Generally, manufacturers of lubricated rotary screw compressors require a minimum cycle time of 90 seconds, while manufacturers of centrifugal compressors prefer a cycle time of 120 seconds. Cycle time is the interval between successive times a compressor is charged. If an air compressor's specifications specify a 30% duty cycle rating, this would mean that the operating time is one-third of the total cycle time. Consequently, a compressor with a cycle time of 60 seconds would have an operating time of 20 seconds.
When applications are running, the compressor would have to rest for 40 seconds between every 20 seconds of active use. Many air compressors are not designed to work continuously, and some need time to rest between uses. A 100% duty cycle will generally be one of the requirements for any air compressor used in a factory environment. The duty cycle is very important when trying to understand how a reciprocating air compressor works when turning the cycle on and off.
An air compressor with such a low operating time would be primarily suitable for small applications that only require intermittent air power, such as portable household compressors used by independent craftsmen. During operations, the compressor would need one minute and 30 seconds of rest between every 30 seconds of pressurization activity. Adjust the right size of your air compressor to limit the risk of over-cycling and reduce the life of your system. Air compressors that offer 50% duty cycles are generally used for medium-scale operations that require only intermittent pneumatic power.
Also, if the compressor manual says that a model has a 100% duty cycle and is smaller, a do-it-yourself air compressor, you'd better read the fine print. Similarly, the QGV enables applications requiring lighter air volumes to be fed at precise intervals. QGV rotary screw air compressors are large, powerful units that deliver between 40 and 200 horsepower, making these compressors ideal for heavy duty applications that require constant air flow. Air power makes it possible for automakers to easily assemble heavy vehicle parts that would otherwise be labor intensive and require a massive workforce.
QSI air compressors are perfect for bottling plants where liquefied glass is molded with cavity molds and other tools. The compressor you purchase must operate in a duty cycle suitable for your application and also meet your PSI and CFM requirements in that duty cycle. Rotary screw compressors allow air to pass through the counter-rotating twin-screw rotors, where the rotors are filled with lubricant to create a hermetic seal as each generation of compressed air passes through the compressor. Ensure that the compressor you choose meets your PSI and CFM requirements in a duty cycle that is acceptable to your business.
The cycle time of an air compressor is the time it takes for the system to load and discharge compressed air. Finally, there are other uses for DC compressors, however, the most popular use is off-road.
