With piston compressors, there are two alternatives – belt drive and direct drive. To make the right choice for your compressed air needs, it is important to understand the difference between the two.

Understanding the requirement

The requirement for any given application will play a big role while deciding on the type of the piston compressor – belt drive or direct drive.

The factors to be considered are as follows:

•  Pressure and Flow
• Duty Cycle and duration of use
•  Environment
• Maintenance
• Energy efficiency

The Technology

Belt driven reciprocating compressors are conventional machines, proven for their durability in intermittent usage patterns over the years. On the other hand, direct drive machines are quieter, compact and suit a higher duty cycle with proven reliability when compared to a belt drive.

Please do note that both differ in terms of the “use case” they fit into.

Belt Drive Reciprocating Air Compressor

A belt drive reciprocating air compressor has a belt that connects the motor and the pump. When the motor runs, the belt transfers the power through pulleys to run the pump.

The energy and maintenance costs of these machines are comparatively higher, owing to the transmission system and higher number of touchpoints.

This is why, a periodic check of the pulley’s alignment and the belt tension is required. Improper alignment will impact the motor’s load pattern, thereby increasing the energy cost. This can also result in belt failure due to excessive tension.