Reciprocating air compressors, easily having the ability to drive the pressure above the 350 PSIG threshold of a typical rotary screw, are commonly used in high-pressure applications. They are also a far superior product for the minimal demand application, (one with a lot of starts and stops) due to a small demand being placed on the system most of the time.

A reasonably high-quality reciprocating air compressor will have needle or roller bearings instead of babbitt bearings.  It will also have pressure lubrication, thus forcing the oil throughout the system, instead of the standard splash lubrication. For the sake of efficiency and energy concerns, it should also be a two-stage compressor. Ultimately, the superior choice would be a double acting, two-stage, pressure lubricated unit, achieving the greatest efficiency with the higher pressures and the greatest life between rebuilds.

If your compressor needs fall anywhere within these parameters, we’ll be happy to help you spec the right unit for your pressure, budget, and duty-cycle needs!