Cast Air 15HP 3-Phase Rotary Screw Air Compressor — 120-Gallon Vertical Tank, 230V (R15312VG30-230)
The Cast Air R15312VG30-230 delivers 15 horsepower of rotary screw compressed air on a 230V 3-phase circuit, paired with a 120-gallon vertical storage tank. If your shop has limited floor space but needs serious sustained CFM output, the vertical configuration is the practical answer. Same 15HP output, same 120-gallon storage — the tank stands upright rather than lying on its side, shrinking the floor footprint while keeping your capacity.
This is the 230V version of the vertical 15HP series. If your shop already runs 230V 3-phase for lifts, welders, or other heavy equipment, this unit connects to that service without adding a second voltage tier to your electrical system.
Vertical Tank: Why It Matters for Floor Space
- Smaller footprint, same capacity: A 120-gallon vertical tank occupies roughly the same floor area as a much smaller horizontal tank. The storage volume goes up, not out. In a shop where every square foot of floor space is assigned — alignment equipment, lifts, toolboxes, parts staging — this is a meaningful difference.
- Corner installation: A vertical tank can tuck into a corner or against a wall with minimal clearance on the sides. A horizontal tank needs access along its length for plumbing taps and condensate drains.
- Plumbing access: The main supply outlet and drain connection on a vertical tank are typically at the top and bottom respectively. For shops that run an overhead air distribution system, a vertical tank connects cleanly to an overhead drop without the angled plumbing a horizontal tank sometimes requires.
- Condensate drainage: The drain is at the bottom of the tank, the lowest point, which is where condensate naturally collects. Auto-drain valves work well on vertical tanks for this reason.
15HP Rotary Screw Performance
- Output: The R15312HG30-460 (horizontal, 460V variant) is rated at 58 CFM at 100 PSI. The vertical 230V version of the same horsepower class delivers comparable output — confirm exact CFM for this specific model on the spec sheet or call us for the data sheet.
- Continuous duty: Rotary screw compressors are designed to run without rest cycles. Unlike piston compressors that need duty cycle breaks, this unit is built for sustained production operation — two shifts, back to back, at rated output.
- Quiet operation: Rotary screw compression runs significantly quieter than reciprocating alternatives of equivalent output. Relevant in any shop where noise affects communication, customer interactions, or technician fatigue over long shifts.
- Maintenance: Service is oil-based maintenance: oil, oil filter, air/oil separator element, intake filter. No piston rings, no cylinder work. Maintenance intervals are typically scheduled by hours of operation rather than calendar time — check the service manual for intervals specific to this unit.
230V 3-Phase: When This Is the Right Voltage Choice
- Existing 230V 3-phase service: If your shop already has 230V 3-phase from existing equipment — many automotive lifts, MIG welders, and older three-phase motors run on 230V 3-phase — adding this compressor does not require a new voltage service. That simplifies installation and avoids transformer cost.
- Amperage draw: At 230V, the amperage draw for 15HP is approximately double what the 460V version draws. Plan your circuit sizing accordingly. For a 15HP 230V motor, you are typically looking at 40–50 amps at full load depending on the motor efficiency — confirm with the spec sheet and your electrician.
- Wire sizing: Higher amperage at 230V means heavier wire gauge for the supply run compared to 460V. If your compressor is far from the panel, wire cost is a factor in the voltage decision. For short runs, 230V is generally not a problem.
- 460V version available: If your shop has or can easily get 460V 3-phase, the R15312VG30-460 is the same unit with a 460V motor winding. Same vertical tank, same 15HP output, lower amperage draw.
Who This Compressor Is For
- Shops with limited floor space: Production body shops in urban locations, independent shops in converted commercial buildings, or any facility where the compressor room is tight. The vertical tank gets you to 120 gallons of storage in the smallest possible floor area.
- High-demand operations on 230V 3-phase: If your electrical service is 230V 3-phase and you have outgrown a 10HP unit, this is the direct upgrade path without changing voltage infrastructure.
- New facility planning: If you are laying out a new shop and the electrical design calls for 230V 3-phase throughout, specifying the vertical version of the 15HP compressor keeps your voltage unified and simplifies the overall electrical plan.
Vertical vs. Horizontal: Choosing the Right Configuration
- Choose vertical (this unit): When floor space is limited, when you are using overhead air distribution, or when a corner installation makes physical sense for your layout.
- Choose horizontal (R15312HG30-230): When plumbing access along the tank length matters, when ceiling height is a constraint, or when your compressor room layout works better with a low-profile unit.
- Performance is the same: Tank orientation affects floor footprint and plumbing access, not CFM output or pressure rating. Both configurations use the same 15HP rotary screw pump assembly.
Additional Specifications
Complete technical data — exact CFM output, full-load amperage at 230V, discharge temperature, oil capacity, port sizes, weight, and exact footprint dimensions — is available on request. Contact us before ordering if you need the full spec sheet for your installation planning or electrical permit application.
Why Buy From OEM Diagnostic Tools?
- Specialist since 2016: We work with professional shops every day. We understand the difference between the vertical and horizontal configurations and can help you think through which one fits your layout.
- Free shipping: Ships free to commercial addresses in the continental US.
- Free tech support: Call 866-217-0063 before ordering to confirm voltage and configuration. Call after delivery if you have installation questions. We are available to talk through your specific situation.
- Full manufacturer warranty: Cast Air manufacturer warranty applies. We handle the process if a claim comes up.
- Straightforward guidance: If the vertical configuration doesn't suit your installation or if a different horsepower tier fits your actual demand better, we will tell you. We'd rather you have the right compressor than the wrong one.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
