Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Define the types of compressors to help you understand which might apply to your business

If you're not sure whether you want a gas compressor or an air compressor, learning about the different types of compressors will help you to avoid confusion and choose the best compressor for your type of work. From oil-less compressors to portable compressors, learn what each one does and is used for if you're in the market for a compressor.

I recommend: Davey Compressor not only explains the types of air compressors such as centrifugal compressors, reciprocating compressors and rotary screw compressors, they also explain advantages and disadvantages to each compressor defined. Air Compressor Resource compares different types of air compressor, electric and fuel compressors and even permanent and portable compressors.

Know an aftercooler from your elbow when you're ready to buy compressors

When you're shopping for compressors, you might hear some terms repeated, such as cycle time, full load, inlet pressure and aftercooler. While it might not be crucial to know all compressors key terms, it will certainly help to at least be familiar with some of the basic compressor jargon when it comes down to comparing certain types of compressors and their functions.

I recommend: Learn the meaning of common compressor terms such as cycle time, pressure gauge, intercooling and check valves at Ingersoll-Rand's Buy-air-compressor.com. Get the meaning of basic terms relating to compressors, types of compressors and functions at Red Hill Supply.

Get to know what common compressor acronyms stand for and mean

If you're shopping for compressors, you'll soon find out that most compressor manufacturers and vendors use acronyms to refer to some compressor parts or functions. While PSI (pounds per square inch) is a common term, you may run into other unfamiliar acronyms such as MAWP (maximum allowable working pressure), or might learn that P1 through P5 are measuring points for compressor acceptance tests.

I recommend: Pneumatic-Source.com not only spells out what acronyms such as IBV (inlet butterfly valve) and CPM (cycle per minute) stand for, they define the terms, and more compressors key terms from A-Z. Find an in-depth explanation of common acronyms relating to air flow for air compressors, such as CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), SCFM (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute) and ACFM (Actual Cubic Feet per Minute) mean for air flow measurement in air compressors at ABOUT-air-compressors.com.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Compressors come with all sorts of accessories and parts that you should be familiar with if you're going to be working with these machines. It will help to know a check valve from a safety relief valve or to be able to differentiate between types of hoses should you need to replace one of these parts on your compressor.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find quality compressors for sale from sources that carry wide selections

There are many compressor manufacturers, so don't settle for less that the ideal machine. Look for compressor distributors with wide selections.

I recommend: Sullivan Palatek carries large scale air compressors for industrial applications, and is also a good place to look for a large portable compressor. Air Compressors Direct will help you find air compressors and accessories for all the other applications, including air tools and much, much more.

Look for the air compressor features that match your application

Depending on your application, there are a number of air compressor features that could help you get the kind of performance you need. For instance, various types of filters are available; these are especially helpful for food processing and even some industrial applications. There are also driers that remove condensation, as well as coolers that lower air temperature.

I recommend: Ingersoll Rand carries a large line of compressor products for a long list of applications and fields. But more than that, they are a solution provider with excellent service. Grainger is another good place to look because you can easily search by category, like single or two stage, or oil lubricated or oil-less. They also categorize components like blowers, motors and gaskets.

Locate replacement compressor parts and accessories

You want to get as much use out of your air compressor as possible, which means having the right parts when it's time for a replacement, or quality accessories to diversify your application possibilities.

I recommend: Every Air Compressor carries a huge selection of everything you need for your air compressor, including replacement parts that will help you maintain your air compressor and keep it running for a long time. To find parts for a large-scale or industrial air compressor, try Central Air Compressor. They carry parts for a huge list of compressor manufacturers.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The air flow of a reciprocating air compressor usually does not exceed 100 cubic feet per minute (CFM), but single stage rotary air compressors go up to 1500 CFM, and two stage up to 2500 CFM. There is not as clear a limit on centrifugal air compressors, but they apply in applications that require air flow in excess of 1000 CFM.

1. Educate yourself on the parts of a compressor and how it works. This helps you when repairing and ordering air compressor parts.
2. Expand your knowledge of compressors through conferences and workshops. Continuing education ensures that you're up-to-date on the latest models.
3. Learn proper safety procedures for both using and repairing compressors.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn basic compressor parts and processes

Knowing gas and air compressor parts and how they function can help you diagnose a problem in your compressor and makes ordering new parts quick and easy. Basic compressor knowledge can also aid you in repairing and replacing worn out parts. This information can be found online, or in some cases through job training or engineering classes.

I recommend: Find out how an air compressor works at Popular Mechanics, or check out the explanation from Hydro-Pac.

Attend compressor manufacturers workshops trade shows and conferences

Industry workshops, trade shows and conferences are a great way to continue your compressors education and training. Workshops allow you to practice new and old skills alike, while trade shows and conferences keep you up to date with all the newest models of industrial compressors and compressor parts and let you talk with other professionals in the gas and air compressor field.

I recommend: Find out about events hosted by the Gas Compressor Association or the Association of Independent Compressor Distributors.

Learn safety guidelines and procedures for compressors

Whether you're using a residential or industrial air compressor, it is important to practice safety procedures. If used incorrectly, air and gas compressors can be a danger to the operator and those around him or her. Always make sure that the tubing and attachments you plan on using are appropriate for your compressor, and that they can handle the pounds of pressure per square inch, or PSI.

I recommend: Check out Briggs & Stratton's air compressor safety tips, as well as air compressor safety guidelines created by the University of Florida's Environmental Health & Safety Department.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Certain industries may require advanced knowledge about specific types of compressors, such as a spring compressor or screw compressor. This type of information is usually covered in on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.