Marine Air Compressors: Types & Uses

Marine air compressors are responsible for carrying out several functions on-board. But what exact function does a marine compressor perform?

Let’s talk about that.

The application of a marine air compressor can be divided into four components:

• Main
• Deck
• Emergency
• Topping up

Main marine air compressors play an imperative role in powering primary and auxiliary engines, and supporting major operations on a ship vessel. These high-capacity main compressors come with sizable tanks as sheer amount of energy is required to start the engines. An air pressure of at least 30 bars is required to start the main engine. When power is released from the tank and into the engine, it provides a strong burst that gets systems running instantly.

Main marine compressors ensure that the main deck of the ship is getting energy day in and day out without fail.

Deck marine air compressors are smaller and lighter than the main ones. Deck marine air compressors are portable which means they offer maximum mobility and convenience.

This mobility allows them to carry a variety of tasks that only require 6 to 8 bars of air pressure such as powering up tools needed for small repairs or cleaning and sanitation-related tasks that occur on deck. Even more importantly, they can be used in emergency situations when quick response is needed. Their ability to help operate fire pumps in disaster situations is particularly crucial, as it can help keep the ship safe and its crew unharmed.

It is clear that deck marine air compressors provide a valuable service within the maritime industry and should remain an essential part of shipboard operations.

Emergency marine air compressors are essential components for marine vessels, as they can prove to be lifesavers in events like power outage or power failure. This type of compressor is designed to provide the necessary energy to kick-start the primary and auxiliary engines. Without an emergency air compressor onboard, the crew would struggle tremendously in a crisis, putting theirs and the vessel's safety in jeopardy.

While it is difficult to predict all possible risks on the open seas, having an emergency marine air compressor onboard drastically reduces the chances of an avoidable incident. Simply put, investing in an emergency marine air compressor might just save your life.

Topping up marine air compressors is essential for keeping ships safe, as they are designed to detect and compensate for any potential air leaks in the system. They are connected to underlying devices that monitors the current air pressure levels within the system. As soon as the pressure level drops below a certain level, the topping up compressor comes into action. This can potentially save hours of labor and hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in damages and repairs.

On top of providing consistent air pressure to keep the engines going, topping up marine air compressors also help to keep your system safe from potential disasters and damages that may be caused by an air leak. Investing in a quality marine air compressor is one of the best decisions you can make for both optimum performance of the marine vessel and peace of mind.

The marine air compressors are broadly categorized into two parts based on their application: Main and Service.

The main compressor is a high-pressure compressor system. It comes with a minimum air pressure of 30 bars which is generally needed to initiate the main engines. On the other hand, service air compressors are suitable for low-pressure applications that need only 7 to 8 bars of air pressure.

In addition to this, for efficient ship sailing, an air curtain is created underneath the vessel surface to reduce friction and by this less energy is needed to propel further. This application is widely known as Hull-Lubrication and Oil-free Rotary Screw low pressure compressors up to 4barg discharge pressure are used for this purpose.

Air compressors serve essential purpose on a vessel and so should be carefully selected and managed by ship operators looking to optimize performance.

Marine air compressors come in a range of technologies and can be supplied with option of sea water cooling:

1.     Rotary screw compressor (air or water cooled)

2.     Reciprocating air compressor

3.     Low pressure screw blowers

While there are multiple compressors on-board that serve different purposes, the double acting reciprocating air compressor is the most popular choice for marine engine starting applications.

Likewise low pressure compressors or blowers are used for efficient propelling thereby consuming lower fuel and saving the environment with faster travel time. 

Although marine air compressors are more expensive than regular industrial air compressors, they are essential for operations on ships due to their ability to withstand harsh marine conditions. Other compressors are not made of materials that can resist corrosion from salty water and high moisture in the surrounding atmosphere.

The smart design and metal material used in marine air compressors allow them to survive marine conditions that contain high content of salt in the water and surrounding atmosphere.

At Atlas Copco UAE, we provide robust marine air compressors. From carrying out small tasks such as cleaning the deck to initiating powerful engines or even propelling the ship, our wide range of marine air compressors can do anything!

Nitrogen Generator for marine application are also provided by Atlas Copco combined with compressors for onsite N2 gas generation.

Our strong and reliable network comprises experts who provide round the clock air compressor service and support to ensure all your queries are answered. If you have any questions regarding our marine air compressors, feel free to contact us.