Are nitrogen generators safe?

Yes. As the generator does not add or take anything away from the atmospheric air, you could have one running in a closed room with no change to the overall content of the atmosphere. They also negate the need to store and move potentially dangerous high pressure cylinders on site.

Why don't more companies have generators?

Traditionally, on-site gas generators were only economically viable in very large applications. With constant development, today's high efficiency products ensure that generators are economically viable for the smallest of applications, and an ever increasing number of companies are moving to generate their own nitrogen and oxygen.

Can Atlas Copco supply and install a complete on-site gas generation system with compressed air supply?

Yes, Atlas Copco Compressors can handle everything from air intake to pipework. Please check our typical installation for more information.

"How often should we change the oil?"

In a rotary screw compressor, oil should be changed about every 7000-8000 hours. This depends on the type of compressor you purchase. For a Reciprocating air compressor, generally you would change the oil approximately every 3 months. For a more accurate time frame, call in with a model number to find the recommended schedule for your compressor.

When should I replace the air intake filter?

If your compressor has an Air Intake Filter, it should be cleaned on a weekly basis (assuming you are using the compressor about 3 days a week). When the filter starts to develop debris that is becoming harder to clean out, or you notice any tears or holes in the filter, the filter should be replaced.

What is the difference between stop-start and constant run?

Simply put, a start-stop air compressor has a pressure switch that turns the machine on and off. Most small electric and small gas air compressors are start-stop. A constant run compressor means the motor continuously runs and continuously turns the pump. Many industrial shops who need consistent air on a daily basis will purchase a constant run compressor

"What voltage do I run on?"

It depends on the size of Compressor. Most Homeowner sized small compressors are built to run on a single 110V Outlet. As you get into larger models, many compressors offer the choice between 110 to 460 voltage.

What happens when water stays in my compressor?"

Compressor tanks are made of steel, which means if water is left in the tank, rust will start to accrue. Depending on the severity, contact your local service center about the best way to eliminate the problem. One place to start would be to look into purchasing an air dryer, to help eliminate the problem.

"What happens if there is water in my lines"?

Generally this is caused by two problems - either a failed condensate trap or a failed or undersized air compressor dryer. To solve the first problem, you will need to either clean the water trap or simply replace it. The second problem is a bit trickier, as you would need to repair or replace your air dryer with something larger (unfortunately, this can be a bit pricy).

I often times forget to drain the water from my tank, is there something that can do this manually [sic automatically] for me?"

Yes! You can purchase a drain valve. There are three main types of drain valves, including float actuated, electronically actuated or timed sequence actuated

What is a good tank size?

The tank size you will use will depend on the amount of air that you need stored. A benefit to a larger tanked air compressors is that the motor will not start and stop as often as a smaller tanked compressor. However, if you do not believe that you will use a good amount of air, it may be smarter and cheaper to use a smaller tank

What is the difference between a rotary screw compressor and a reciprocating compressors"?

A rotary screw compressor is one that utilizes two intermeshing helical rotors to trap a volume of air, then compress it to a higher pressure. Rotary screw compressors can be run at lower temperatures for 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. A piston compressor (aka reciprocating) uses pistons driven by a crankshaft to deliver air at high pressure

"Will my small homeowner air compressor be able to handle an extra tank

Yes and no. The answer to this question depends on whether or not you have a continuous duty air compressor or not. A continuous duty compressor means that it is able to run for long periods of time (aka continuously). This type of compressor will not have any problems running a larger spare tank. If it is not continuous duty then it might have a tougher time. Depending on the size of your machine and the receiver tank, it should be able to handle it. Just be sure that you give it time to cool off when filling the tank, otherwise you would be going overboard.

My compressor stores air at high pressure, yet my tools will require a low pressure application; what do I do?"

This is actually quite an easy fix - you need to add a pressure regulator to your line, which can be set for the desired pressure when the air reaches your tool.

What are the key benefits of on-site gas compared to delivered gas?

You save up to 80% on the cost of the nitrogen or oxygen compared to buying in nitrogen in bulk Payback is usually under 18 months, and the product has a typical lifetime of over 10 years A constant supply is ensured: you never have to worry about a delivery not getting to you in time again Save space & minimise risk and handling errors: no need for gas bottles/liquid nitrogen tank in the yard Simplify administration to save time & money with no weekly deliveries to manage Very low running costs: uses your compressed air supply

Will getting a quote mean lots of meetings with engineers, or searching for lots of facts & figures?

No, in order for us to size & price a system for you, we need 4 things: The required flow of nitrogen/oxygen The required purity of nitrogen/oxygen The input pressure of your compressed air supply The pressure of the nitrogen/oxygen used in your application

What is CFM & PSI ? and which is important?

The notation CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) refers to a volume of air produced by the air compressor at a given pressure or PSI (Pound per Square Inch). The right size air compressor will meet your needs in two essential areas: air flow (CFM) and pressure (PSI). It's important to get a compressor that meets your needs in both areas - otherwise you risk damage to both your tools and the compressor itself. Always use CFM and PSI specifications from the nameplate on the product.

Why does my compressor run when I am not working or using compressed air?

There are a couple of things that could cause this: The compressor may be running to pump the tank up to set the cut out air pressure rating. IE 175 PSIG. The compressor controls may be set for continuous run operation where the compressor will unload but not shut down. Change the switch control for a start stop operation cycle. The pressure switch may be bad and needs to be replaced, repaired or adjusted. There may be air system leaks that are creating an artificial demand for air and the air compressor is trying to overcome the air pressure loss caused by leaks.

What are the advantages of using compressed air vs. other power sources?

he advantages are many and are summarized in the following list: Safety is one of the biggest advantages. Electrical shock potential is greatly reduced. Typically, pneumatic tools will weigh less than electric tools and make the tools more ergonomically friendly. Compressed air has more flexibility than electrical tools because the compressor can be made to be mobile. Either in the case of engine driven units or wheeled portables that can be moved around at the job site. Compressed air can be regulated which permits varying pressure range uses within one piping system. In almost all cases, the air tool's initial purchase cost is less than comparable electric or hydraulic tools. Compressed air distribution systems are easier and less costly to install than electrical grids and less demanding than hydraulic system lines. The compressed air system can be modified for multiple points of use. Air tools have less maintenance and down time than hydraulic tools. They also will not burn the air tool motor up like an electric tool could in low electrical voltage situations. Air tools run cooler because the expanded air dissipates the heat of operation as the air passes through the tool. Compressed air system leakage will not contaminate a work place.

How do I automatically drain water out of my tank?

Install an automatic tank drain that is either air actuated, electronically actuated or timed sequence actuated.

How Rotary Screw Air Compressors Work

A rotary screw air-end or element has twin rotors, which include male and female parts rotating in opposite directions. Air fills the space between the rotors and, as they rotate, the volume between them and the surrounding housing decreases, squeezing or compressing the air into a smaller space. The length, pitch of the screw, and the form of the discharge port collectively determine the pressure ratio. Beyond that, there are no valves, or other mechanical forces that can cause unbalance, which allows a screw compressor to operate at high speeds while combining a large flow rate with small exterior dimensions – it packs a good punch for its size

What are Benefits of Rotary Screw Air Compressors

Rotary screw compressors typically are used for continuous, commercial and industrial applications. Here are some of the primary advantages of a rotary screw compressor: 1. Lower noise outputs to meet OSHA requirements 2. Significant reduction in weight, typically by 50 percent 3. Easier maintenance due to fewer wearing parts to maintain or replace 4. Shock-less, non-wearing compression technology 5. Simplified maintenance procedures 6. Extremely low oil-carryover (as little as 3 ppm) 7. Less overall oil consumption 8. Proven reliability in harsh environments 9. Smaller physical footprint, typically by 50 percent 10. No “unbalanced” forces, less vibration transfer 11. Less heat generation 12. Zero reduction in capacity over time

Why don't more companies have generators?

Traditionally, on-site gas generators were only economically viable in very large applications. With constant development, today's high efficiency products ensure that generators are economically viable for the smallest of applications, and an ever increasing number of companies are moving to generate their own nitrogen and oxygen.

Are nitrogen generators safe?

Yes. As the generator does not add or take anything away from the atmospheric air, you could have one running in a closed room with no change to the overall content of the atmosphere. They also negate the need to store and move potentially dangerous high pressure cylinders on site.