Knowing your requirements

Before we look at the different options available to you, it’s important to first keep in mind what your compressor has to deliver. The obvious answer is: Quality compressed air.However, the right compressor should do a lot more than that to help take your operation to the next level.Let’s look at seven different ways in which the ideal rotary screw compressor can make a big difference for you:

Reliability: Even the best and most efficient compressor is worthless if it is not running. Therefore, you need a rotary screw compressor that you can count on – especially in tough conditions.

That is why a robust design and dependability are particularly important benefits for compressors that have to work in extreme heat or cold as well as in remote areas that might not be easily accessible for service technicians.

Efficiency: This is an extremely important requirement because compressing air takes a lot of energy. Did you know that, over the lifetime of your compressor, electricity will be the biggest cost factor for you? In fact, the compressor’s energy costs will dwarf the initial investment and all maintenance costs combined.

Therefore, as a rule of thumb, the more efficient a compressor is, the more you will save in the long run and the lower its “total cost of ownership” is (which is the term that describes all of your compressor-related expenses for as long as you own it).Efficiency is a benefit that should be valued in every compressor. However, it is obviously more important for larger compressors as well as for models that run all the time (as opposed to those that are used sparingly).

Compactness and noise: These two are grouped together because they deal with the same issue: Where can a compressor be set up?
While this might seem like a relatively small thing, it actually can have a big impact on an operation. For example, a small, low-noise compressor can be set up much closer to the point of use, which reduces the pressure drop that is the result of piping the air from a compressor room far away. That not only reduces installation costs but also lowers energy expenses.

The right fit: You don’t just need any standard compressor. You need the one that meets your specifications, standards, and priorities. With many different technologies and options available, that rotary compressor is out there. It’s just about knowing your need and wants, and evaluating compressor alternatives accordingly.

Sustainability: Until fairly recently, few put sustainability first. Now, however, it is an issue that is of crucial importance. Countries, companies and consumers have all realized that we have a joint responsibility to take care of our planet. And, because compressing air takes up such a large share of the energy consumed in industrial settings, compressors play a major role in this regard. The right equipment can help businesses meet their climate change goals while the wrong one can cause it to run afoul with increasingly stringent regulations and public opinion.

Connectivity: Last but certainly not least, this is another requirement that hardly anybody thought about just a few years ago (apart from Atlas Copco engineers). Now, however, it is very obvious that modern technologies can improve the performance of compressors in every way. The latest connectivity features allow you to monitor your compressor from anywhere, get alerts if potential problems arise, and optimize its performance. In addition, many factories now operate a connected production floor. Technologies such as OPC UA allow for compressors to be integrated seamlessly and securely into manufacturing networks.

The importance of the Total Cost of Ownership

As consumers, we are conditioned to always look at the cost of products we are interested in. However, it is very important to remember that the purchase price of a compressor is not nearly as relevant as it is for most other items.

The reason is that, over the lifetime of a compressor, that purchase price makes up only a tiny percentage of the money you will have to spend on operating it.

For example, if you purchase a smart watch, then the initial cost will make up the bulk of the total cost of ownership. Charging it will cost next to nothing and, at most, you may purchase a modestly priced accessory.It’s completely different for a compressor. Here, the initial investment in the machine itself may only constitute 10% of the total cost of ownership.

Maintenance and upkeep will add another 10% and the rest will be energy costs to keep it running. This means that, the more efficient a compressor is, the more it can save you over time.

Therefore, do not let your investment decision be guided by “sticker shock.” In many cases, a model with a higher price tag will save you money in the long run, and what appears to be the most expensive compressor initially may end up being the least expensive once all associated costs are taken into account.