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 *************************************************************************** * TechNet mail list is provided as a service by IPC using SmartList v3.05 * *************************************************************************** * To unsubscribe from this list at any time, send a message to: * * [log in to unmask] with <subject: unsubscribe> and no text. * *************************************************************************** * If you are having a problem with the IPC TechNet forum please contact * * Dmitriy Sklyar at 847-509-9700 ext. 311 or email at [log in to unmask] * ***************************************************************************