards, particularly for breathing air applications. After the final compression stage, moisture separators and filters remove any contaminants, ensuring that the compressed air is clean and safe for use. This comprehensive process allows high-pressure compressors to deliver reliable, high-quality air for critical applications while maintaining equipment longevity and performance.
What is 'breathing air'?
Breathing air is compressed atmospheric air. Unlike Nitrox or other formulated air types, compressed breathing air is not enriched in any way. It is only purified atmospheric air. With the correct purification system breathing air can meet all the standards required for diving as well as firefighting and safety applications. The quality of compressed breathing air is highly dependent on the surroundings of the compressor or where the intake air comes from.
Our compressors produce high-quality breathing air that meets the standards of NFPA and CGA Grade E breathing air. The expandable built-in filtration allows you to extend the time between filter change-outs while ensuring that your air is as clean as you need it to be. Our optional electronic Carbon Monoxide (CO) monitors provide continuous monitoring and peace of mind for the machine operators.
What does a standard high-pressure compressor system look like?
A standard high-pressure compressor system for use in breathing air and SCBA / SCUBA filling consists of a compressor, storage cylinders, and a containment fill station.
Standard air system
High-Pressure Breathing Air Compressor
UN/ISO Storage Cylinders
Containment Fill Station
High-pressure compressors and storage systems are typically designed to exceed the pressure requirements of secondary tanks or canisters. This design principle accommodates the cascade filling method, which is commonly used in breathing air systems.
For example, our compressors are often rated at PSI, allowing for effortless filling of cylinders ranging from to PSI by simply adjusting the output pressure regulator. In most setups, fill stations are connected to a cascade storage system rather than directly to the compressor. These fill stations usually feature an integrated cascade control panel for efficient operation
What types of compressors does Arctic Compressor sell?
Enclosed high-pressure air compressors
An enclosed frame compressor offers the functionality of the open frame compressor in a nicer-looking, quieter, and smaller footprint build. Built in a block-over motor configuration, these models take up less floor space and are enclosed in a sound-dampening cabinet. Outfitted with a vibration reduction system, these compressors are well suited for use in manned shops where noise and vibration are a concern. The availability of additional features such as a built-in electronic CO monitor and larger standard internal filtration wrap everything you need into one functional design.
Types of enclosed compressors available
Arctic Series Enclosed Compressor
CFM
18 - 24 CFM
Pressure
PSI
dB Levels
83dB
filtration
57,000 - 90,000 Cu. Ft.
Power
15 - 20 HP
Arctic Series Enclosed Compressor
CFM
9 - 14 CFM
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Pressure
PSI
dB Levels
76 dB
filtration
24,000 - 57,000 Cu. Ft.
Power
7.5 - 10 HP
Arctic Series Enclosed Compressor
CFM
8 - 9 CFM
Pressure
- PSI
dB Levels
76 dB
filtration
24,000 - 57,000 Cu. Ft.
Power
7.5 HP
Open Frame high-pressure air compressors
An open frame compressor has all the necessary features and none of the frills. In general, the unit will have a base and frame, with open sides and front. Within the frame, you have the motor (electric, diesel, or gas) the compressor block, a small filtration system and the drain for the moisture separators. Open frame compressors have a slightly larger footprint as they are normally a side-by-side motor and block build. Additional filtration can be wall or stand-mounted if desired.
Types of open-frame Compressors available
Arctic Open-Frame Compressor
CFM
8 - 14 CFM
Pressure
- PSI
dB Levels
92 dB
filtration
9,800 - 24,000 Cu. Ft.
Power
7.5 - 10 HP
, , and PSI air compressors
The PSI configuration of your industrial compressor depends on your needs. At Arctic Compressor, we manufacture compressors that produce up to PSI. Our standard compressor models produce PSI and PSI and are usually used to fill fire department PSI and PSI SCBA air packs. We can also set the compressors to produce lower pressure air as needed such as the PSI or PSI.
Maintenance of a Arctic Compressor High-Pressure Compressor
Arctic Compressor works through an authorized distributor network for sales and service to ensure that experienced technicians are close to you. These service technicians are trained by us and able to perform all installations, routine maintenance, and repair services on our equipment. If you choose to perform your own routine maintenance the list is short and sweet:
Daily operation checks
Below is a list of items that you should check before every operation of your Arctic Compressor. This can be done by you or your team.
- Checking oil level
- Checking condensate drain container
- Checking auto drain system operation
- Checking CO/moisture indicator
Bi-Annual and Annual Services
Below is a list of items that should be checked bi-annually or annually by a certified service technician. Contact your dealer to get a time scheduled!
- Oil change
- Purification filter change
- Check fittings and hoses for leaks
- Check drive belt
- Particulate intake filter (rotate, or replace)
What should I consider when purchasing a high-pressure air compressor?
Many factors affect the cost of a high-pressure compressor. In the market, there is a wide range of price points as well as a range of functionality. The cost of a high-pressure compressor depends on your needs, such as:
- What pressure do you need?
- What volume of output (CFM) do you need?
- Is noise a factor?
- How much space do you have available?
- Do you need a 3 or 4-stage compressor?
- How quickly do you need the system installed?
At Arctic Compressor we are able to provide great value to our customers at a competitive price point without sacrificing any of the key functions of the equipment. Our Compressors, Fill Stations, Mobile Solutions, parts and accessories, and business are built on the model of being 'The Simple Choice'. Our equipment is simple to install, operate, and maintain. By eliminating many of the complexities from the operation of our compressors, we enable you to get the job done.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of High-Performance Air Compressors. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.