Many bottles today are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Compressors are used to blow the plastic into a bottle shape. Because there are many different PET bottles used for many different products, there are various outcomes that people in the PET industry are looking for. This variety in outcomes means that there have to be different types of compressors for those in the PET bottle industry.
Three-Stage Lubricated Air-Cooled Piston
This is a smaller system that can usually provide up to 580 pounds per square inch (psi). It is a good unit for a company looking to utilize their space well. Under normal circumstances this type of compressor can last for 10 to 12 years.
High-Pressure Four-Stage Centrifugal
This is a larger system that is oil-free. It is also a space efficient option, but requires more power. It can be costly to repair this type of compressor. Under normal circumstances it can work for 10 to 15 years.
Single-Stage Boosters
The single-stage can come in lubricated or non-lubricated as well as oil-free and water-cooled. The single booster is not as space efficient as the other compressors. The life of this kind of compressor depends on the cubic foot per minute, but it can be anywhere between 10 and 50 years.
Three-Stage Water-Cooled Piston
This is an oil-free and water-cooled system that can be configured in a space efficient way. It is great for PET plants. This type of compressor can last 20 to 30 years.
Getting the Parts
Because there are so many different types of compressors and even more manufacturers of compressors, it can be hard to get the right replacement parts when you need them. Thankfully there are manufacturers that have the knowhow to make anything from a crankshaft to piston rods to damper plates specifically designed for use in a PET compressor. If you are in the PET industry, make sure to get replacement parts that will help your compressor continue to work well.