Question 1

How does a piston compressor work?

Accepted Answer

Piston compressors operate on the principle of positive displacement. As the piston moves within the cylinder, air flows in through the intake valve and is then compressed as the cylinder volume decreases. It then passes through the outlet valve into the compressed air receiver or directly into the compressed air system. Higher final pressures can also be achieved by combining several stages of compression.

Question 2

Which piston compressor is right for my application?

Accepted Answer

A piston compressor is often the best choice where demand fluctuates, load changes are frequent, and small to medium free air delivery rates or high pressure levels are required. For larger steady flows of compressed air, however, a screw compressor may be more cost-effective. The key factors are the load profile, the required duty cycle, the pressure and the required compressed air quality.

Question 3

What is the difference between a piston compressor and a screw compressor?

Accepted Answer

In a piston compressor it is the reciprocating motion of a piston that performs the compression; in a screw compressor it is the interaction between two rotating screw profiles. Piston compressors are therefore often suitable for fluctuating demand or high pressures, whilst screw compressors are usually used where demand is steady and continuous. The specific load profile will indicate which design is the more economical.

Question 4

Can piston compressors operate continuously?

Accepted Answer

Yes – provided the selected model range is designed for that purpose. At BOGE, certain models from the SR, SRD, PO and K ranges, amongst others, are designed for 100 per cent duty cycle or S1 operation. The technical specifications of the relevant model remain decisive.

Question 5

When is an oil-free piston compressor required?

Accepted Answer

An oil-free piston compressor is recommended when it is necessary to prevent oil carry-over from the compression process. This may be the case, for example, with certain applications in the food, pharmaceutical or electronics industries, as well as in laboratories and medical facilities. The specific process determines which cleanliness class is required.

Question 6

What is a booster piston compressor?

Accepted Answer

A booster further compresses air that has already been compressed up to a higher final pressure. BOGE offers oil-lubricated models up to 18.5 kW and oil-free K-boosters for final pressures of up to 40 bar. When selecting a unit, the inlet pressure, the desired final pressure and the required free air delivery rate must all be considered.

Question 7

What information is required for the selection process?

Accepted Answer

To assist with the selection process, BOGE requires details of the application, the effective free air delivery, the operating pressure and, where applicable, the inlet pressure, as well as the operating hours and load profile. The required compressed air quality and the conditions at the installation site must also be specified. Consideration should also be given to project future expansion, as well as requirements relating to pressure vessels, preparation and acoustic protection.

Question 8

What factors make up the price of a piston compressor?

Accepted Answer

The price is determined primarily by the free air delivery, pressure stage, motor power, duty cycle and the choice between oil-lubricated and oil-free compression. Depending on the application, this may also include pressure vessels, drying equipment, filters, control systems or soundproofing, as well as installation and maintenance services. A reliable quotation can therefore be drawn up only on the basis of specific operational data.

Question 9

How often does a screw compressor need servicing?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of maintenance required depends on the series, model, operating hours and operating conditions. Regular checks and the scheduled replacement of the specified wear parts and operating materials ensure reliable operation and help extend the service life. The maintenance specifications are definitive for the relevant model.

Requirement or application	Appropriate version	Specific model ranges	Why it is suitable
Continuous operation	Version designed for S1 operation	K range	Designed for 100 per cent duty cycle, depending on the model
High final pressure	Booster piston compressor	SR booster, or K booster	Compresses air that has already been compressed to a higher final pressure
Prevents oil carry-over from the compression stage	Oil-free piston compressor	K range	For applications where quality is a key consideration

Piston compressors for industry and trade

When is a piston compressor the right choice?

Oil-lubricated piston compressors

Strengths and advantages of oil-lubricated piston compressors

Which piston compressor solution is right for your needs?

Oil-free piston compressors

Strengths and advantages of oil-free piston compressors

These include servicing, control, and preparation

Need help choosing?

Frequently asked questions about piston compressors