Delivered flow
Record air delivery at an agreed measuring point, with the measurement basis and operating conditions stated.
Measured compressor performance
Compressor Efficiency Testing
in South Africa
Compare the air your compressor delivers with the electrical power it consumes. Fisher Installations measures flow, power and pressure together so maintenance and engineering teams can make an informed performance decision.
FlowDelivered air under test conditions
PowerElectrical input measured alongside flow
PressureOperating conditions recorded
An evidence-based maintenance decision
Is the compressor delivering the performance your plant needs?
A compressor can remain operational while its performance needs investigation. An efficiency test establishes measured conditions before you commit to maintenance, changes to operation or replacement. We review the question and available design information before defining the test.
Electrical input
Measure the selected compressor's electrical input alongside its delivered flow. Review the operating pattern captured during the test.
Pressure and specific power
Record operating pressure and calculate power per unit of delivered flow. Compare with suitable ISO 1217 nameplate or design data where it is available.
Your efficiency-test record
Measured conditions, flow and power results, calculated specific power, available design comparisons, test limitations and recommendations for the next decision.
Choose the right investigation
A focused compressor test or a wider system audit?
The scope follows the decision. The compressor, plant demand and distribution network may need different investigations.
Compressor performance
Use a focused efficiency test when you need evidence about a particular compressor's delivered performance, including a comparison with available specification data.
Discuss a performance testSystem behaviour
Use a broader audit when the question also involves demand, operating schedules, storage, pressure variation or the interaction between compressors.
Explore a compressed air auditLeak identification
A leak survey locates and documents escaping air for repair planning. Leak findings and compressor efficiency answer related, distinct questions.
Explore leak detectionPlan the site work
Help us define a representative, practical test.
Fisher Installations is based in Gauteng, with other South African locations scoped by arrangement. Share the site location so travel, access, measuring points and installation requirements can be confirmed.
Information to send
The proposed measurement setup requires operating pressure below 10 bar, functioning drains and a suitable straight measuring run of approximately 25 pipe diameters after the compressor and before ancillary equipment. Instrument access and any hot-tapping requirements must be confirmed before the assessment.
- Site location and the decision or symptom to investigate
- Compressor make, model, motor rating and available specification sheets
- Operating pressure, production shifts and any recent changes
- Existing measurements, access restrictions and suitable site contact
What happens next
We review the question, identify what information is missing and agree the measurements, duration, site arrangements and deliverable before confirming the scope.
Any savings or payback assessment states its assumptions. Measured test results and projected improvements are reported separately.
Read Devon Fisher's measurement-led approachBefore you book
Compressor efficiency testing FAQs
What does a compressor efficiency test measure?
The agreed test records delivered air flow, electrical input power and operating pressure under representative conditions. These readings support a specific-power calculation and, where suitable ISO 1217 nameplate or design data is available, a performance comparison.
Is this the same as a full compressed air audit?
A compressor efficiency test focuses on selected compressor performance. A wider compressed air audit also investigates treatment, distribution, storage, controls and plant demand. Flow logging normally covers at least seven days of normal or high production to capture weekly trends.
Can you test before we decide whether to replace a compressor?
Yes. Measured performance and the operating context can support a retain, maintain, investigate or replacement decision. A test does not assume that replacement is the correct outcome.
How long does the compressor efficiency test take?
The proposed measurement run records 30 to 60 minutes at full load and stable pressure. Site induction, installation, access preparation and removal take additional time. The actual visit and any required downtime are agreed before work starts.
What information is useful for a quotation?
Send the site location, compressor make and model, motor rating, operating pressure, production schedule and the decision to investigate. Confirm drain operation, the available straight measuring run and suitable instrument access. Existing specification sheets and operating records are useful.
Start with the question your plant needs answered