Skip to main content

Compressor Basics and Sizing

Practical guides on industrial air compressors, pumps, and vacuum systems from Brabazon engineers, backed by free sizing calculators that show every formula.

Browse industrial air compressors

All articles

Technician repairing the mechanism of a reciprocating compressor
Compressor Basics and Sizing

Single Stage vs Two Stage Air Compressor: Which Do You Need?

Single stage vs two stage air compressor, explained: single stage compresses air once to about 125 psi and suits intermittent shop use; two stage compresses twice with intercooling for higher pressure and continuous duty. Comparison table inside.

2 min read
Industrial compressed-air installation with multiple compressor packages
Compressor Basics and Sizing

Types of Air Compressors: Rotary Screw, Piston, Centrifugal & More

Learn the main types of industrial air compressors - rotary screw, reciprocating piston, centrifugal, oil-free and more. Find the right compressor type for your application.

3 min read
Compressed-air receiver tank product image
Compressor Basics and Sizing

SCFM vs CFM: Air Compressor Flow Rates Explained

SCFM vs CFM explained in plain language: SCFM measures airflow at standard reference conditions while CFM (ACFM) is actual delivered flow at your site. Comparison table, worked example, and a free SCFM to ACFM converter.

3 min read

Free calculators and where to go next

Questions on your own system? Call 800.825.3222 and ask for an engineer. We answer 24/7.

Talk to an Expert Today

We cover Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri from 7 branches serving 14 metro areas, and the 24/7 line is staffed by real people, not voicemail. Tell us what you run and we will tell you what we would do.

Authorized distributor for

Sullair, Atlas Copco, Becker Pumps, Grundfos, Paco, Peerless Pump, Pure Aire, Beko, Mikropor, Hankison, Zeks.

Sullair authorized dealer since 1984. Becker Pumps authorized distributor and repair center.

We service all makes and models, including

Ingersoll Rand, Gardner Denver, Quincy, Kaeser, Kaishan, FS-Elliott, Powerex, Dekker, Mattei, Curtis, Champion, Elgi, Chicago Pneumatic, Hitachi.

Service and repair capability does not imply an authorized distributor relationship with these brands.

Request an equipment or service recommendation