Used High Pressure Compressors for Drilling (20-35 bar)

A 25 bar diesel screw compressor is often used for standard water well drilling and medium DTH applications. This pressure is sufficient for many projects and keeps fuel consumption within control.

A 35 bar high-pressure compressor delivers significantly more working pressure, resulting in higher impact energy in the DTH hammer. This increases the penetration rate, especially in hard rocks such as granite, basalt or compact limestone. For deep drilling or difficult formations, professional drilling firms often choose 30-35 bar to ensure productivity.

The right choice depends on:

• Hardness of the rock
• Required drilling depth
• Required air flow rate in m³/min
• Operational cost structure

For hard rock layers and greater depths, a used 35-bar diesel drilling compressor increases efficiency and lowers the cost per meter drilled.

Down-the-hole (DTH) drilling uses compressed air to both drive the hammer and remove the drill cuttings from the borehole. The ideal operating pressure depends on the hardness of the formation and the drilling depth.

General guidelines:

• 20-25 bar for medium-hard conditions
• 25-30 bar for harder rocks
• 30-35 bar for hard rock and deep drilling

A higher pressure increases the impact force of the hammer and improves the penetration rate. Nevertheless, pressure should always be combined with sufficient air flow in m³/min. An incorrect ratio of bar to m³/min limits drilling efficiency.

Professional drilling firms therefore select a used high-pressure diesel compressor where pressure and air volume are exactly matched to DTH hammer specifications.

ith water well drilling, not only the pressure (bar) determines the performance, but especially the air flow rate in m³/min. The air volume directly influences the removal of drilling cuttings and the effective drilling speed.

Guideline values for water well drilling:

• Small bore diameter: 16-20 m³/min
• Medium-sized projects: 20-24 m³/min
• Larger diameter or deeper wells: 24-30 m³/min or more

Insufficient air flow slows progress and increases wear on the DTH hammer. An oversized compressor, on the other hand, increases fuel consumption without additional efficiency.

When purchasing a used high-pressure drilling compressor, pressure (bar) and air flow rate (m³/min) must be correctly matched to the hammer and geological conditions. That technical balance determines the total cost per meter.

For most geothermal drilling operations, a 20 bar compressor provides insufficient operating pressure, especially for deeper installations. Geothermal typically requires 25 to 35 bar to ensure stable hammer performance and efficient disposal of drilling cuttings.

For shallow systems in soft ground, 20 bar may suffice. In compact rock or at greater depths, penetration rates drop sharply when pressure is insufficient.

Geothermal contractors therefore usually choose:

• 25 bar compressors for medium-sized installations
• 30-35 bar high-pressure diesel compressors for deeper applications

A used 25 to 35 bar drilling compressor provides the necessary flexibility for varying underground conditions without the investment cost of a new machine.

The number of running hours is only one indicator. A well-maintained high-pressure diesel compressor with 9,000 to 12,000 hours may be in better technical condition than a poorly maintained machine with fewer hours.

For used 25-35 bar drilling compressors, the following generally applies:

• Less than 6,000 hours: low hours condition
• 6,000-10,000 hours: common on the used market
• More than 12,000 hours: thorough technical inspection required

When evaluating, one should look at:

• Maintenance history
• Condition of the screw element (airend)
• Behavior under load
• Oil quality
• Cooling system and aftertreatment

A professionally inspected used high-pressure compressor with correct maintenance documentation can function reliably in intensive drilling applications for years to come.

A used high-pressure diesel drilling compressor between 20 and 35 bar should be thoroughly checked technically before purchase. In drilling applications, the machine runs under high load for long periods of time, making inspection crucial.

Key inspection points:

• Maintenance history and service reports.
• Condition of the screw element (airend).
• Behavior under full load
• Oil quality and possible metal particles
• Cooling system and aftertreatment
• Motor performance and smoke generation

In addition, one must verify that the compressor effectively reaches its rated pressure (e.g., 25 or 35 bar) at the correct air flow rate in m³/min.

A professional technical inspection reduces the risk of downtime during critical drilling projects.

The air flow rate in m³/min determines how quickly drill cuttings are removed from the borehole. Insufficient air volume lowers the penetration rate and increases wear of the DTH hammer.

In DTH drilling, sufficient m³/min provides:

• Faster removal of cuttings
• Stable hammer operation
• Less jamming of the drilling tool
• Lower cost per meter drilled

High pressure without sufficient air volume does not provide optimum performance. Therefore, bar and m³/min should always be evaluated together when selecting a used high-pressure diesel compressor for drilling.

A used 30- or 35-bar high-pressure compressor can operate technically reliably, provided proper inspection and maintenance history.

High-pressure units operate under higher mechanical loads than standard 7-14 bar compressors. Therefore, extra attention should be paid to:

• Screw element wear
• Pressure control and safety systems
• Cooling under prolonged load
• Structural condition of chassis and pressure lines

When a used 35 bar diesel compressor has been professionally maintained and tested under load, it represents a profitable investment for intensive drilling operations.

The fuel consumption of a 25 bar diesel screw compressor depends on engine power, load and the required air flow rate in m³/min.

On average, a 25 bar high-pressure compressor consumes between 18 and 28 liters of diesel per hour, depending on:

• Continuous or variable operation
• Ambient temperature
• Pressure settings
• Maintenance condition

Correct sizing reduces consumption per meter drilled. Oversizing increases operating costs without additional productivity.

For drilling contractors, fuel consumption is a deciding factor when choosing a used high-pressure compressor.

In used high-pressure compressors for drilling applications, brand reputation and global parts availability play a major role.

Brands that perform strongly internationally in 20-35 bar segment:

• Atlas Copco
• Doosan Portable Power
• Ingersoll Rand
• CompAir

These manufacturers build compressors suitable for long-term loading in DTH drilling and water well projects. Global service support and parts availability increase residual value and operational reliability.

On international export projects, drilling contractors often choose brands with proven performance in harsh conditions.

Yes, used 20-35 bar diesel drilling compressors are exported worldwide for water well drilling, mining and geothermal projects. In Africa and the Middle East, there is strong demand for reliable used high-pressure compressors because of their lower investment cost and quick availability.

Exports must take into account:

• Local emission regulations
• Customs documentation
• Technical conformity
• Availability of spare parts

An export-ready used 25 or 35 bar drilling compressor must be properly tested and prepared before shipping to reduce operational risks on site.

For exports within Europe, CE compliance remains essential. For exports to Africa or the Middle East, different technical requirements often apply, but correct documentation remains necessary.

Important documents:

• CE declaration (if applicable).
• Invoice and serial number listing
• Technical specifications (bar and m³/min)
• Customs documents

International buyers of used high-pressure diesel compressors expect transparent technical data and clear origin information.

A high-quality 25-35 bar diesel drilling compressor can reach 15,000 to 20,000 hours of operation or more if properly maintained.

Factors affecting service life:

• Regular maintenance
• Quality of filters and oil
• Operating temperature
• Working conditions (dust, heat)
• Correct sizing for the application

In hot climates such as Sub-Saharan Africa or the Middle East, cooling plays a crucial role. A properly maintained used high-pressure compressor can function reliably for years to come in intensive drilling projects.

A booster increases the output pressure of an existing compressor system. For specific deep wells, a standard 20-25 bar compressor can be combined with a booster to achieve higher pressures.

Yet drilling contractors often choose a 30-35 bar high-pressure diesel compressor directly when:

• High pressure is continuously required
• Mobility is important
• Complexity must be limited
• Maintenance must remain simpler

A stand-alone 35 bar drilling compressor usually offers more operational stability in mobile drilling projects.

For short-term projects, rental may be of interest. For long-term water well or DTH drilling, purchasing a used 25-35 bar diesel compressor often offers a lower cost per operating hour.

Purchase becomes profitable when:

• The project lasts several months
• The compressor is running intensively on a daily basis
• Ongoing drilling activities are planned
• Resale value is important

Used high-pressure drilling compressors typically retain a strong resale value, especially in high-demand export markets.