What Is A Direct Drive Air Compressor?
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Kaishan USA | October 30, 2019 | Uncategorized
Rotary screw air compressor motors typically come in two varieties: belt drive and direct drive. In a belt-driven air compressor, a belt connects the motor to the compressor pump as the motor turns and the belt turns with it, thus activating the pump. In a direct drive motor, as the name suggests, the motor attaches directly to the compressor crankshaft.
Belt and direct drive models both have advantages and disadvantages inherent to their working principles. The right choice for you will depend on several different factors. In this post, we will look at how a direct drive air compressor works and explain some of the main benefits and potential applications for this type of machine.
Working Principles
All air compressors require a power source. For most models, it is an electric motor. While several design factors influence a compressor’s pressure and capacity rating, the size and efficiency of the engine also contribute. As a general rule, every 5 CFM of 100 PSIG compressed air that a unit produces requires at least one HP of engine power.
How the motor transfers power to the compressor itself constitutes a critical distinction between rotary screw compressors. Belt-driven models allow for greater flexibility, as they can be adjusted to deliver varying amounts of air flow pressure and capacity. Direct drive models, on the other hand, attach either directly or via a flange. As a result, they are less adjustable but more efficient. Manufacturers often sell smaller HP direct drive compressors as a single integrated package.
Direct Drive Advantages
The unique design of the direct drive model offers several benefits to users. Most critically, direct drive compressors have fewer moving parts and, as a result, fewer components that can incur wear and tear. This quality makes them better-suited for heavy duty industrial applications where a belt-driven model will not do.
Direct drive compressors are more efficient, as less power is lost during transfer from the motor to the crankshaft. While direct-driven models are often more expensive to purchase outright, that initial investment is repaid over time, as they will require less fuel over the life of the unit.
Products such as the Kaishan Compressor’s KRSP series feature specially-designed acoustical enclosures to keep running volumes to a minimum.
Explore Kaishan Compressor Products
Kaishan Compressor manufactures a complete lineup of belt drive and direct drive compressors for industrial use. All of our products offer best-in-class performance and come with advanced controls and other features, which make them easy to fit into your workflow.
If you would like to learn more about how our direct drive compressors work and how they can work for you, keep browsing our website. You can also contact our office to speak with a knowledgeable representative and request a quote.
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Rotary screw air compressor motors typically come in two varieties: belt drive and direct drive. In a belt-driven