Scott C Prentice asked:

>I would like to solicit opinions on the pros and cons, of Radial vs
>Reciprocating air compressors. Any, Manufacturer preferences would also be
>appreciated.
>
>The compressor will be utilized to provide clean air at 125psi 200CFM, to
>our automated shop floor.

We just bought a new (bigger) compressor last year, and I did some
on-the-fly research...

We bought a 20 HP two stage reciprocating unit, Champion HRA20-12. This
unit is capable of 92 CFM free air delivery within rated duty cycle. Cost
with belt guard aftercooler on 120 gallon tank was about $5K.

Your requirement is much higher capacity - probably in the 50+ HP range. I
bet you are talking at least $12-15K installed.

I would have preferred a screw (also called "rotary") type. They are
quieter, capable of higher delivery rates, and more "high-tech". They are
also a good bit more expensive. Rotary units can run with a very high duty
cycle.

In the range you require, you will be looking at a big, heavy (a ton or
so), noisy (80dBa) beast, and you will need high voltage service for mondo
Amperes. Go rotary if you really need that much air.

The brands we looked at included:

Quincy
nice looking machine. I have only literature for units up to 30 HP. They
may make bigger...

Ingersoll-Rand (Model EP50-SE is a 50 HP unit, 198 CFM FAD @ 125 psi)
air end is made in India...

Gardner-Denver
Probably the market leader. My file does not have specs on rotary units
above 30 HP (about 115 CFM FAD).

A few suggestions:

Make sure you know just how much air you really require. Compressed air is
very expensive...

Get a separate refrigerated air dryer downstream. The newer units use a
"thermal mass" cooling system with circulating liquid to allow the
refrigerant compressor to cycle so long as the air-liquid reservoir stays
cool. This will cost you another few grand, but it is probably necessary
for precision equipment. We bought a ZEKS to replace our Hankinson air
dryer at the time of upgrade.

Make sure your existing (or new) air lines are clean and purged before you
make the connections. If you have that much flow, look at the air line
distribution system. You may have a situation where you should upgrade the
size of the lines to avoid pressure drops.

Bring in the highest voltage you can, even if it means a new circuit. 50 HP
motors are power hogs.

Put the new unit near your enemies, and as far from your office as you can.



cheers,


Jerry Cupples
KC5SXA




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