Operations that rely on compressed air face major problems when a compressed air emergency occurs. Fortunately, air compressor rentals can offset the effects of downtime and lost productivity or help manage demand spikes and special projects.
However, when the operation calls for a high-pressure air compressor, the rental process can become more complex as these applications often have unique requirements. In these cases, it is crucial to find a provider of high-pressure compressor rentals who can respond rapidly with a solution that is tailored to the specific needs of the application.
A Word About High-Pressure Air Compressors
High-pressure compressors are widely used in industrial applications and many processes, including the automotive industry, oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical, the energy sector, food and beverage manufacturing and other industries where high-powered air is essential for production.
High-pressure air compressors are specially designed to provide air at higher pressures than typical air compressors. While standard air compressors offer roughly 90 to 100 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure, specialized high psi air compressors can provide outputs of 150 psi to 2,000 psi.
High-pressure air compressors are often used in applications that require intense air pressures, such as:
- Blow molding
- Automotive painting
- Power tools and equipment
- Sandblasting
- Pressure testing
- Valve testing
- Leak testing
- High elevation pigging
- Oil and gas extraction and processing
To satisfy the needs of these and other applications that demand high-pressure pneumatics, high-pressure compressors operate via a multi-stage compression process in which air is drawn into the compressor and compressed in stages. Each stage is followed with a cooling process that dissipates the heat generated during compression to prevent damage to the compressor’s internal components. Post compression, moisture separators and filters remove contaminants. In critical applications, the air may be further purified to meet quality standards. Specialized tanks and cylinders may be used to store the treated air the necessary pressure.
Rotary Screw, High volume, High-pressure compressors
Rotary screw: high psi air compressors uses two interlocking screws to compress the air and are capable of efficiently and consistently delivering high-pressure pneumatics at the highest practical flow rates for your demanding applications.
What to Know When Renting a High-Pressure Compressor
Because high-pressure air compressors are used in a variety of applications that demand high-pressure pneumatics to effectively operate industrial equipment, provide high pressures for pressure, leak or other types of testing or in specialized operations in highly regulated industries, there are a lot of variables and unique specifications.
This means that off-the-shelf options are not the norm when renting a high-pressure air compressor. Rather, it is important to work with an experienced supplier that can provide a tailored solution that will effectively address the unique pressure-related specifications, regulatory requirements and other demands of the application. The supplier should also rapidly respond to initial inquiries to avoid unnecessary downtime and loss of productivity and should make provisions to address any service issues throughout the duration of the rental.
To ensure that a high-pressure air compressor rental provider understands the unique requirements of the application, it is essential to provide the following information:
Application requirements: To what type of project or application will the high-pressure air compressor be applied? What makes the application unique? What types of tools or equipment will the compressor service? Also, it’s important to address the size and portability requirement if space is limited, if the compressor will be moved frequently or if it will be stationary.
PSI: This is a critical specification in the selection of a high-pressure compressor as it determines the force at which the air is delivered to the end point. Because high psi air compressors can vary dramatically in psi ratings, it is essential for the rental provider to know the required psi so the solution can be tailored to the needs of application.
CFM: CFM, or cubic feet per minute, is the volume of air that the high-pressure air compressor can produce at a specified psi. Higher CFM ratings are typically needed in applications that consume more air.
Power source: Diesel and electric are the two most common power sources for high-pressure air compressors. It is essential that the service provider is aware of the facility’s power source so that the selected compressor is compatible with the infrastructure.
Regulatory requirements: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has requirements around energy efficiency, emissions and condensate disposal. The rental provider should be aware of applicable EPA regulations and should have the expertise to ensure that the selected high-pressure compressor is compliant.
Maintenance and service: Determine upfront who will be responsible for servicing the high-pressure compressor for the duration of the rental agreement and if the rental company offers rapid responses to service issues.
When high-pressure pneumatics are essential to operations and a rental is needed, it is essential to work with a provider that understands the unique and often complex nature of the application and can work with you to ensure that a safe, compatible and reliable high-pressure air compressor solution will be customized to meet the distinctive requirements of the operation. Working with HTE Technologies, a Tavoron company, to fulfill your high-pressure compressor rental needs will ensure that the solution is tailored to the exact specifications of the operation and that rapid and responsive support is available when it’s needed.
