SELECTING A BREATHING AIR COMPRESSOR

ENGINE VS. ELECTRIC

When possible, it is Stark Industries advice to power a compressor electrically. Why, you ask?

A reciprocating engine has hundreds of moving parts; an Electric motor has one. The maintenance comparison for a compressor in this application is "no contest".

You may think your situation won't allow you to use an electric drive, but, you might want to reconsider. A properly sized generator and storage system will do the job. Perhaps, even a storage trailer is an option. The reasons for attempting the storage alternative are as follows:

• An engine produces considerable vibration; an electric motor produces none. High Pressure compressors with multiple inter-coolers, are relatively fragile. Engines and related harmonic vibration are detrimental to all compressor components.
• Engines produce a lot of carbon monoxide (CO). Electric Motors produce none. The presence of Carbon Monoxide can be a dangerous threat to the quality of air produced. Mixing carbon monoxide with other sources of contaminated air can jeopardize on site compression. Potentially poisonous smoke from the fire & exhaust of other vehicles, combined with variable wind currents, can create a nightmare for operating personnel.
• Engines are much more expensive to buy and maintain.
• Engines generate additional heat. Compressor valves and the purification process will suffer as a result. Heat is a major obstacle to producing good breathing air.

These factors certainly justify a serious pursuit of alternative solutions to engine driven High Pressure compressors. If no other options exist, Stark Industries engine driven compressors are designed to maximize efficiency & minimize space.

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