How to choose the right air compressor for your needs

Choosing the right air compressor for your needs is not always as simple as heading into your local hardware store or distributor and picking one off the shelf. It requires professional advice depending on what you need it for and how it will work for you.

I have prepared this guide focusing on rotary screws air compressors, which are becoming the compressed air system of choice for industrial customers. I dive into oil-free Vs oil-injected, variable speed and fixed speed models, and Pilot Air’s expertise in providing trusted solutions across Australia.

At Pilot Air, our sole focus is producing high-quality air compressors for small workshops and DIYers and large-scale infrastructure such as hospitals, water treatment plants, theme parks, agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, and other industrial settings. We don’t deviate from our task or add new product lines outside compressed air systems. For these reasons, we are proudly specialists in our field and well placed to offer customers honest, accurate, and educated advice on the best fit-for-purpose air compressor for their needs.

Over the past few years, we have seen a shift toward rotary screw air compressors as the first choice for many industrial customers. This shift is due to several factors. Energy efficiency, longevity, performance, and digital integration are big-ticket considerations that are tipping the scales toward rotary screw over reciprocating air compressors.

This doesn’t mean reciprocating air compressors are no longer required. They still dominate many markets and are the ideal solution for various settings. However, businesses and enterprises that require continuous, reliable compressed air that works 24/7, delivering power and energy efficiencies, favour a rotary screw air compressor.

Businesses need to produce more for less to remain competitive. This often means operating longer shifts to keep up with demand. Equipment stuck in downtime hurts production and can derail the process. Rotary screw air compressors are highly regarded for their ability to maintain constant workflow over long periods. So, for businesses that require continuous air to power their production, a rotary screw air compressor solution is the system of choice.

• Food and beverage manufacturing typically relies on a rotary screw air compressor for clean, dry air, which is essential for their working environment. The rotary screw system can operate 24/7 without pressure drops or overheating.
• Manufacturing plants use compressed air to power pneumatic tools, machinery, and packing lines. A rotary screw compressor system keeps lines running, often needed 24/7 and 7 days a week. When a manufacturing enterprise has a steady and consistent demand schedule, a fixed-speed unit such as Pilot Air’s PAC creates a cost-effective workhorse that provides long-term value and dependability.
• In an automotive workshop, air compressors power everything from tyre inflation to tools and spray painting. Demand will peak and trough, and a variable-speed air compressor, ALTA TEC, is the ideal solution. Pilot Air offers 7.5Kw (10HP) right up to 315Kw (422HP) variable-speed units that can be customised to suit any application.
• Agricultural enterprises rely on air compressors to run grain conveyors, dairy infrastructure, crop sprayers, and other farming and agricultural machinery. Many of our units are located in farms where temperatures widely fluctuate and the machines must perform under harsh conditions. The Pilot Air range of rotary screw air compressors is built for these conditions with an enclosed cooling system that maintains optimum temperatures even under heavy workload. Their durability, reliability, and low maintenance make them the solution for our food bowls.
• Many customers are surprised to learn how reliant the chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing industry is on compressed air. Similar to food and beverage manufacturing, this industry must access clean, containment-free air to power everything from conveyors on the packing lines to fine air tools. Demand spikes combined with around-the-clock air make the ALTA TEC variable speed air compressor the fit-for-purpose air compressor of choice.

This is a small sample of the industries Pilot Air works with to deliver customised rotary screw compressed air solutions. We service a range of high-performance industrial customers, from distribution centres to powering some of Australia’s most iconic theme park rides and Sydney’s Luna Park. Our power is in our customisation. We have the most reliable, technologically advanced rotary screw air compressor units available in Australia and can customise these units to create a future-proofed fit-for-purpose solution across any industrial setting.

There are several types of rotary screw air compressors

• An oil-injected model that uses oil to seal and cool the screws, increasing longevity. These are the more common types and are a solid choice for general manufacturing and the automotive industry.
• Oil-free compressors provide continuous air without oil. Food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and most chemical manufacturers require an oil-free alternative. While they cost more, their capability to deliver clean, uncontaminated air makes the investment worthwhile.
• A fixed-speed rotary screw air compressor is the ideal choice when air demand is relatively steady. These units operate at a constant RPM, and their lower upfront investment makes them a cost-effective option.
• The most popular rotary screw air compressor is a variable-speed model. Pilot Air’s ALTA-TEC range offers customers all the benefits, including adjustable motor speed depending on air demand, significant energy savings, lower carbon emissions, and technology such as intelligent login controllers and remote monitoring.

When considering an air compressor system for your business, it is wise to speak directly with a specialist. Consider air quality requirements, air demand, the size of your facility, and any future expansion plans and naturally, your current energy bills and how savings can be made. In addition, local support with onshore servicing capabilities and spare parts is highly valuable as it dramatically reduces downtime.

Pilot Air is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of rotary screw air compressors. Our team is qualified to conduct a diagnostic assessment and install the most suitable compressed air infrastructure with built-in scalability for your immediate needs. Pilot Air is proudly Australian-owned and independent, with onshore maintenance and service, skilled technicians, and a large inventory of spare parts. Contact our team today.