What Types of Tools Can Be Powered by Air Compressors and How Do They Work?
An air compressor is a device — consisting primarily of a piston and cylinder — that powers an array of tools by means of pressurized air for various applications. In the fields of construction, auto maintenance, furniture assembly and woodwork, the majority of applications rely on compressed air for speed and precision in everything from drilling, […]
Read MoreWhy Is My Air Compressor Losing Pressure?
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that industrial operations use 10% of their electricity on creating compressed air. As such, compressed air can be a costly investment. Inefficient production systems reduce profits, sometimes threatening the ongoing financial viability of businesses. With such intense price competition, manufacturers need to identify areas of inefficiency. At industrial facilities, many unseen errors can cause reductions in […]
Read MoreThe Purpose of Drain Valves

When you use a rotary screw or reciprocating air compressor, water vapor is released. It then condenses into a liquid, falling to the bottom of the air tank. A drain valve helps to remove the accumulated water before it causes significant damage to the compressor, which would require extensive repairs or replacement. Learn more about why you should […]
Read MoreHow to Make Your Air Compressor More Efficient
Many industries use compressed air systems to power tools and complete tasks. However, compressed air uses a significant amount of energy, resulting in higher costs for manufacturing plants. One horsepower of compressed air requires 8 horsepower of electricity. If systems run at limited efficiency, facilities might use more energy than they need for daily operations. Optimizing compressed […]
Read MoreHow Do Oil-Free Air Compressors Work?
Compressed air is only as good as its purity. Oil exposures make it difficult to keep air clean, which increases costs. To address this concern, many companies use oil-free or oil-less air compressors. An oil-free air compressor is similar to an oil-injected compressor, but it doesn’t use oil for lubrication. Today, oil-free compressors are becoming more common because they offer cost […]
Read MoreIndustrial Air Compressor Preventative Maintenance
When it comes to an air compressor, maintenance in the standard form is never enough. To ensure the smooth running of operations and avoid interruptions and unexpected downtime, it is crucial to have a compressor maintenance program in place that prevents — rather than reacts to — problems with the air compressor and all attached […]
Read MoreUnloader Valve: Its Purpose
A reciprocating air compressor is a positive displacement mechanical device that uses a cylinder and crankshaft-driven piston to produce compressed air. An unloader valve is a small and essential part that ensures the effective, efficient operation of a reciprocating compressor. What Is an Unloader Valve? A compressor unloader valve is a small part, usually sized between 4 and 5 inches. The valve […]
Read MoreFull Guide to Air Compressor Safety
Safety should be the priority in any workplace environment, whether it’s a construction site, a factory or another setting. Business leaders want to make sure their employees are safe, maintain high morale among their workforce and reduce the possibility of damaged or broken machinery. By employing practical safety measures, your company can benefit from increased uptime […]
Read MoreIndustries That Require Air Compressors
Professionals in dozens of industries have devised time- and labor-saving uses for compressed air. The applications of air compressors are nearly endless. The food on your table, the painkillers in your cabinet, the car you drive to work, the wooden chair you sit in — compressed air plays a role in their production in one way or […]
Read MoreHow Much Will Compressed Air Cost You?
Compressed air is used in many different industries. From refrigerator manufacturers to toy makers, companies around the world depend on compressed air to produce products. It’s so important that many consider it a utility as significant as electricity, water or natural gas. Unfortunately, compressed air is also an expensive utility to produce. Many businesses spend […]
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