Requirements and Applications of Air Compressors in the Construction Industry

Traction and mobile air compressors are popular at many construction sites around the world. Compressed air is usually used as an energy source to provide power for pneumatic tools. Compressed air is used because it can provide reliable and efficient high output, which can be used to power various pneumatic tools.

Compared with electric pneumatic tools, pneumatic tools are lighter, easier to use, safer and easier to maintain. The main advantage is that an air compressor can provide power for each tool as needed, instead of each tool having its own power source. In addition, compressors are generally quieter and have fewer parts, which makes them easier to maintain and less likely to fail!

Compared with electric tools, the main advantages of pneumatic tools
More powerfulHigher torque and RPMMore versatile
Easily interchangeableSafer alternative

Type of Compressor

Mobile compressor
The compact and lightweight mobile compressor can be easily transported by van or pickup truck. It can be easily transported to the construction site and loaded and unloaded as needed. Mobile air compressors can be loaded into vehicles for transportation and are ideal for construction workers and engineers who may be busy working on multiple construction sites.

Traction Compressor
Other common building compressors are traction compressors. These types of air compressors must be compact enough to be able to be towed by a vehicle, and must also have good balance and stability to ensure that they can cope with rough or uneven terrain. If the traction compressor is not properly designed, there may be a risk of tipping over when traveling on rough and uneven surfaces.

For road construction, restoration projects, urban engineering, or other challenging applications, heavy-duty traction compressors are the most robust and very suitable for the unique needs of such applications. Heavy-duty traction compressors can cope with harsh site conditions and hard-to-reach site locations with consistent performance.

Choosing an Air Compressor for Construction

CFM requirements

All pneumatic tools have cubic feet per minute (cfm) requirements. The air compressor you choose to buy must be able to drive the power tools you want to use. For example, a general-purpose pneumatic tool usually requires 0 to 5 cfm at 70-90 psi (pounds per square inch).

Power type

Another factor to consider is the power source of the air compressor. Options include gas, electricity, and diesel. Diesel compressors are very reliable and high-performance, and can be energized without connecting to the grid. Compressors are usually equipped with black smoke filters (DPF) to clean them before releasing emissions.

Size

For construction applications, the compressor must be small enough to be dragged, and at the same time powerful enough to provide the compressed air flow required to drive the equipment.

Noise

Depending on the type of construction project, noise may be a relevant factor that needs to be considered. The low-noise compressor has the least interference, so it is most suitable for use in busy urban areas.

Typical use in the construction industry

Many people will choose industrial-grade air compressors for construction projects. This type of compressor is simple to operate and can provide power for various tools and on-site construction equipment.
Some of the most popular uses are:

Drilling machine and wind cannon

These equipments are usually used to break rocks and roads, and can be used for landscaping and construction. In addition to drilling, these tools can also be used for countersinking, reaming and opening holes. They produce a rapid downward chiseling motion and are very suitable for flat ground without slopes.

Impact wrench

Such tools are used for applications that require precise torque, such as loosening or tightening nuts and bolts, and fasteners. The most common use is to remove lug nuts from car tires, but they are also often used in construction.

Grinding machine

There are many types of industrial grinders, including mold electric grinders, angle grinders, vertical grinders, and straight grinders. These grinders use compressed air to achieve high-speed rotation to grind abrasives.

Sanding machine

The types of sanders include angle sanders, rail sanders, belt sanders, gun sanders, etc. They are used to smooth the surface in construction work.

Nail gun

Compressed air is used to drive nails into wood and other materials.