Buying Guide: Mining & Portable Diesel Compressors

If you're selecting portable diesel compressors for mining, drilling, construction, or other heavy mobile operations, this isn't like buying a compressor for a factory.

You're choosing equipment that needs to:

• Start every morning in remote locations
• Run all day in extreme heat (40-50°C+)
• Handle incredible dust and abrasive conditions
• Keep going when the nearest service center is 8 hours away
• Survive altitude, rough transport, and harsh environments

Get this wrong and you're looking at:

• $10,000-$20,000 per day in lost production when it breaks down
• $2,000+ service callouts just to get someone on-site
• Weeks waiting for parts to arrive at remote locations
• Shortened equipment life from running wrong-sized units

Get this right and you get:

• Reliable equipment that runs when you need it
• Proper capacity for your application (including altitude de-rating)
• Equipment you can maintain and troubleshoot in the field
• Years of dependable service in harsh conditions

This guide will help you select the right portable diesel compressor for your operation and show you how to keep it running in conditions that would kill factory equipment.

Equipment Types: What's Available

Type 1: High-Pressure Portable Diesel (150-350 PSI)

What they are:

• Purpose-built for mining drilling and blasting
• 150-350 PSI (10-25 bar) discharge pressure
• Reinforced air-ends designed for continuous high-pressure operation
• Heavy-duty construction for harsh mining conditions

Popular models:

Atlas Copco High-Pressure Range:

• XRVS Series: 7-25 bar (100-350 PSI), 185-1,600 CFM
• XRHS Series: Heavy-duty high-pressure, 300-1,200 CFM
• XRXS Series: Extra high-pressure for specialized drilling, up to 450 PSI

Ingersoll Rand:

• HP Series high-pressure portables
• 150-350 PSI range

Sullair:

• S-Series high-pressure models
• Simple, robust design

Capacity range: 185-1,600 CFM typical

Applications:

• Down-the-hole (DTH) drilling (200-350 PSI required)
• Rock drilling for mining
• Blasting operations
• Deep drilling operations
• High-pressure pneumatic tools

Advantages:

• ✓ Delivers pressure needed for serious mining work
• ✓ Built for harsh conditions
• ✓ Designed for continuous full-load operation
• ✓ Robust components (heavy-duty air-end, oversized coolers)

Disadvantages:

• ✗ More expensive than standard pressure units
• ✗ Higher fuel consumption (more power needed for compression)
• ✗ Heavier (more robust construction)

Typical cost: $40,000-$150,000+ depending on size

When you need this: DTH drilling, mining rock drilling, blasting, high-pressure applications above 150 PSI

Type 2: Standard Pressure Portable Diesel (100-185 PSI)

What they are:

• General-purpose portable compressors
• 100-185 PSI (7-13 bar) discharge pressure
• Suitable for construction, road work, general utility
• Lighter duty than high-pressure mining units

Popular models:

Atlas Copco XAS Series:

• XAS 67 to XAS 1600 (50-1,600 CFM range)
• Standard pressure 7-13 bar (100-185 PSI)
• Very common in construction and road work

Ingersoll Rand P-Series:

• P185 to P1600 (185-1,600 CFM)
• Doosan diesel engines
• Common in North America

Sullair:

• 185-1,600 CFM portable units
• Simple, tough design

Kaeser M-Series:

• German engineering
• Very reliable
• More expensive but worth it for critical operations

Capacity range: 185-1,600 CFM typical

Applications:

• Surface rock drilling (100-150 PSI range)
• Construction pneumatic tools
• Sandblasting
• Road construction
• General utility work
• Support operations in mining

Advantages:

• ✓ More economical than high-pressure units
• ✓ Lower fuel consumption
• ✓ Lighter and easier to move
• ✓ Sufficient for many applications

Disadvantages:

• ✗ Can't deliver pressure for DTH drilling
• ✗ Not as robust for extreme mining conditions
• ✗ Less suitable for continuous heavy-duty mining

Typical cost: $25,000-$80,000 depending on size

When you need this: General construction, surface drilling under 150 PSI, utility work, maintenance operations

Capacity Selection & Sizing

This is where most people get it wrong. Here's how to size correctly:

Step 1: Determine Base CFM Requirement

Common applications:

Single drill rig:

• Small production rig: 300-600 CFM
• Medium rig: 600-900 CFM
• Large production rig: 900-1,200 CFM

Multiple rigs or operations:

• Add CFM requirements for all simultaneous users
• Example: 2× medium rigs = 1,200-1,800 CFM total

Pneumatic tools:

• Jackhammers: 50-90 CFM each
• Rock drills: 80-150 CFM each
• Sandblasting: 150-600 CFM
• Impact wrenches: 10-20 CFM each

System losses:

• Add 10-15% for hose losses, fittings, leaks

Step 2: Factor in Altitude De-Rating

THIS IS CRITICAL FOR MINING.

Engine power and compressor capacity drop significantly at altitude because there's less air density.

Altitude de-rating factors:

Example calculation:

You need 750 CFM at 10,000 ft altitude.

• At 10,000 ft (3,000m), de-rating factor ≈ 0.75
• Required sea-level rating: 750 CFM ÷ 0.75 = 1,000 CFM
• You need a compressor rated 1,000 CFM at sea level

Common mistake: Buying a 750 CFM rated compressor for 750 CFM requirement at altitude. Result: compressor only delivers 562 CFM (750 × 0.75). Not enough capacity!

Step 3: Factor in Temperature De-Rating

High ambient temperatures reduce engine power and cooling capacity.

Temperature de-rating (approximate):

• Up to 25°C (77°F): Full capacity
• 35°C (95°F): -3 to -5%
• 45°C (113°F): -5 to -10%
• 50°C (122°F): -10 to -15%

Example:

• Operating in desert at 45°C
• Temperature de-rating: -8% (factor 0.92)
• If you calculated 1,000 CFM for altitude, now need: 1,000 ÷ 0.92 = 1,087 CFM

Step 4: Add Safety Margin

Always add 15-30% safety margin for:

• Equipment aging (capacity drops over time)
• Unexpected leaks
• Future growth
• Peak demands

Final example calculation:

Requirement: 750 CFM for drill rig
Altitude: 10,000 ft (3,000m), de-rating factor 0.75
Temperature: 45°C, de-rating factor 0.92
Safety margin: 20%

Calculation:

1. Base requirement: 750 CFM
2. Altitude adjustment: 750 ÷ 0.75 = 1,000 CFM
3. Temperature adjustment: 1,000 ÷ 0.92 = 1,087 CFM
4. Safety margin: 1,087 × 1.20 = 1,304 CFM

Result: Buy a compressor rated 1,300-1,400 CFM at sea level

Real-world example:

Gold mine in Nevada at 2,100m altitude, summer temps 38°C. Drill spec said 750 CFM.

Wrong approach: Bought XAS 750 (rated 750 CFM at sea level)
Result: Compressor capacity at altitude/temp was ~600 CFM. Could barely keep up.
Fix: Added second XAS 400 compressor.

Right approach from the start: Calculate adjusted capacity (750 ÷ 0.87 ÷ 0.95 × 1.15 ≈ 1,050 CFM), buy XAS 1050 or equivalent.

Drilling & Blasting Requirements

Pressure Requirements by Application

Surface rock drilling (pneumatic drills):

• Pressure: 100-150 PSI
• CFM: 80-150 CFM per drill
• Equipment: Standard pressure portables (XAS series) work fine

Down-the-hole (DTH) drilling:

• Pressure: 200-350 PSI (varies by depth and hammer size)
• CFM: 300-1,200 CFM per rig
• Equipment: HIGH-PRESSURE units required (XRVS, XRHS, XRXS)

Deep drilling operations:

• Pressure: 250-350 PSI
• CFM: 600-1,200 CFM
• Equipment: XRXS extra high-pressure series

Blasting applications:

• Pressure: 150-250 PSI
• CFM: varies by tools
• Equipment: High-pressure portables

Critical: Don't try to use standard XAS (100-145 PSI) units for DTH drilling. They can't deliver the pressure. You MUST have high-pressure XRVS/XRHS/XRXS series for serious mining drilling.

Manifolding Multiple Compressors

Often you need more CFM than one compressor provides, or you want redundancy.

How it works:

• Run compressed air from each compressor into common header
• Each compressor runs independently
• Total capacity ≈ sum of individual units (minus ~5-10% losses)
• Check valves prevent backflow

Benefits:

• ✓ Redundancy (one fails, you still have others)
• ✓ Scalability (add units as demand grows)
• ✓ Easier to transport multiple smaller units than one huge unit
• ✓ Can shut down one for service while others continue

Setup requirements:

• All compressors set to same discharge pressure
• Proper sized header pipe (3-4" minimum for high flow)
• Check valves on each compressor
• Common moisture separator/filter downstream

Example: Two XAS 750 units manifolded = ~1,400 CFM total (not quite 1,500 due to losses)

THE BIG 3 Operational Challenges

These are the problems that kill portable diesel compressors in mining. Understanding them is part of proper equipment selection.

Challenge #1: HEAT MANAGEMENT

Why heat is the #1 killer:

Mining environments are brutal for cooling:

• Desert mining: 40-50°C (104-122°F) ambient
• Underground: poor ventilation, heat from equipment
• Direct sun: adds 10-15°C to metal surfaces
• Diesel engine makes maximum heat at full load
• Altitude reduces cooling effectiveness

What happens when compressors overheat:

• High-temperature shutdown (95-105°C)
• Production stops
• Restart after 30-60 minutes
• If you don't fix the cause: shuts down again in 2 hours
• Repeated overheating damages engine (warped head, blown gasket)

Heat Cause #1: Dirty Radiator (90% of overheating)

In mining, fine dust gets EVERYWHERE. Radiator fins get completely plugged with compacted dust.

The fix:

• Clean radiator weekly in dusty conditions (not monthly!)
• Use compressed air to blow from inside out (pushes dirt away from fins)
• Or pressure washer for heavy buildup
• Check both sides (dirt on both sides)
• Make it part of daily pre-start checks in extreme conditions

Prevention:

• Position compressor with intake away from dust sources
• Use pre-cleaner or cyclone separator in extremely dusty sites
• Consider canopy to reduce direct sun heating

Heat Cause #2: Low Coolant Level

Small leaks drop coolant over weeks. Nobody checks until it overheats.

The fix:

• Check coolant level every morning (5 seconds)
• Top up before it gets low
• Find and fix leaks immediately

Heat Cause #3: Wrong Coolant or Degraded Coolant

In hot climates, proper coolant raises boiling point and prevents corrosion. Running straight water is asking for problems.

The fix:

• Use proper coolant mix (50/50 or as specified)
• Change coolant per service schedule
• Test coolant condition annually (freeze point, pH)

Heat Cause #4: Thermostat Failure

Stuck closed = immediate overheating
Stuck open = runs cool (seems fine) but inefficient

Diagnosis:

• Feel radiator hoses—top hose should be hot when running
• If bottom hose stays cold, thermostat might be stuck

Heat Cause #5: Fan Belt Issues

Loose or worn belt = fan doesn't pull enough air through radiator

Check:

• Belt tension (about 1/2" deflection)
• Belt condition (cracks, glazing, fraying)
• Listen for squealing

Heat Cause #6: Airflow Restrictions

• Compressor positioned wrong (exhaust pointed at radiator intake)
• Parked against wall or in corner
• Canvas covers left on during operation
• Guards or panels blocking airflow

The fix:

• Position with clear airflow path
• Keep 1-2 meters clearance around unit
• Remove covers during operation

Heat Cause #7: Altitude De-Rating Ignored

Engine makes less power at altitude AND cooling is less effective. You might be asking the compressor to do more than it can handle.

Real example: Gold mine in Peru at 3,800m. Kept having overheating with XAS 375 compressors. Running them at rated 375 CFM, but at that altitude should be de-rated to ~280 CFM. Added second compressor instead of overworking first one. Problem solved.

Heat Management Best Practices:

Daily checks:

• Coolant level
• Visible radiator condition
• Fan belt tension
• Operating temperature

Weekly (dusty conditions):

• Clean radiator thoroughly
• Check coolant level
• Inspect hoses for leaks

Monthly:

• Thorough radiator cleaning
• Check fan belt condition
• Test coolant condition
• Check for exhaust leaks

What NOT to do:

• Don't pour cold water on hot engine (can crack block)
• Don't ignore temperature gauge climbing
• Don't restrict airflow with tarps during operation
• Don't run at full rated capacity at high altitude

Challenge #2: DUST & ABRASIVE CONDITIONS

Mining generates unbelievable amounts of dust. Drilling, blasting, crushing, hauling—everything creates fine dust that gets everywhere.

Where dust kills compressors:

Dust Target #1: Air Intake Filter

This is your first defense, and it clogs FAST in mining.

Effects of clogged filter:

• Restricts airflow to engine
• Engine starves for air, makes less power
• Can't produce rated capacity
• Engine runs hotter (less air = less cooling)
• Eventually won't start or runs rough

How fast it clogs:

• Factory environment: change every 500-1,000 hours
• Mining environment: check DAILY, change every 50-200 hours
• Extremely dusty: might need daily changes

The fix:

• Inspect filter every day (30 seconds)
• Keep spare filters on site (always! Stock 3-4 minimum)
• Consider pre-cleaner or cyclone separator for extremely dusty sites
• Don't blow out paper filters with compressed air (damages filter media) - replace them
• Position compressor intake away from dust sources

Cost of spare filters: $50-$150 each
Cost of engine damage from running clogged filter: $10,000-$30,000

Dust Target #2: Radiator Fins

Fine dust particles pack into radiator fins, create insulating layer, block airflow, reduce cooling.

The fix:

• Weekly cleaning (covered under heat management above)
• Position away from major dust sources if possible

Dust Target #3: Engine Oil

Dust that gets past air filter ends up in engine oil. Acts like grinding paste on bearings, rings, cylinder walls.

Signs:

• Oil turns dark quickly (contamination)
• Increased engine wear
• Reduced engine life

The fix:

• Change oil more frequently (every 250 hours vs 500 in clean environment)
• Use high-quality oil filters
• Keep intake system sealed tight (no leaks past filter housing)
• Check air filter housing gasket regularly

Dust Target #4: Compressor Air-End Intake

Some units have separate intake for compressor element. Dust here causes:

• Worn rotors
• Damaged bearings
• Reduced efficiency
• Costly air-end rebuilds ($15,000-$40,000)

Real example: Underground mine in Australia going through air-end rebuilds every 8,000 hours (should last 20,000+). Compressor positioned right near crusher. Moved it 50 meters away, added pre-filter. Air-end life doubled.

The fix:

• Inspect compressor intake filter regularly
• Change per schedule (or sooner in dust)
• Check for intake leaks
• Position compressor away from dust sources

Dust Target #5: Electrical Components

Dust gets into control panels, switches, sensors, solenoids. Causes corrosion, false readings, failures.

The fix:

• Blow out control panels regularly
• Keep covers closed and sealed
• Check electrical connections for corrosion
• Spray electrical cleaner on contacts during service

Dust Protection Summary:

Equipment features to look for:

• Heavy-duty air filter with indicator
• Pre-cleaner or cyclone option
• Well-sealed electrical enclosures
• Easy access to filters for frequent changes

Operational practices:

• Daily filter inspection
• Position away from dust sources
• Frequent cleaning (weekly in dusty conditions)
• Stock spare filters on-site

Challenge #3: REMOTE OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

When you're 200 km from town, 4 hours down a dirt track, or underground, standard maintenance and service approaches don't work.

The problems:

• No quick service calls (nearest technician 8 hours away, $2,000+ just to show up)
• Limited spare parts (shipping to remote site = days or weeks)
• Limited tools and expertise (operators aren't certified techs)
• Downtime is EXPENSIVE ($5,000-$20,000+ per day lost production)

Solution #1: Stock Critical Spares On-Site

Don't wait until something fails. Keep these on hand:

Filters:

• Air filter elements: 3-4 spares minimum
• Oil filters: 2-3
• Fuel filters: 2-3
• Oil separator element: 1-2

Belts & Hoses:

• Fan belts: 2
• Hoses: Assorted sizes (radiator, fuel, oil)
• Clamps

Electrical:

• Fuses and relays
• Common sensors (temperature, pressure)
• Starter solenoid
• Glow plugs (if diesel)

Fluids:

• Coolant: 5-10 liters
• Engine oil: 20 liters
• Hydraulic oil (if applicable)
• Fuel filters/additives

Misc:

• Gaskets and O-rings
• Battery (or know you can get one locally)
• Basic hand tools specific to your unit

Total cost for spares: $2,000-$5,000

Value: Prevents $20,000+ in lost production waiting for parts

Real example: Copper mine in Chile. Stocked $10k in spares on-site, trained 2 operators on basic maintenance. Emergency callouts dropped from 8/year to 1/year. Uptime went from 85% to 97%. Saved over $100,000 in service costs and lost production.

Solution #2: Train Operators on Basic Maintenance

Your operators should know:

Daily checks:

• Visual walk-around inspection
• Check engine oil level
• Check coolant level
• Inspect air filter condition
• Check fuel level
• Drain water separator

Basic maintenance:

• How to change filters (air, oil, fuel)
• How to clean radiator
• How to check/adjust fan belt
• How to top up fluids properly

Basic troubleshooting:

• Won't start (check fuel, battery, emergency stop, oil level)
• Overheating (check radiator, coolant, fan belt)
• Low air output (check air filter, inlet valve)
• When to call for help vs when they can handle it

Training investment: 1-2 days with experienced technician or vendor training

Payback: First avoided service call or prevented failure

Solution #3: Implement Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Don't run it till it breaks. Follow schedule religiously.

Daily (5 minutes):

• Walk around inspection
• Check oil, coolant, fuel
• Inspect air filter
• Drain water separator
• Look for leaks, damage, loose parts

Weekly (30 minutes):

• Clean radiator
• Check all fluid levels
• Inspect hoses and belts
• Check for leaks
• Check battery connections
• Lubricate chassis (if trailer-mounted)

Every 250 hours (2-3 hours):

• Change engine oil and filter
• Change oil separator element
• Inspect air intake system
• Check drive coupling/belts
• Torque check critical fasteners
• Test safety systems

Every 500 hours (3-4 hours):

• Change fuel filter
• Change engine air filter (or sooner if dirty)
• Service air-end oil (if separate system)
• Inspect cooling system thoroughly
• Check electrical system
• Check hoses and replace if needed

Every 2,000 hours (Major service - technician level):

• Compression test
• Valve adjustment
• Injector service
• Turbo inspection (if equipped)
• Full compressor element inspection
• Replace all filters and fluids
• Complete system test

Cost of following schedule: $3,000-$8,000 per year in parts and labor

Cost of NOT following schedule: $20,000-$50,000+ catastrophic failure, plus lost production

Solution #4: Record Keeping

Keep a log for each unit:

• Running hours (engine and compressor)
• Date and type of maintenance performed
• Parts replaced
• Fluid consumption (watch for abnormal use)
• Any problems or abnormalities noted
• Fuel consumption (track for early warning of problems)

Why it matters: Patterns emerge before failures occur. Increasing oil consumption = rings wearing. Decreasing fuel economy = air filter clogged or engine issues.

Solution #5: Communication & Escalation Plan

• Satellite phone if no cell coverage
• Regular check-ins with maintenance coordinator
• Clear escalation path (who to call, when, how)
• Parts ordering process with lead times
• Emergency service contacts (with realistic response times)

Equipment Selection for Remote Operation:

Look for these features:

• ✓ Simple, proven design (fewer things to break)
• ✓ Common parts availability
• ✓ Good manufacturer support network
• ✓ Accessible service points (easy to work on)
• ✓ Diagnostic capabilities (error codes, gauges)
• ✓ Robust construction
• ✓ Good warranty and parts availability

Avoid:

• ✗ Complex proprietary systems
• ✗ Obscure brands with poor parts network
• ✗ Brand-new unproven designs
• ✗ Hard-to-service designs

Adjusted Maintenance Intervals for Harsh Conditions

Standard factory service intervals DON'T apply in mining. Here's what actually works:

Standard vs Mining Intervals

Yes, that's 2× more frequent. But it's way cheaper than rebuilds or replacements.

Cost comparison:

• Extra oil changes: +$500-$1,000/year
• Extra filters: +$800-$1,500/year
• Extra labor: +$1,000-$2,000/year
• Total extra cost: ~$3,000-$4,500/year

vs.

• Engine rebuild due to neglect: $15,000-$30,000
• Air-end rebuild: $15,000-$40,000
• Lost production during breakdown: $10,000-$50,000+

Following aggressive maintenance schedule pays for itself many times over.

Equipment Selection Criteria

Key Features for Mining Applications

Must-have features:

Heavy-Duty Construction:

• Robust chassis and frame
• Heavy-gauge canopy/enclosure
• Reinforced components
• Quality bearings and seals

Accessible Service Points:

• Oil dipstick and fill easy to reach
• Filters accessible without tools
• Radiator accessible for cleaning
• Controls easy to see and use

Good Cooling System:

• Oversized radiator (better heat rejection)
• Easy to clean design
• Good airflow path
• Quality fan and belt

Proven Engine:

• Tier 3 or Tier 4 diesel (depending on requirements)
• Common brand (Deutz, Kubota, Doosan, Cummins)
• Parts readily available
• Good reputation in harsh conditions

Quality Air-End:

• Reputable manufacturer
• Oil-injected rotary screw (proven technology)
• Proper sizing for pressure/capacity
• Good sealing system

Aftercooler:

• Essential for moisture removal
• Protects downstream equipment
• Reduces air temperature

Safety Shutdowns:

• High temperature shutdown
• Low oil pressure shutdown
• Overspeed protection

Nice-to-have features:

Canopy/Enclosure:

• Protects from sun, rain, dust
• Reduces noise
• Weather protection for components

Auto-Shutoff:

• Shuts down after idling period
• Saves fuel
• Reduces wear

Remote Monitoring:

• Track hours, alerts, performance
• Useful for fleet management
• Early warning of problems

Dual Axle (if trailer):

• Better for rough terrain
• More stable
• Easier to position

Jackstands:

• For stationary operation
• Takes load off tires
• More stable

Tool Box:

• Built-in storage for basic tools
• Keeps essentials with unit

Brand Recommendations

From my 20+ years experience in mining:

Top Tier (Excellent for mining):

Atlas Copco:

• Very common in mining worldwide
• Excellent support network
• Good parts availability
• XRVS/XRHS/XRXS for high-pressure, XAS for standard
• Robust construction
• Recommendation: First choice for most mining applications

Kaeser:

• Premium quality
• Excellent reliability
• German engineering
• More expensive but worth it for critical operations
• Outstanding customer support
• Recommendation: Best for operations prioritizing uptime

Second Tier (Good for mining):

Ingersoll Rand:

• Solid performance
• Available parts
• Common in North America
• Good support
• Recommendation: Good choice, especially in North America

Sullair:

• Simple, tough design
• Easy to service
• Reliable
• Good value
• Recommendation: Good for operations wanting simplicity

Doosan:

• Good value
• Decent support
• Korean manufacturing
• Improving reputation
• Recommendation: Budget-conscious operations

Avoid for Remote/Harsh Mining:

Off-brand Chinese units:

• Parts availability nightmare
• Unknown quality
• Poor support
• Might work for light-duty, but not harsh mining

Consumer-grade units:

• Not built for continuous operation
• Won't survive mining conditions
• False economy

Buy vs Rent Decision

Buy When:

Long-term operation (multi-year projects):

• Buying pays for itself vs. rental costs
• You control maintenance and operation
• Build knowledge of specific equipment

Remote location:

• Rental logistics difficult
• Limited rental availability
• Want equipment on-site always

High utilization (running daily):

• Rental costs add up quickly
• Ownership more economical

Want to maintain yourself:

• Control service quality
• Immediate access for repairs
• Train your people on specific equipment

Typical economics:

• Purchase price: $25,000-$150,000 depending on size
• Rental cost: $1,500-$8,000 per month
• Breakeven: Usually 1.5-3 years of continuous use

Rent When:

Short-term project (months):

• Project ends before equipment pays for itself
• No long-term need for equipment

Testing capacity needs:

• Not sure what size you need
• Want to try before committing

Temporary production increase:

• Permanent equipment insufficient for short period
• Peak demand project

Want vendor to handle maintenance:

• No in-house capability
• Prefer predictable monthly cost
• Vendor handles service and breakdowns

Emergency backup:

• Primary compressor down
• Need immediate capacity

Rent-to-Own Option:

Often a good middle ground:

• Try equipment before buying
• Rental payments go toward purchase
• Can return if not suitable
• Build toward ownership while testing

Purchasing Checklist

Before you buy:

1. Calculate actual capacity needed:

   • Base CFM requirement
   • Altitude de-rating factor
   • Temperature de-rating factor
   • Safety margin (20-30%)

2. Determine pressure requirement:

   • High-pressure (XRVS) or standard (XAS)?
   • Match to actual application

3. Assess operating conditions:

   • Altitude
   • Temperature range
   • Dust level
   • Remote location?

4. Evaluate support:

   • Parts availability in your region?
   • Service network access?
   • Warranty coverage?
   • Training available?

5. Check total cost of ownership:

   • Purchase price
   • Fuel consumption
   • Maintenance costs
   • Expected service life
   • Resale value

6. Get multiple quotes:

   • At least 3 vendors
   • Compare features, support, pricing
   • Check references from mining operations

7. Plan for spare parts:

   • Initial spare parts kit
   • Reorder lead times
   • Local availability

8. Arrange training:

   • Operator training
   • Basic maintenance training
   • Troubleshooting training

Recommended Resources

Troubleshooting:
Portable Diesel Engine Won't Start - Complete field troubleshooting guide for portable diesel compressors with step-by-step diagnostics

Industry Page:
Mining & Heavy Mobile Operations - Overview of compressed air challenges and solutions for mining applications

Complete Field Guide:
Portable Diesel Air Compressors - The Complete Guide - Everything you need to know about selecting, operating, and maintaining portable diesel compressors in harsh conditions:

• Complete troubleshooting flowcharts
• Wiring diagrams for common models
• Heat management strategies
• Parts cross-reference guides
• Remote operation best practices
• Real case studies from mining worldwide

Q&A Forum:
Ask Questions - Get answers to specific questions about your operation

Bottom Line

Selecting portable diesel compressors for mining isn't just about CFM and PSI. It's about:

1. Sizing correctly for your actual conditions:

• Factor in altitude (20-30% de-rating typical)
• Factor in temperature (5-15% de-rating in extreme heat)
• Add safety margin (20-30%)
• A 750 CFM compressor at sea level might only deliver 450 CFM at 10,000 ft in 45°C heat

2. Choosing equipment that can handle harsh conditions:

• Heavy-duty construction
• Proven in mining applications
• Good support and parts network
• Easy to service in the field

3. Planning for operation and maintenance:

• Stock critical spares on-site ($2,000-$5,000 investment)
• Train operators on basic maintenance
• Implement aggressive PM schedule (2× normal frequency)
• Keep detailed records

4. Prioritizing uptime over initial cost:

• Better to spend $10,000 more upfront for reliable equipment
• Than save $10,000 and lose $50,000 in downtime first year
• Remote operation makes reliability worth premium pricing

Get this right and you have equipment that:

• Starts every morning
• Runs all day in extreme conditions
• Can be maintained by your operators
• Delivers reliable service for 10,000-20,000+ hours

Got questions about selecting equipment for your specific operation? Ask in the forum - I've probably worked on similar applications.

Want the complete field guide to portable diesel compressors? Get the Portable Diesel Guide - stop learning the expensive way.