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This page is all about trying to make sense of what's out there in terms of accessories for a new compressor, and helping you determine if a particular feature or gadget is what you need when you are looking for your compressor.
There's quite a selection. Some manufacturers show as standard items what other firms list as accessories. Some of these add-ons you really must have, some you might not need for your particular compressor.
Accessories are listed in alphabetical order.
Can't find it? Use the Google search box below to find information on compressor accessories on this site or on the web.
Access Ports
Not necessarily an accessory, but if the compressor you have selected is an enclosed unit, ensure that you've access to all the components that require regular maintenance for ease of change out.
It doesn't hurt to have the compressor dealer demonstrate the process as well.
By the same token, when you are building an enclosure for your air compressor to reduce sound levels and access to it, make sure you install adequately sized access doors.
Aftercooler
The compressor will generate heat, and lot's of it. There are many pages on this site that offer information about compressor heat-related water problems. An aftercooler, integrated with the compressor, will solve some of them.
See here for information about heat related water problems.
Auto Drain
All you'll need to know about this is here ! This is a compressor tank accessory that is, in my opinion, a "must have" for air compressors that are used regularly.
Automatic Tensioner
A slipping drive belt will cost you considerably in lost energy to drive the compressor motor, regardless of the type of compressor it is. An automatic tensioner will help alleviate that concern and improve the overall efficiency of your unit.
"Beefed Up" Air Ends
When you've done enough research you'll note, as we did, that there's a real concern about the longevity of the bearings at the air-end of rotary screw compressors. This issue pops up enough at the manufacturer's sites and on other sites on the web. If your choice is a rotary screw type compressor, you want to discuss air-end feature of their units with the manufacturer. How do they address the wear resistance of their air end?
Belt Guard
Hard to believe that someone would sell a compressor with a belt drive, and not ensure that there was enough belt guards to meet safety requirements. Do yourself a favor and make sure. If you can get to the belt while it's moving, you can expect that sometime, someone will, with serious results.
Control Panels
A pretty broad topic. You'll want to know what the panel controls; does it have the capability of provide variable speed or react to downstream demand or can it control more than one compressor so that a back-up unit only fires up on demand. Does it display operating temperature, with alarms if there's a condition on the compressor that's a cause for concern. Is there control logic, and if so, what PLC is used, and is the language one that you can learn, have a technician modify or correct, or is it 'locked' by the vendor.
It's hard to list every conceivable operation a panel can control, as often they're configured to order. You want to talk about the options for control panels as you discuss issues with the manufacturer.
Dryers
Some compressor manufacturers offer "packages" with air compressor, aftercooler, receivers, and air dryers. It's worthwhile seeing what's available from a specific vendor as a single source for information on a system, and a single source for warranty and maintenance has value.
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Drive Type
You may not have a choice when it comes to the compressor you have selected, as a variety of drives may not be available in your compressor size. Consider that they might have a 'V' belt drive or a direct drive, and what are your preferences?
Enclosures
Ask your manufacturer what they offer for compressor enclosures, for purposes of noise attenuation, security, appearance, safety, running in adverse environments, etc.
Filters
You'll want to filter the air entering the compressor intake, filter at the receiver discharge, and, if the compressor comes with a cooling system, it will likely move air, and you'd want a filter to keep dust from coating the cooling fins. Also, does this compressor come with an oil filter? Check it out with your compressor manufacturer.
Obviously useful for monitoring run time, and key to ensuring that maintenance is carried out at the appropriate intervals.
Lubricant
Not all compressor oils are created equally, and using the poorer quality will likely have nasty effects on maintenance and costs in time to come. Ask the vendor what options you have for lubrication, what their recommendations are, and how stepping outside of their recommendation (perhaps you're convinced that another synthetic oil will work better for you) will affect your warranty.
Oil Level Indicator
Can you drive your car very far without oil? Well you can't expect your compressor to last if it runs low on oil either. Whether it's a simple sight glass, right up to a pressure and temperature oil sensor with alarm function, if your compressor contains oil, you'd best make sure you can check it.
Oil Separation
If the compressor you are selecting uses oil, what system does the manufacturer have to ensure good air / oil separation. Ask about percentage of oil carryover, how time affects the air / oil separation efficiency, and how to keep compressor oil out of your air lines.
Portability Options
If your need is for a portable compressor, think about how you'll move it around. Carrying is OK for a small HP unit, as they might only weigh 40-50 pounds. As your CFM needs increase, so does the HP, and larger HP means more weight. Consider a "wheelbarrow" type construction, certainly wheels of some sort would be useful, or even a 'fork insert' area whereby you could lift the unit with a hand or powered fork truck.
Vibration monitor
Monitors your compressor twenty-four hours a day, continuously, to send an alarm should the compressor vibrate excessively. Excessive vibration is a symptom of major failure in the system.
Warranty
Reputable compressor manufacturers aren't afraid to back up their products with good, reliable warranties. You should check with each potential vendor to determine what length their warranties are, what all is covered, what is excluded, and what conditions would render the warranty void. If there's too many reasons why their warranty wouldn't be honoured, it's like having no warranty at all.
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