Compressors

Choosing the Right Compressors

Compressors are the heart of many compressed air systems. They supply tools, machines, blasting equipment, and production processes with the required air volume and operating pressure. For a cost-effective and reliable system, the compressor must be matched to actual consumption. A compressor that is too small cannot maintain the required system pressure over the long term, while an unnecessarily large system can also cause problems if operated incorrectly.

Our current product lineup includes stationary belt-driven rotary screw compressors, rotary screw compressors with 1:1 direct drive, variable-speed models, and mobile compressors. The range thus extends from compact portable units to industrial compressed air stations with 90 kW of drive power.

Flow rate is the most important selection criterion

When sizing the system, the first step is to determine how much compressed air all simultaneously operating consumers require. The decisive factor is not only the maximum value of a single tool, but the actual total demand, including simultaneous use and a reasonable reserve. In the stationary product line, the available flow rates range up to over 15 m³/min; mobile units cover approximately 172 to 2,200 l/min, depending on the model.

Especially in abrasive blasting technology, the compressor must be able to consistently deliver the required air volume. If the pressure drops during operation, performance also decreases. Therefore, nozzle size, working pressure, and compressor power ratings should be considered together.

Rotary screw compressor for continuous compressed air demand

Rotary screw compressors are designed for professional applications with regular and prolonged compressed air requirements. The product range includes various drive concepts and configurations: belt drive, 1:1 direct drive, constant speed or speed control, as well as systems mounted on a base frame, with an air receiver, or with a receiver equipped with a refrigerated air dryer.

The subcategories deliberately distinguish these system configurations from one another. This allows users to search specifically for the right system configuration without confusing the technical differences between the systems.

Belt drive or 1:1 direct drive?

In belt-driven rotary screw compressors, power is transmitted via a belt drive. The current product range here extends from 3 to 90 kW and also includes tank and dryer solutions. Direct-drive models are available starting at 11 kW and transmit power to the compressor stage at a 1:1 ratio. Which design is more suitable depends on the power range, system configuration, and operating profile.

Variable-speed compressor for fluctuating demand

If compressed air demand varies significantly, a variable-speed system may be the best choice. It adjusts its flow rate within the specified control range to match the current demand. However, the actual load profile is the decisive factor. If demand is predominantly constant, a fixed-speed system may be the technically simpler solution.

Mobile compressors for changing work sites

Mobile compressors are the right choice when compressed air is not needed exclusively at a fixed location. The product range includes electric and gasoline-powered piston compressors as well as gasoline-powered rotary screw compressors. The selection depends on the available power source, desired operating pressure, air demand, and transport requirements.

Maintenance and Compressor Oil

A professional compressed air supply system also requires scheduled maintenance. Maintenance kits for specific operating hours, as well as suitable rotary screw compressor oil, are available for various rotary screw compressors. When performing maintenance, the specifications of the respective machine should be followed.

Buy a Compressor for Professional Applications

Anyone looking to purchase a compressor should not base their decision solely on kW or maximum pressure. A thorough analysis of flow rate, pressure level, load profile, and desired compressed-air quality leads to a system that is better suited to the technical requirements. ABS Strahltechnik supports professional users in selecting and configuring compressors and compressed air systems.