Explore the Tanair Air Compressor Range
Compare portable direct-drive, belt-driven workshop, variable-speed industrial and specialist compressor options — then choose the range that best matches your airflow, pressure, duty cycle and available power supply.
Start With What the Compressor Needs to Do
There is no single “best” compressor type for every business. The correct range depends on required airflow, working pressure, operating hours, duty cycle, electrical supply, noise, air quality and whether the demand is steady or variable.
This page is designed as a starting point: choose the application and compressor technology that most closely matches your requirement, then compare individual models using delivered airflow and pressure rather than motor size or receiver capacity alone.
Fast Buying Checklist
- Required airflow in CFM or m³/min
- Required working pressure in bar
- How many tools or machines run at once
- Intermittent, frequent or sustained use
- 110V, 230V or 400/415V supply
- Available installation space and ventilation
- Whether dry or filtered air is required
- Any likely future increase in demand
Compare the Main Compressor Types
| Compressor Type | Typical Use | Main Strength | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Direct Drive | Inflation, blow guns, smaller tools and mobile light-duty use | Compact and easy to position | Check intended duty and actual delivered airflow before using with sustained-demand tools. |
| Belt-Driven Piston | Garages, workshops, tyre equipment and general pneumatic tools | Broad range of receiver sizes, voltages and outputs | Still needs to be matched to duty cycle and simultaneous demand. |
| Variable-Speed Screw | Industrial sites where air demand changes during the working day | Output can adjust to varying demand within the compressor's operating range | VSD is not automatically the most efficient choice where demand is consistently high and steady. |
| Smoke Ventilation / Specialist | Life-safety and engineered applications | Purpose-selected configurations including semi-duplex and tandem arrangements | Must be selected from the full project/system requirement, not just headline CFM. |
Portable Direct-Drive Compressors
Portable direct-drive piston compressors are a practical choice where space, mobility and intermittent demand are the main priorities. They can suit inflation, blow guns and appropriately sized pneumatic tools where the compressor's output and intended duty match the application.
Good For
- Light workshop and maintenance tasks
- Mobile engineers
- Smaller garages
- Short, intermittent air demand
Check Before Buying
- Actual delivered airflow
- Maximum and working pressure
- Electrical connection requirements
- Noise and intended duty cycle
Belt-Driven Workshop Compressors
Belt-driven piston compressors are widely used in professional garages and workshops where demand is more frequent than occasional portable use. They are available in single-phase and three-phase configurations, with different receiver capacities and airflow outputs.
Tanair Variable-Speed Screw Compressors
The Tanair VSD range is designed for industrial and workshop applications where compressed-air demand changes during the day. Variable-speed control allows compressor output to follow changing demand within its operating range, which can reduce unnecessary unloaded running where the load profile is suitable.
Consider VSD When…
- Demand changes significantly across shifts or processes
- Several users create varying loads
- An existing fixed-speed machine spends substantial time unloaded
- Pressure stability and energy performance are priorities
Still Check…
- Actual system airflow
- Minimum and maximum demand
- Working pressure
- Annual operating hours
Smoke Ventilation & Specialist Compressor Systems
Smoke-ventilation and other life-safety compressor systems need to be selected from the complete system design. Required pressure, stored-air volume, control philosophy, duty/standby arrangement, monitoring and redundancy can all affect the final configuration.
Which Range Best Matches Your Application?
Remember the Complete Compressed-Air System
The compressor is only one part of the installation. Depending on the process, the system may also need correctly sized air treatment, receivers, drainage, condensate management, pipework and electrical protection.
Why Buy Through Tanair Compressors?
Tanair Compressors is the proprietary compressor range supplied through Compressed Air Systems UK. Alongside online purchasing, customers can access technical guidance, servicing, installation support and aftermarket parts for suitable equipment and applications.
- Compressed-air specialists trading since 1992
- Help with compressor sizing before purchase
- Workshop, industrial and specialist compressor options
- Installation, servicing and breakdown support available
- Trade counter at Unit 15, Fortnum Close, Birmingham, B33 0LG
Shop, Compare or Ask for Advice
Air Compressor Range FAQs
What is the difference between direct-drive and belt-driven compressors?
Direct-drive piston compressors are generally compact and convenient for lighter, intermittent work. Belt-driven piston compressors are available across a broader range of outputs and receiver sizes and are commonly used for more frequent workshop demand. The exact duty of the individual model still matters.
Is a VSD compressor always better for a busy workshop?
No. VSD is particularly useful where compressed-air demand changes significantly. Where demand is steady and consistently high, a correctly sized fixed-speed compressor may also be appropriate. The load profile should guide the choice.
How do I avoid buying the wrong compressor size?
Use the actual airflow required by the tools or process at the required working pressure, consider simultaneous demand and duty cycle, then check voltage, installation conditions and air-treatment requirements.
Does a larger air receiver mean a larger compressor?
No. Receiver capacity affects stored air and cycling, but it does not determine the compressor's continuous delivered airflow.
Do you supply smoke-ventilation compressors?
Yes. Tanair provides specialist smoke-ventilation, semi-duplex and tandem compressor options. These should be selected against the full life-safety system requirement rather than general workshop sizing rules.
Can Compressed Air Systems UK install and service compressors?
Yes. Installation, pipework, planned servicing, repairs and emergency breakdown support are available subject to the equipment and site requirements.
Is support available 24/7?
The emergency breakdown contact number 0121 753 3330 is available 24/7 for urgent compressor breakdown assistance. Normal sales, ordering and trade-counter services remain subject to normal business opening arrangements.
Ready to Find the Right Compressor?
Browse the complete range or send us your airflow, pressure, duty and voltage requirements so we can help narrow down the most suitable options.