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5 things to consider when designing your compressor room

Although the majority of today’s air compressors and all relevant accessories can be purchased as fully-integrated, plug and play packages, it is important to remember that the installation method and siting may still have a significant influence on a compressor system’s performance and reliability.

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1. Go for a dedicated and centralised compressor plant close to the point of use

Regardless of the application industry, try to position the compressed air system in one designated, centralised location. As a consequence you benefit from improved operating economy, a better-designed compressed air installation and service provision, greater user-friendliness, better opportunities for controlled ventilation and noise levels and, last but not least, protection against unauthorised access. Wherever the compressed air equipment is situated best practice demands that a ring main is used in order to avoid pressure drops in the system. Direct installation in a workshop or warehouse close to the point of use saves space and enables energy savings due to minimum pressure drop as a result of shorter pipework runs. It can also provide a viable opportunity for energy recovery via the cooling air or oil, for example. If space restrictions indoors demand that the compressor is sited under a roof structure outdoors, stringent measures must be taken to ensure all-weather protection, provision of adequate firm foundations and minimum risk of ingress of dust, flammable or aggressive substances, as well as secure access. Normally only a flat floor of sufficient weight-bearing capacity is required to set up the compressor plant. In most cases, vibration damping is integrated into the equipment. However, it is usual to cast a concrete plinth for the compressor package to allow for floor cleaning and provide a base for new installations.

Are you designing a new compressor room? Our InstallAIR app assists you with the calculations that you need to install your compressed air systems.

2. Ensure enough space and proximity to auxiliary equipment

Essentially for large installations with lengthy pipework runs, the centralised compressor facility should be sited for optimum routing of the distribution system. Ensure there is enough space for easy service and maintenance access and try to situate the installation close to supplementary equipment such as pumps and fans – even to the boiler room. Ensure enough clearance height so that lifting equipment can handle the compressor’s heaviest components, such as the electric motor. The room should ideally also have enough floor space to install an extra compressor for backup or future expansion. Provision of drainage is equally important in order to handle condensate from compressors, aftercoolers, dryers, air receivers. Finally, take into account local regulations for waste disposal.

3. Ensure clean intake air

For trouble-free, efficient operation, compressor intake air must be clean and free of solid and gaseous contamination. Particles of dust and dirt can cause wear, and corrosive gases are particularly damaging. The compressor air inlet is usually located at an opening in the sound-reducing enclosure, but can also be placed remotely in a place in which the air is as clean as possible. Gases from vehicle exhaust fumes can be lethal should they contaminate a breathing air supply. A pre-filter, either a cyclone, panel or rotary band filter, should be used on installations where the surrounding air has a high dust concentration. In such cases, the pressure drop caused by the pre-filter must be accounted for during the design phase of an installation. It is also beneficial for the intake air to be cool. So select an inlet position that is generally in the shade if possible when drawing air from outside.

Watch our video on quality air treatment to learn about the typical installation position of air treatment equipment, identify the potential contaminants, specify the air quality standard required and much more.

4. Ensure proper room ventilation

Because compressors generate heat, adequate compressor room ventilation is vital. Ventilation air should be drawn in from the exterior of the building at a maximum velocity of 4 m/s, preferably without extensive ducting and, where possible, the inlet should be positioned on a north-facing wall to provide shade in the hotter months of the year. Grille and air stream damper units prevent foreign objects from entering and they eliminate cold draughts. The intake needs to be positioned as low as possible on one wall while thermostatically-controlled ventilation fans should be sited at the highest point on the opposite wall. Always consult an expert when choosing ventilation methods; many good installations have been spoilt by incorrect cooling methods.

5. Adhere to health and safety regulations

Consider disturbance due to noise or the compressor's ventilation requirements, the provision of drainage, hazardous surroundings, e.g. exposure to dust or flammable substances and aggressive materials in the air. If the compressor is sited in an area of a building that is used for other purposes or near to staff who are carrying out other duties, then their health and safety needs to be taken into consideration, as well as accessibility for service. In order to ensure the optimum performance and reliability of compressor equipment, as a vital part of the production process, it is important to take all of these considerations into account when designing a compressor room installation. Equally important is to work with a reliable partner for your air compressor installation. Experienced engineers from Atlas Copco and its distributors will go the extra mile to ensure that installation of the compressed air package takes into account the specifics of your site.

Compressed air systems must comply with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations and have a Written Scheme of Examination if over a certain size. Learn more about PSSR and WSE or book an inspection

Compressed Air Energy Efficiency Air and gas treatment Piping systems Compressor Technique Control and Monitoring Compressed Air Tips

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Compressor Housing.

Many small and big enterprises utilise air compressors since they are one of the greatest equipment on the market for performing a number of duties for a business. They provide enormous torque and power, far exceeding that of many other instruments that do the same work, such as electric power tools. They are long-lasting and, if treated and kept properly, may last for many years. Compressor manufacturers in India produce air compressors in a wide range of sizes, styles, kinds, and capacities, and it’s understandable if you’re unfamiliar with the world of compressors. So, if you’re looking to buy an air compressor for your business, this article will help you sort through the options and choose the ideal one for your needs.

• Capacity of compressor

You should be quite familiar with the capacity and delivery terms used when selecting an air compressor for your business so that you are not puzzled when the manufacturer tells you all of this. The amount of power produced by the compressor’s motor is measured in HP (HorsePower), and the higher the HP, the higher the PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch). The CFM, or cubic feet per minute, increases as the number of tools being used at the same time increases.

• Compressor grade

In India, the Oil-free air compressor manufacturers produce compressors in a variety of classes based on capacity and use, and you should be aware of these before choosing one. The three types of air compressors available on the market are generally consumer grade, contractor grade, and commercial grade. Each has diverse uses for light, medium, and heavy use, which is why they are available as both portable and heavy machines to meet both non-commercial and commercial purposes.

• Tank Size

Air isn’t produced by a compressor tank. It solely has the ability to store air. It’s far more vital to have a large enough pump and engine because, no matter how tiny the tank is, if you’re creating as much air as you want to utilise, you’ll never run out of air. However, if you only utilise air on a regular basis, you may be able to save money by purchasing a smaller compressor with a larger tank. In a nutshell, tank size is not that important while buying a compressor

• Probability of moisture issues

When air is compressed, it becomes heated, and when it cools, water condenses. The more you use your compressor, the hotter it will become, and the more moisture issues you may encounter. Getting a larger compressor might sometimes be the greatest approach to tackle moisture problems because it won’t have to work as hard and won’t become as hot. Inconsistent moisture problems might also be caused by the humidity in the air. 

• Life Expectancy of the compressor

It is very important to know the life expectancy of the compressor you are purchasing as there might be various other manufacturers manufacturing the compressor of the same technical specifications but still giving the life expectancy twice you are getting from the current manufacturer. A compressor that doesn’t last long is of no use to your business

• Stages of compressor

Single-stage and two-stage air compressors are available, with single-stage compressors being smaller in weight, having a lesser capacity, and being more readily transported from one location to another, but two-stage compressors are often heavier in weight and create enormous power. Single-stage compressors are ideal for small shops and residences, but two-stage compressors can drive many air tools at once and are ideal for garages and manufacturing plants.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of impeller. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.