The big difference is that a duplex air compressor has two equal sized pump-&-motor sets.
So a 10 HP duplex compressor has two 5 HP pump/motor units mounted on one air tank. A 15 HP has two 7.5 HP pump/motor sets & so on.
So why would you need two pumps & motors? There are three main reasons:
- Redundancy – if one pump/motor set fails or need repair, the other pump/motor can continue to operate. The air flow will be cut in half, but it can keep your business in operation.
- Electrical Limitations – What alternative is there when you need a 10 or 15 HP compressor, but three phase electrical service is not available or is too expensive to bring into you facility. Then a duplex compressor with single phase pump/motors can be installed.
- Varying Air Usage – If you do not need all of the air flow, CFM, of a 10 HP compressor except when you use your plasma cutter, sand blaster, CNC machine, etc. Only one pump/motor set will operate when the demand is lower, but both sets will run when a high demand is needed.
We sell duplex compressors manufactured by Campbell Hausfeld , Chicago Pneumatic, C-Aire & Ingersoll Rand.