Simplex Compressors

Simplex means the unit has a single compressor pump and motor mounted on one receiver tank. Duplex units mount two pumps and two motors on a shared tank. Simplex is the standard configuration for most shops — duplex is chosen when you need redundancy or staged capacity so one pump can run light demand and both can run peak demand.

This collection is built around FS-Curtis simplex units spanning roughly 5 HP through 30 HP on receiver tanks from 60 to 240 gallons, in both horizontal and vertical tank orientations. Horizontal tanks sit lower and are easier to service; vertical tanks save floor space in a tight equipment room.

Choose vertical when floor area is the constraint and you have the ceiling height — the footprint is roughly half. Choose horizontal when ceiling height is limited, when you want easier access to the pump and belt guard for service, or when the unit sits on a mezzanine with height restrictions.

A 2 to 3 bay shop running impact wrenches, air ratchets, and tire service typically needs 10 to 15 HP with an 80 to 120 gallon receiver. Total the CFM demand of every tool you may run at once and add roughly 25 percent headroom. Alamo can perform a full load calculation for your actual bay count and tool inventory.

Units above 5 HP are generally specified for three-phase power at 208V, 230V, or 460V. Single-phase configurations exist in the smaller sizes. Motor voltage and phase are model-specific and must match your building service — confirm the electrical requirement on the specific model before ordering, and have an electrician verify available service capacity.

Ultra Pack units from FS-Curtis arrive with air treatment integrated onto the same package rather than sold as separate components — typically bundling the compressor, tank, and dryer into one assembly. It reduces installation piping and floor space versus specifying and plumbing each component individually.

Change pump oil and the inlet air filter at the manufacturer's stated interval, drain receiver condensate daily or fit an automatic drain, inspect and tension belts on belt-drive models, and verify the safety relief valve annually. Condensate draining is the single most commonly skipped item and the most common cause of tank corrosion.

Tank-mounted compressors in this size range ship by LTL freight, not parcel. The receiver unloads and should bring a forklift or loader. Liftgate, inside, residential and appointment delivery are not included; we'll quote them if you need them. Confirm you have equipment and personnel to move the unit to its final position before the delivery window.