High Pressure Compressors

Written By Steve Thompson

There are thousands of instances in which a business owner or manager might need high pressure compressors for daily tasks. Industries ranging from automotive to manufacturing and oil or gas to diving all require high pressure air compressors for maximum speed and efficiency. Before you decide what type of compressor you need, however, it is important to understand the application of high pressure air.

Generally speaking, a low-pressure air compressor operates in only one or two stages, and has a 175-psi maximum. High-pressure compressors, on the other hand, operate in three, four or five stages, and might reach up to 5,000 psi. Compressors categorized as "high pressure" are also larger, noisier and less energy efficient than their low-pressure counterparts, but make all the difference when you require gas to be energized at high velocity.

Industries that use high pressure compressors
High-pressure compressors are used for many industry-specific tasks, such as thrust washers, plastic manufacturers, aircraft and aerospace, manufacturing, assembly line conveyors and the manufacture of power transmission components. However, it is important for business owners to research the quality behind each product they consider to find the one that will operate best for their enterprise. Here are a few of the most common uses of high pressure compressors:

• Offshore Drilling - One of the most important applications of high-pressure air compressors is in offshore drilling, which requires several large machines running almost continuously for long periods of time. Therefore, compressors of high voltage and with an inordinate number of pressure is needed to get the job done. Furthermore, these machines must be in top working order for use on rigs where safety is a high priority.
• SCUBA - These compressors are also used for deep-sea SCUBA diving, particularly because they are smaller and therefore easier to manage, and because of higher accuracy when filling the tank. However, high-pressure compressors can sometimes be difficult to operate using mixed gases, so talk to a professional before making this decision.
• Police & Military - Additionally, high pressure is generally the first choice for military and law enforcement applications, particularly because efficiency and speed are top priorities. Fire trucks are often equipped with high-pressure air and gas compressors, and they are also carried on military vehicles and used for rescue operations.

A high pressure air compressor is an expensive piece of equipment that should be considered carefully before purchase. Compare price with features like voltage, velocity, size, weight and maximum hours, and don't be afraid to ask questions. A brand new, expensive compressor, for example, might outlast a used compressor by several hundred hours, balancing out the cost over time.

It is also important to note that these compressors are rarely needed for household jobs and other small uses. The quality and efficiency of low-pressure compressors has evolved significantly over the last 10 years, and it is important to consider the most cost-effective equipment for the job at hand.

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