Why Is the Air Compressor End (Air End/Element) More Vital than Other Components?
Air compressors use a range of quality components that work together to deliver compressed gas or air reliably and efficiently. But arguably, no component is more critical than the compressor’s air end, otherwise known as the compressor element or compressor stage.
But what exactly is an air end? What happens if it sustains damage or degrades? And can you replace or repair a faulty air end? In this blog, we will answer all those questions and more.
Do you need personalised advice based on your specific make and model of air compressor? Thanks to our decades of experience, esteemed industry partnerships, exceptional customer service, and competitive prices, there is no better company to contact than us if you have questions about air ends, or need a replacement in the UK.
Anglian Compressors has been one of the UK’s leading air compression specialists and a premier distributor for Atlas Copco since 1977. We are licensed, insured, and certified to carry out repairs on all makes and models of Atlas Copco compressors, along with many other makes.
We aim to be the nation’s best-value technicians with the fastest turnaround times. Contact us today for advice tailored to your specific needs. Keep reading to learn more about the air end and its role in air compression.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Air End
Widely considered the heart of the air compressor, the air end is the component responsible for compressing the air or gas inside your compressor. Air ends come in various forms depending on the technology and physical principle your compressor employs. The two primary principles are dynamic compression and positive displacement.
Positive displacement compression involves reducing the volume of air within the compressor. Technologies that utilise positive displacement, and are the most commonly used, are screw rotors, pistons, and scrolls. Dynamic compression, on the other hand, uses centrifugal (turbo) technology to change the speed of the air or gas.
Why Is the Air End so Vital?
The air end has a significant impact on your compressor’s overall performance because it is the component responsible for the actual compression of the air. When the air end sustains damage or degradation, it can dramatically and adversely affect your compressor’s efficiency and reliability.
Causes of Air End Deterioration
As with all components, your air end and it’s performance will degrade over time. Wear will occur faster in harsh or demanding environments with high temperatures, dust, or humidity.
Some of the most common causes of air end deterioration include degraded geometrics of the screws (rounding), damaged coatings, and increased or uneven tolerances. As the air end degrades, it can force your compressor to work harder to achieve the same result, which can increase the risk of damage to your compressor, and lead to higher energy costs.
Air End Repair Options
In most cases, the only way to repair an air end is to utilise specialised equipment, tools, and processes that are often only available to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). If you attempt to open and reassemble your compressor’s air end, you risk worsening matters.
Complications can further decrease your air end’s lifespan and increase your energy consumption. You could also end up contaminating the compressed air within your compressor with oil, dust, and other particles.
If you want to find out whether your air end can be repaired, get in touch with our team of air compression experts. If your air end can be repaired rather than replaced, we will restore it to a near-new condition.
Replacing a Damaged Air End
Fortunately, even though DIY repair jobs are ill-advised, you can often replace a damaged air end without having to buy a new air compressor. Many manufacturers have programs in place that allow you to replace your air end with an original component, while doing your part for the environment at the same time.
Programs like the Atlas Copco Element Xchange enable you to replace your compressor’s air end with a matching component that will restore your compressor to its original performance. In many cases, you can have your air end replaced with an upgraded alternative that can even improve the efficiency and reliability of your air compressor.
Thanks to the Atlas Copco Element Xchange program, you can replace your damaged air end with a new one that is correctly sized and 100% compatible with the rest of your compressor’s components. Generically sourced air ends may appear cheaper, but poor performance and reliability can quickly become issues if the generic component does not match the original.
Reach out to us if you want to learn more about the Atlas Copco Element Xchange program. As a premier distributor for Atlas Copco, we can do all the hard work on your behalf and we guarantee fast turnaround times.
Additionally, if you have an extended warranty type service contract with Anglian Compressors, and the air end should need replacing, this will be done, professionally, as part of the overall works.
Is Refurbishing an Option?
If you have a damaged or worn oil-injected rotary screw air end by Atlas Copco, refurbishing is a viable option. This process involves restoring the air end to its original factory standards, ensuring reliability and energy efficiency.
At our dedicated refurbishing centre, we apply rigorous quality controls to ensure your refurbished air end performs as it did when it was brand new. We also offer competitive prices and short lead times so that you can get your compressor back up and running as quickly as possible.
Do You Need an Air End Repair or Replacement?
As the air end plays a vital role in compressing the air within your compressor system, ensuring it remains in top-notch condition is crucial. This is not just for the efficiency of your equipment, but also for your ability to do your job.
If you have noticed any signs of wear or a reduction in performance. In that case, we recommend you contact us as soon as possible to avoid any negative impact on your business and finances.
For all your air compression needs, look no further than Anglian Compressors. Call us today to find out how we can help you.