Importance of regulating systems in a portable air compressor

Let’s face it, regulations get a bad rap, but there is one form of regulation where constant change is a good thing – and that’s when it comes to compressors.

Integrated within a compressor are systems that play an essential role in regulating the machine’s flow, pressure, power and speed to name a few. The equipment keeps a compressor – and thus an overall project – running optimally, without any setbacks.

The regulating systems we design at my company Atlas Copco allow efficient operation and high performance, while helping to avoid any unnecessary running costs for the user. But not all regulation approaches are the same – and they differ even between portable and stationary compressors.

Stationary compressors are – by definition – immobilised, and typically remain in a factory or allocated compressor room. They feed compressed air into multiple destinations/tools, which is first routed through a piping system with a large buffer in place. They can function using a simple ‘on-off’ regulating system, meaning once the desired level of pressure has been achieved the system will shut off or go into ‘no-load’ state (idle without producing air). It will remain this way until the pressure in the system drops below a threshold, or air demand increases.

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Stationary compressors are – by definition – immobilised, and typically remain in a factory or allocated compressor room. They feed compressed air into multiple destinations/tools, which is first routed through a piping system with a large buffer in place. They can function using a simple ‘on-off’ regulating system, meaning once the desired level of pressure has been achieved the system will shut off or go into ‘no-load’ state (idle without producing air). It will remain this way until the pressure in the system drops below a threshold, or air demand increases.

For

Stationary compressors are – by definition – immobilised, and typically remain in a factory or allocated compressor room. They feed compressed air into multiple destinations/tools, which is first routed through a piping system with a large buffer in place. They can function using a simple ‘on-off’ regulating system, meaning once the desired level of pressure has been achieved the system will shut off or go into ‘no-load’ state (idle without producing air). It will remain this way until the pressure in the system drops below a threshold, or air demand increases.

For

Stationary compressors are – by definition – immobilised, and typically remain in a factory or allocated compressor room. They feed compressed air into multiple destinations/tools, which is first routed through a piping system with a large buffer in place. They can function using a simple ‘on-off’ regulating system, meaning once the desired level of pressure has been achieved the system will shut off or go into ‘no-load’ state (idle without producing air). It will remain this way until the pressure in the system drops below a threshold, or air demand increases.

For mobile compressors however, the requirements greatly differ. They typically feed a single application; have one user; and a much smaller buffer compared to the stationary application. Mobile machines can have an extremely varied demand in air, and therefore require regulating systems that can cope with such variations. 

Fixed speed motors may be suitable for applications where demand variation is minimal, but this is most often not the case with mobile compressors. Being able to match the speed of the mobile machine’s element with the required flow is vital. At Atlas Copco we were the first to offer this ability some 30 years ago, and to this day (we believe) our VSD technology continues to offer unparalleled efficiency, unmatched reliability, and future-proof connectivity.

Mobile compressors can also suffer from pressure drops or overshoots. If a pressure drop happens mid-application, while drilling, say, it can demobilise the tool being powered and halt operations. At the other end of the scale, overshoots can lead to the opening of a safety valve, resulting in a sudden and extremely loud, uncomfortable noise that can hinder both workers and bystanders.

A stable, fast acting regulating system that is designed to handle transience is therefore critical to avoiding pressure drops and overshoots.

Atlas Copco’s mechanical and electronic speed regulation systems, AirXpert and Pace technology, make it possible for the operator to define the pressure while the machine automatically regulates the flow. These innovative technologies stop fluctuations in their tracks, resulting in a stable and highly efficient compressed air output.

Ultimately, an efficient, versatile and reliable regulation system works wonders in mobile compressor applications. They help reduce working pressure, save energy, lowers noise and avoids unnecessary running costs – ensuring the user can get the most out of their compressor and project.

So, who’d have thought – a new regulation system that we can all cheer about.