Hycomp compressors fit into three main situations. This may seem like an oversimplified view of what Hycomp offers, and that is why we like it.
Other than parts and service, these three “Hycomp Situations” are the main reasons people contact us. Every product in any industry tends to have a niche. These three situations explain the Hycomp niche in almost perfect clarity.
1. Oil-free Air Above 150 psig
The Hycomp niche begins at 150 psig and every booster and compressor we manufacture is oil-free. Hycomp compressors have oil-lubricated crankcases. However, due to a distance piece and several other safeguards the air stream remains pure because oil never enters the compression cylinder. Any pressures below 150 psig are often best handled but a screw compressor. Screw compressors can handle pressures below 150 psig so well, that Hycomp compressors really can’t compete in that lower pressure range, as they can provide pressures below 150 psig for far less money than Hycomp air compressors. Pressures between the range of 0 – 150 psig are a great examples of the niche where screw compressors shine. There are still of course times that we have sold air compressors that supply less than 150 psig, but those occurrences are few.
2. When Plant Air Pressure Isn’t Enough
When plant pressure isn’t enough, an air booster is often the best solution. Standard compressed air systems in industrial facilities are typically designed for pressures of 80 to 130 psig. When higher pressures are required it is very effective to use a portion of your plant air and apply an air booster to obtain the desired higher pressure. Other methods of acquiring higher pressure air such as stand-alone air compressors, air amplifiers and increasing the pressure of the entire plant are more costly and far less efficient. It simply takes more power to start from a standstill with a stand-alone air compressor, while an air booster gets a running start because it receives pre-compressed air. Air amplifiers are effective at obtaining higher pressures but they use approximately 60% of the inlet air flow to power the amplifier as they are pneumatically driven. Amplifiers are also best suited for intermittent duty applications while Hycomp air or gas boosters are built to handle the continuous duty.
3. Compressing Any Gas Other Than Air
Hycomp engineers have a deep understand of gas compression, from the easily compressible gases to complex gas mixtures. There are always many variables when dealing with hazardous gases, but rest assured that Hycomp engineers have the skills and experience necessary to provide a safe, flexible and reliable compression system that will thrive in the intended application. Manufacturing safe and reliable compressors is a job we take very seriously. When compressing gas there are 3 main concerns: Containment, Control and Contamination. Hycomp handles containment with three increasing levels of gas packing and plenum chamber arrangements. Control is applied via an application of superior components and a vast understanding of environmental and packaging concerns. No measurable contamination is introduced into the gas stream by a Hycomp compressor and as long as the inlet gas supply is properly filtered, the gas will remain pristine. Yes, it really is that simple. When an application falls under any of these three situations, give Hycomp a call.