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The AIRSTAHL blog
Practical advice on compressed air: choosing, sizing, installing and maintaining.
400V three-phase screw compressor: the models, the connection and the right choice
Every AIRSTAHL screw compressor runs on 380/400 V three-phase. The models from 5.5 to 22 kW, what variable-frequency starting changes, and what to check in your workshop before ordering.
How much does 1 m³ of compressed air cost? The calculation step by step
The cost of compressed air is easy to calculate from the compressor's power, its air flow and the price of a kWh. The method, a worked example, and the four factors that push up the real price per m³.
10, 13 or 16 bar compressor - when do you need more pressure?
More pressure is not always better. Which uses call for 10, 13 or 16 bar, how much air flow you lose, and why the air receiver and the whole network must be rated for it.
Compressor overheating or cutting out - the causes and what to check
A compressor that stops on overheating is protecting itself. Before calling after-sales service, a few simple checks are often enough to find the cause: ventilation, cooler, oil, filters and how it is used.
Variable speed or fixed speed compressor - which to choose?
A variable speed compressor adjusts its motor speed to air demand. How it works, what it changes for the energy bill and pressure, and which workshops it suits.
Water in compressed air - where it comes from and how to drain it
Every compressor makes water. The point is not to avoid it but to drain it in the right places before it reaches the tools. Where it comes from, drain points, condensate drains and condensate treatment.
Soft blasting, why the compressed air must be dry
Water in compressed air is the leading cause of stoppages in dry soft blasting. Where it comes from, what it does and how to get rid of it.
Soft blasting or sandblasting, what changes for the compressor?
Both techniques project an abrasive with compressed air, but not with the same force or on the same surfaces. What that means for the compressor.
Which compressor for soft blasting? Flow, pressure and dry air
A soft blasting machine uses air without a break. How to choose a compressor that holds the flow from the start of the job to the end.
How does a screw compressor work? Air circuit, oil circuit, electrical circuit
A screw compressor comes down to three circuits working together. What each one does, and why an 8 bar machine cannot be turned into a 16 bar machine.
Fine filters - how do you filter the air at the compressor outlet?
The compressor produces the air, filtration makes it clean. How many filters to plan for, in what order, and why you need more at 16 bar.
Air/oil separator - what does it do and when should you replace it?
A discreet cartridge, but it is the one that keeps the oil in the machine and lets clean air out. How it works and when to change it.
AIRSTAHL piston compressor comparison - E 40, E 75, E 75 HP and E 110
Four receiver-mounted piston compressors, from 4 to 11 kW. The tables to see what sets them apart, and the point at which a screw makes more sense.
AIRSTAHL screw compressor comparison - K, S, M and L series side by side
Four series, one shared base. The tables to compare our screw compressors at a glance and choose the right one.
4-in-1 compressor or standalone screw compressor - which one to choose?
The same screw compressor, supplied on its own or with its air receiver, dryer and filtration. What each option changes for the installation and for the workshop.
Compressor for laser cutting - pressure, flow and air quality to check
Laser cutting with air needs more pressure and cleaner air than a typical workshop. The points to check before choosing the compressor.
Compressor not building pressure - the causes and what to check
A compressor that tops out or takes minutes to fill its air receiver is not necessarily broken. The checks to make, in order, before calling after-sales service.
Reading a compressor data sheet - kW, bar, flow, dB(A) and the rest
A data sheet is read in a set order, and some figures matter more than others. A line-by-line guide to comparing two compressors without getting it wrong.
230V or 400V piston compressor: which one to choose?
Single-phase or three-phase? What the voltage changes, how to find out what you have in your workshop, and the right choice for the power you need.
Bar and pressure - how to calculate the pressure you need
Too little pressure and your tools lose power. Too much and you pay for electricity for nothing. Here is the method to get it right.
Piston compressor vs screw compressor - what really sets them apart
Two technologies, two ways of producing compressed air. What happens inside explains everything else.
Compressed air leaks - how to detect and repair them
A leaking network makes the compressor run for nothing, even at night. Simple methods to find leaks and eliminate them.
Where to install your compressor? Choosing and fitting out the compressor room
A good compressor badly installed overheats, wears out and makes noise. The rules for giving it the right location.
When should you service a piston compressor?
A piston compressor asks for little, but regularly. What to do every day, every week, every month and every year.
When should you service a screw compressor?
A screw compressor's maintenance schedule is read on its hour meter. What to do every day, every week and at every service.
Which air dryer should you choose for your compressor?
Water is the number one enemy of compressed air. Refrigerated, desiccant or membrane - the right dryer depends on your application.
Which oil for a screw compressor? And for a piston compressor?
Two machines, two oils. The grade to aim for, the oil change rhythm and the right routine for each, without getting it wrong.
How to build a leak-free compressed air network
Leaks are prevented at installation. The right pipe, the right fittings, the right techniques, and the test that proves the network is airtight.
A project, a question?
We answer quickly and quotes are free. Tell us what you run on air and we'll point you to the right model.