A screw compressor mounted on an air receiver (pressure vessel) is a fast and convenient way to build a compact, efficient compressed air station for a small production plant or workshop. The new Airpol CompactPrime and Airpol CompactPrime DRY series (with an integrated refrigerated dryer) combine a screw compressor with an air receiver: 240 L for units with 3 and 4 kW motors, and 500 L for units in the 5.5–15 kW range. The DRY version, additionally provides compressed air treatment, enabling stable pressure and improved air quality while keeping the footprint to a minimum. The Airpol CompactPrime range includes models with drive motors from 3 to 15 kW, designed for compressed air systems with varying load profiles and fluctuating air demand.
In production plants, workshops and service facilities, a screw compressor on an air receiver is a frequently selected solution because it provides a ready-to-run, integrated compressed air station. Instead of sourcing the compressor, the air receiver and installation components separately, the user receives a compact package that is easier to position, connect and commission. The optimised, compact design supports installation even where space is limited, while still providing convenient service access.
The air receiver acts as a buffer that stabilises system operation. It stores compressed air, smooths pressure fluctuations and helps cover short-term peak demand, which often is occurs when pneumatic tools, machinery or multiple workstations operate simultaneously. The use of an air receiver results in more uniform supply to end users and reduces the number of compressor start/stop cycles.
In addition, the air receiver supports initial moisture condensation, reducing the amount of water in the system and lowering the risk of corrosion and failures in pneumatic components. In practice, this translates into more stable compressed air system performance and better protection of downstream equipment.
The Airpol CompactPrime & Airpol CompactPrime DRY series have been designed for users who require stable compressed air supply, easy installation and high operational reliability.
The vast majority of Airpol CompactPrime and Airpol CompactPrime DRY models in the 5.5–11 kW power range are equipped with ASU50MK airends, manufactured by Airpol. One of the key advantages of this airend is its compact design, which facilitates integration into the compressor package, reduces the number of connecting components and ensures convenient service access. The optimised geometry of the air and oil flow passages translates into stable, energy-efficient and low-noise operation while maintaining high performance parameters during daily operation.
Precision manufacturing of components and the use of premium-class bearings increase the durability and reliability of the airend, and consequently the entire compressor package. In addition, the optimised lubrication system provides stable operating conditions throughout the service interval, reducing the risk of performance drop and unplanned downtime.
The Airpol CompactPrime DRY series is intended for installations where dry compressed air is critical. The integrated refrigerated dryer is installed inside the compressor enclosure and operates upstream of the air receiver, which means the air receiver stores already dried air, ready to be delivered to the installation. In addition, a cyclone separator is installed ahead of the refrigerated dryer to provide initial separation of oil-water condensate and to reduce the amount of moisture and contaminants entering the treatment section.
This configuration reduces moisture content before the air reaches the compressed air network, lowering the risk of water condensation in piping, improving the reliability of downstream equipment and protecting pneumatic components against corrosion.
A screw compressor mounted on an air receiver with a refrigerated dryer is particularly recommended for paint and coating applications, automation, precision manufacturing, workshops using pneumatic tools, and any process where moisture may affect product quality or accelerate equipment wear. Thanks to the integration of the dryer into a single package, the user receives a ready-to-install, compact compressed air station with treatment, which simplifies installation and reduces the number of system connections.
For applications with increased air quality requirements, the compressor can additionally be equipped with FP series compressed air filters, installed on the discharge connection. This allows a higher filtration class to be achieved and enables better matching of compressed air quality to the process requirements.
If the compressed air system supplies standard tools and equipment and the air does not need to meet increased moisture requirements, Airpol CompactPrime will be a fully sufficient solution. A screw compressor mounted on an air receiver provides stable pressure, user-friendly operation and energy-efficient performance in a compact arrangement.
If, however, the priority is to reduce moisture in the system and improve compressed air quality, Airpol CompactPrime DRY is the better choice — an air receiver mounted screw compressor equipped with an integrated cyclone separator and refrigerated dryer. This solution minimises the risk of moisture-related issues, increases system durability and improves the operating safety of downstream equipment.
The new Airpol CompactPrime and Airpol CompactPrime DRY series address the needs of users looking for a convenient, compact source of compressed air. A screw compressor mounted on an air receiver stabilises the operating parameters of the installation, while the refined airend design supports low-noise, energy-efficient and long-term operation. The DRY version additionally provides effective drying, resulting in improved compressed air quality and better protection of the compressed air network and end-use equipment.
