Compressors are often preferred in industrial operations such as lifting heavy loads because they work with a pneumatic system. They are facilitating equipment which create added value in terms of significant labour and performance, especially in medium-sized and large construction sites. The air pressure and power provided to carry everything that is heavy are produced by compressors. There are fixed compressors as well as portable ones. Portable compressors are among these equipment. However, when it comes to mobile compressors, the first thing that comes to mind is the small air compressors, which are usually used indoors. On the other hand, there are also very large mobile compressors, which are used in different sectors such as construction and mining. Especially portable compressors are used in construction sites such as road construction sites, where electricity is out of reach. In addition, field drilling and sandblasting are also needed. Factories also usually have spare portable compressors for emergency use.

 How Portable Compressors Work

Large diesel engines operate large portable compressors while the electrical system is sufficient for small and indoor systems. Depending on the airflow and pressure, it is important to select the compressor which is suitable for the engine size. Depending on the product selected, the amount of air production or air flow varies per minute. A portable air compressor is generally between 7-12 bar. The amount of compressed air needed in constructions and similar uses is 7 bar. However, variable air flow is determined depending on the work. There is no need for electricity as they are powered by diesel engines.

In almost every case, the screw compressor model is used in portable compressors. The cost of the ones without oil is relatively high compared to the ones with screws. Therefore, approximately 99% of the compressors used are oil injecting and screwed. They function on the same principle as the fixed rotary electric screw compressor.

 Principle of Operation of Portable Compressor Systems

In the principle of operation in the known mechanics of systems, free air, which is infinitely present in the atmosphere, is the main element. Therefore, it is preferred in many areas industrially. The principle of operation is the technique that the compressed air generates the force. The pressure of the compressed air increases, while the increased pressure increases the forces such as lifting and movement. The air is compressed at certain rates to create the required amount of force. The pressure value of the air in the compressor increases according to the compression ratio.

Portable compressors are produced in industries such as construction, mines so that they can operate for a long time in harder conditions because they are portable. The principle of operation is slightly different than standard compressors. Portable diesel compressors have two separate operating levels: Idle and full load. It is important that the compressor is idled for a while after it is operated. This allows it to work well when it goes into full load mode. Idling is also considered as the preheating. It needs to be operated in idle to warm up for a while, especially before it can be operated in cold winter conditions. The compressor, which compresses the suction air by taking and mixing it with oil, separates the compressed air and the oil from each other in the separator tank. When adjusting the internal pressure, the gas arm of the diesel engine is pulled with a manual intervention and the compressor is idled after a series of operations and its speed is adjusted according to its consumption.

 Features of Portable Compressors

The expectation from portable air compressors is that they are robust, powerful and reliable, as in others. Especially the usage areas of the portable compressors are highly dusty, their dust filtering systems need to be of very high quality. These products also operate without loss of performance in high altitudes or extreme weather conditions. Compressors and diesel engines must have complementary efficiency. A standard diesel engine also reduces the efficiency of a powerful and good compressor. Therefore, it is important that the diesel engine is reliable and of high quality.

Diesel engine is the most important component of portable air compressors. These engines must be powerful and reliable. They have the capacity to work for a long time such as for hours and weeks. Motors are connected directly or by pulleys and belts to the compressor. Diesel engine must have a battery to start the starter.

 Portable Compressor Options

The engine has several safety systems. These are for very high temperature with low oil pressure or oil level. Speed control of the engine occurs in the systems of the compressor. Compressors have minimum electrical and control systems which operate almost entirely pneumatically. It also has more adjustment buttons and micro-controllers than fixed compressors. Portable air compressors include the following components in their options:

• Systems for cooling compressed air and operating in a cold area
• Filters to prevent intense exposure to moisture and dust due to free air
• Heaters used to heat cooling air according to ambient temperature and to remove moisture from the environment
• Heavy duty compressor filter which is used in very dusty environments
• Valve for closing the inlet
• Anti-spark systems (especially for diesel engines)

 Maintenance of the Portable Compressor

In order for the portable compressor to operate efficiently at full capacity, a very good maintenance is required. It is very important to keep spare parts in stock continuously and to maintain them periodically, if necessary, to replace them. Understanding and reading the user manual is the primary condition for the proper maintenance. The maintenance of the compressor is carried out according to how many hours it is operated. Generally, after 250, 500, 1000 working hours, replacing the oil filters and oil, checking the valves, changing the belt, etc. extend the life of the compressor and these ensure its continuously efficient operation.