Centralized Air Compressor

Cost of course.

1. The initial cost of buying and installing 5, 10, 15 different systems (of any type) will most likely be greater than 1 system, however large.

2. Total cost of ownership. The maintenance done to the compressor system is based more on the number of components, than it is to the size of those components. Both the large and small compressor systems will need to have the motors lubrication systems maintained. That means that 5-15 machines will take more time (read money), than just servicing 1 machine.

So unless I can not make sure or it is guaranteed that the centralized air compressor will work with out break down for the period I need it, I should opt for small compressors?

Hi,

The argument between the options is often resolved by considering the energy efficiency of both and comparing the overall life cycle costs.

Think of the individual units; they will only be active when the machine to which they are coupled is working. Whereas the large centralised plant will tend to remain active all the time so that when a demand occurs there is a ready supply of air and not a 10 minute delay whilst pressure builds up. The large distribution network used to be popular until the energy auditors got to grips with what is best called standing losses. It was not unusual for 10% of capacity to be lost through a myriad of tiny leaks at pipe joints and valve glands and other seals. So even a 10kW m/c could be wasting 8760kWh per year!

The modus operandii of the different types of machine also needs to be considered, many big ones 'off load' but remain spinning therefore using electricity at standby. Small units tend to be on-off control. I prefer the latter type but depending on the application,scale and processes being served the big fella can be attractive.

Think life time costs if possible and if your process is liable to change radically over say a 5 year period I would opt for the individual units.

Good hunting,

Massey.

Like usual in the engineering world, 'it depends'.

If all of the machines run at 100% all the time, one big compressor (properly sized) will do. But if the air needed varies enough and for long enough durin normal operation, it'll ALWAYS be better to have more than one compressor.

The thing about compressors is that they're HUGE consumers of energy, so operating them away from their maximum-efficiency point means that a lot of energy will be wasted.

See the following websites, which contain many articles concerning compressors and compressed air:

www.chemicalprocessing.com

www.plantservices.com

Cheers!
DZ

I am looking for a replacement gasket for Air Pressure Switch for a Central Pneumatic 2hp 8 gal Model 40400 Air Compressor. Any suggestions?