Quiet piston air compressors - Paradox
The Quiet Reciprocating Compressor That Belongs on Your Plant Floor
The Gardner Denver Paradox is a quiet enclosed two-stage reciprocating air compressor available from 5 to 15 HP (3.7 to 11.2 kW), delivering up to 46.6 CFM at 175 PSI with noise levels as low as 62 dBA, certified to CAGI-adopted ISO 2151 standards. Distributed exclusively in Eastern Canada by Aircom Technologies, authorized Gardner Denver partner since 1999.
The Paradox of Quiet Power.
The Gardner Denver Paradox does something most engineers assume is impossible: it delivers the rugged, time-tested reliability of a two-stage reciprocating compressor at noise levels that rival a rotary screw. Available from 5 to 15 HP, the Paradox is built around the legendary Gardner Denver R-Series pump, a platform with decades of proven performance in demanding industrial environments.
The concept is simple but powerful: enclose a best-in-class reciprocating pump in an acoustically engineered package, and you eliminate the need for a dedicated compressor room while preserving the durability and lower maintenance cost advantages of piston technology.
For facilities in Québec, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada requiring quiet, reliable compressed air from 5 to 15 HP, the Paradox is the technically sound choice, supported locally by Aircom Technologies, your authorized Gardner Denver distributor for Eastern Canada since 1999.
Why choose a reciprocating compressor over a rotary screw?
Rotary screw compressors are well suited for continuous, high-demand cycles. But for facilities running intermittent or variable duty cycles, a quality reciprocating compressor offers distinct operational advantages:
- Lower acquisition cost at equivalent horsepower
- Simpler mechanical design, fewer wear components, lower long-term maintenance cost
- Higher pressure capability at smaller footprints
- Longer service intervals when properly sized, the R-Series pump is rated for the long haul
The Paradox closes the one traditional gap of reciprocating technology - noise - making it a compelling alternative for shops, light manufacturing, and any facility where a rotary screw was previously chosen solely for acoustic reasons.
Industrial-Grade R-Series Pump: Built to Outlast the Competition
The R-Series pump is an industrial-grade platform engineered for longevity under continuous cycling. Not a cost-reduced component, but a long-term technical investment:
- Integral cylinder and head design: eliminates blown head gaskets for leak-free operation
- Multi-finned cylinders: lower operating temperatures, consistent long-term performance
- Domed aluminum alloy pistons weight-matched to cast iron second-stage pistons for proper dynamic balance and maximum volumetric efficiency
- Tapered roller-type main bearings: full crankshaft support and optimal load distribution
- Precision disc-type valves in corrosion-resistant steel: high-flow, low-lift, engineered for millions of cycles
- Balanced ductile iron crankshaft with counterweights to minimize vibration and bearing loads
- Centrifugal unloader: no-load starting on every cycle, protecting motor life
- Cast iron oil reservoir with sight glass and large drain for straightforward lubrication service
Quiet Enclosed Package: 62 dBA Certified to CAGI ISO 2151
The Paradox does not compromise airflow to reduce noise. Its fully re-engineered acoustic and thermal enclosure combines bottom intake and discharge with 2-inch acoustic foam panels on all external surfaces, achieving noise levels as low as 62 dBA, validated to CAGI-adopted ISO 2151 certified standards. Suitable for office-adjacent installations, cleanrooms, and noise-sensitive production areas, with no dedicated compressor room required.
Integrated thermal management:
- Oversized bar-and-plate aftercooler: approach temperatures below 20°F, correct downstream dryer sizing without oversizing
- 1,000 CFM axial fan (5 to 7.5 HP) or 2,000 CFM radial fan (10 to 15 HP) for uniform cool air distribution throughout the enclosure
- Optimized internal free air space: reduced thermal stress, simplified maintenance access
Standard package features
- Control panel with fault indicator, hour meter, and ON/OFF switch
- 80/20 duty cycle rating, low oil stop protection
- Air intake pre-filter with Filter Minder and air pressure gauge
- Ball valve crankcase drain, removable front and rear panels
- Isolated floor-mounted sub-base with enclosed belt guard and belt tensioning system
Optional Accessories
- Mounted refrigerated air dryer (factory-integrated)
- Electronic tank drain
- Food grade oil
- High temperature switch
Technical specifications at 175 PSI
| HP | PCM @ 175 PSI | RPM | dBA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 16.8 | 734 | 63 |
| 7.5 | 22.4 | 990 | 65 |
| 10 | 33.5 | 720 | 62–65 |
| 15 | 46.6 | 1 035 | 65–68 |
Tankless (bare) configurations also available for all models. Sound levels certified to CAGI-adopted ISO 2151 standards.
Up to 6 years of warranty coverage, industry-leading protection
Standard Warranty: 1 year on package components (parts & labor) + 3 years on the compressor pump against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Premium Extended Warranty: Doubles pump coverage to 6 full years of parts and labor protection + 24 months on the package. The Premium Warranty Kit includes all required service items — oil and filters — for 6 years of annual maintenance. Approved Gardner Denver lubricants required.
Sizing a quiet reciprocating compressor for your facility?
Aircom Technologies is your authorized Gardner Denver partner for Montréal, Québec, and Eastern Canada. Our team of specialists will help you select the right Paradox configuration for your process requirements — from initial sizing to long-term service support.
