BCAS 2018

Technology Guide 32 www.bcas.org.uk Considering a portable compressor? Portable air compressors are defined as the workhorse of building and construction sites because they supply compressed air to power all kinds of heavy tools. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right compressor for the needs of your construction site to ensure that it is productive and runs as smoothly as possible. H ere are eight key features that you should focus on when you choose to buy or rent a small compressor for your construction site: 1. Design & cost A portable compressor should be designed to overcome the challenges that construction workers face daily while offering a low cost of ownership. Therefore, you should look for a portable compressor whose design combines higher utilisation, lower service and fuel costs along with a guaranteed buy back to ensure the value of your asset. 2. Canopy You should choose a compressor that is engineered with a tough canopy. Manufacturers traditionally favoured metal canopies because of their perceived toughness. However, these have been gradually phased out by the introduction of plastic canopies which offer proven toughness and long-term resilience, along with resistance to corrosion and cracks, reduced weight and an improved environmental impact. Initially untrusted by many in the construction industry, the use of polyethylene is now widely accepted as the best material for compressor canopies. It is resistant to low and high temperatures thanks to UV stability and long-term antioxidants within the plastic. To minimise environmental impact, buyers should also look for canopies that are made from approved recyclable material. 3. Weight The weight of the portable compressor will make a big difference when you need to transport it from site to site or move it within the working location where you are. Therefore, if you choose a unit that is below 750kg you will ensure that your compressor arrives on site when you arrive and you will not need any special driving license to tow the machine. This means that you simply rent or buy it and drive away. There are now compressors that, thanks to the latest advances in air element design and smart engineering, are below 750kg yet still offer multiple options, including a built-in generator which can be up to 150kg lighter than comparable models. 4. Options for everyone and everything When you are selecting a portable compressor, you should focus on the solutions it will offer you. This way you can ensure that you are not paying for features you do not want or “extras” which should be standard. You should choose your unit from a manufacturer that build its products to include all the innovative features you expect and it offers you an extensive range of options. Useful options to look for include tow bars, aftercooler, tool box, air treatment, filtration, hose reels and non-return valve. 5. Quick service It is important that you look for a compressor with maximum uptime. If your compressor is being repaired, then it is not being productive. Therefore, you should choose a unit with a minimal service time, simple service procedures that can be undertaken without custom tools or training, and extended service intervals. A compressor that can be serviced in a short amount of time with longer intervals will help ensure that uptime is optimized. Also, you should look for a compressor that has easy access to all parts and filtration. Moreover, it is recommended that you choose a compressor from a manufacturer that can fully guarantee low service costs. 6. Improve fuel efficiency If you choose the wrong compressor, fuel cost can be the highest cost over the lifetime of your compressor. Therefore, you should choose a compressor with improved fuel efficiency. Over the lifetime of the compressor the savings are significant. Another point to consider when choosing your compressor should be the question of whether you will be able to tow it behind a normal passenger car. If you can, you will not be adding extra transportation costs and this contributes to reduced C02 emissions. 7. Solving common problems users experience A portable compressor should be intuitive and come with the features you desire as standard. For example, look for features that guarantee starting, no matter the conditions. To achieve this, you should choose a compressor with features that protect the engine and maximize its lifetime. Also, it is advisable to select a compressor that guarantees simple connection for the hoses. You also should look for a compressor that guarantees the quality of your environment by ensuring that no spillages can contaminant the ground. This is also key in maximizing your compressor’s utilisation. 8. Total cost of ownership No matter whether you are renting for a few days or buying a compressor for your own use or to rent out, the key figure is the total cost of ownership. For a compressor that helps you to achieve sustainable productivity, choose a unit that provides you with improved return-on-asset value. This means that if you have higher utilization, coupled with low service and fuel costs you can increase your revenue. Portable compressors