Cast Air R15312VG30 — 15HP 3-Phase Rotary Screw Air Compressor, Vertical Tank (230V or 460V)
The R15312VG30 is Cast Air's 15HP 3-phase rotary screw compressor in a vertical tank configuration. If your shop floor is tight and you need serious compressor capacity without surrendering a large footprint, this is the configuration to consider. The vertical tank holds the same volume as an equivalent horizontal unit while standing upright, freeing up wall space and floor lanes that would otherwise be blocked.
This listing covers the base R15312VG30 series, which is available in either 230V 3-phase or 460V 3-phase. Voltage must be specified when ordering — see the voltage guidance section below before you place an order.
Rotary Screw vs. Reciprocating — Why It Matters at 15HP
- Duty cycle: Rotary screw compressors are designed for continuous operation. A 15HP reciprocating piston compressor running at 100% duty cycle will overheat and wear prematurely. A rotary screw at the same HP rating can run all day without thermal stress.
- Airflow consistency: Rotary screw units deliver consistent CFM without the pressure waves you get from a piston design. For spray guns, media blasters, and precision air tools, that consistency matters.
- Sound levels: Rotary screw compressors are substantially quieter than equivalent reciprocating units — an important factor in shops where techs are working nearby all day.
- Maintenance profile: Screw element oil changes, air/oil separator service, and inlet filter replacements are the primary service items — no valve kits, no piston rings, no rod bearings.
Vertical Tank Configuration — Who Chooses This Over Horizontal
- Floor footprint: A horizontal 120-gallon tank typically runs 7–8 feet in length. The vertical configuration takes roughly half the floor length at the cost of additional height. In a shop with limited linear floor space along walls, vertical wins.
- Corner placement: Vertical tanks fit neatly into corners or against narrow wall sections where a horizontal tank would protrude into a work lane.
- Price consideration: The vertical configuration (R15312VG30, $11,745) is priced approximately $633 higher than the equivalent horizontal unit (R15312HG30, $11,112). That premium reflects the tank configuration — the compressor itself is the same 15HP rotary screw unit.
- Choose horizontal if: You have the floor space and want lower cost. Choose vertical if floor space is the constraint.
15HP Output — What It Runs in a Real Shop
- Typical CFM output: A 15HP rotary screw compressor typically delivers 50–65 CFM at 100 PSI, though exact figures vary by manufacturer design and operating pressure. Contact us for confirmed specs on this specific unit.
- Multi-tool operation: At 50+ CFM, you can run a spray gun (12–14 CFM), two impact wrenches (5–8 CFM each), a die grinder (8–12 CFM), and still have capacity for incidental tool use simultaneously.
- Body shop relevance: A single spray gun operator running base/clear won't load a 15HP unit. The headroom exists for the rest of the shop to keep working while paint is being sprayed.
- High-demand scenario: If you're running multiple spray booths simultaneously, or you have a very large fleet facility with lifts, pneumatic tools, and a tire shop all running at once, consider the 20HP R20312 series instead.
Voltage Selection — 230V vs. 460V for This Unit
- 230V 3-phase: If your shop has 3-phase at 208–240V, this is straightforward. Verify your panel has adequate breaker capacity for a 15HP motor — expect approximately 46–52 amps at full load on a 230V 3-phase circuit.
- 460V 3-phase: At 460V, the same 15HP motor draws roughly half the amperage — approximately 22–26 amps. This means smaller wire runs, smaller breakers, and less heat in your electrical infrastructure. If your facility has 460V 3-phase available, it is generally the better choice at this power level.
- Do not guess on voltage: Installing a 230V unit on a 460V circuit, or vice versa, will destroy the motor. Know your service voltage before ordering. If unsure, have your electrician verify.
- Single-phase is not available on this unit. The R15312VG30 requires 3-phase power. If your shop has single-phase only, a different compressor class is needed.
Installation Considerations
- Location: Place the compressor in a well-ventilated area. Rotary screw compressors generate heat during operation — adequate airflow around the unit is required for proper thermal management.
- Electrical rough-in: Coordinate with an electrician before delivery. At 15HP 3-phase, you need a dedicated circuit with appropriate breaker sizing per NEC requirements for motor loads (typically 175–250% of FLA for breaker sizing).
- Air distribution: Size your header pipe for the CFM output of this unit. Undersized piping creates back-pressure and reduces effective tool performance across the shop.
- Condensate management: Rotary screw compressors produce condensate — plan for a drain system or auto-drain valve on the tank and at low points in your air lines.
Specifications
- Model: R15312VG30
- Compressor type: Rotary screw
- Horsepower: 15 HP
- Phase: 3-phase
- Tank configuration: Vertical
- Available voltage: 230V or 460V (specify at time of order)
- List price: $11,745.30
- CFM output and operating pressure: Contact us for confirmed manufacturer specifications
- Tank size: Contact us to confirm
Note: Detailed manufacturer specifications including CFM output, operating pressure range, tank capacity, and dimensions are pending confirmation. Call us and we will get you the exact spec sheet before you commit to purchase.
Why Buy From OEM Diagnostic Tools?
- Specialist since 2016: We focus on professional shop equipment — compressors, diagnostic tools, and the infrastructure that keeps a shop running. We are not a big-box retailer guessing at what you need.
- Free shipping: Freight on a unit this size is significant. We include it.
- Free technical support: Call us at 866-217-0063. We will help you confirm the right voltage, the right tank configuration, and the right HP level for your actual shop load.
- Full manufacturer warranty: Covered under Cast Air's warranty program. We handle the process — you do not deal with the manufacturer directly.
- Honest guidance: If the 15HP vertical is not the right unit for your shop, we will tell you. We would rather help you buy the right compressor once than have you call back frustrated.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
