If you’re in the market for an air compressor, it’s important to know what types you’re looking for. There are a few basic differences between each, but they all boil down to the displacement of air. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types in this article.
Pumps
An air compressor’s pump is one of its most important components, taking atmospheric air and compressing it for storage. The pumps in an air compressor are normally pre-programmed with preset pressure limits. Once the preset limit is reached, the air compressor will automatically engage its motor to function.
These pumps are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from refrigerators to car engines. Without them, life would be much more difficult. Whether you’re driving a car or using a personal water craft, you’ve probably used a pump. In fact, a pump is a vital part of practically every machine.
Inflators
When you’re shopping for an air compressor, it’s important to choose one with the features you need. You’ll want a compressor that can inflate your tires, for example, and one that has a high air flow rate. A good way to determine this is to look at the inflation time. This will tell you how long it takes to fill an average tire to recommended pressure levels. Another important factor is the air flow rate, measured in cubic feet per minute. Ideally, you’ll need an air compressor that moves at least three CFM.
Rotary vane
The Rotary vane of a great air compressor relies on centrifugal force to compress air. Its speed range is a third of that of a screw compressor. Its maximum speed is also the limit at which its vanes will wear. This results in a significant reduction in efficiency. Likewise, its top speed is limited by its lack of sufficient centrifugal force to seal its vanes. Moreover, its energy rating is lower than that of a screw compressor.
The rotary vane air compressor has numerous applications. It can be used for many processes, such as in the food and beverage industry. It can be integrated into a conveyor line or installed inside larger equipment. The Rotary vane compressor is one of the oldest types of air compressors available. It is highly versatile and can be used in many industries, including the automobile industry.
Reciprocating piston
A reciprocating air compressor is a highly versatile device that can be used for a variety of applications. The main purpose of this type of air compressor is to compress air. Its four-part cycle involves compression, ejection, expansion, and decompression. A good air compressor should be able to perform its tasks without experiencing excessive wear or damage.
A reciprocating air compressor can either be single-acting or double-acting. A single-acting reciprocating compressor uses only one side of the piston for compression, while a double-acting compressor uses both sides. This design produces two compression cycles for every crankshaft revolution. These types of air compressors are usually larger and require extra maintenance.
Oil-free
An oil-free air compressor is lubricated by water or a Teflon coating instead of oil. The lubrication system is designed to prevent oil from seeping into the compressed air. Its compression chamber is also sealed properly to prevent oil from entering the compressed air. Moreover, some oil-free compressor designs eliminate metal-to-metal contact inside the compression chamber. Furthermore, oil-free compressors usually use downstream filters to reduce the need for replacement parts.
In addition, an oil-free air compressor reduces the cost of oil condensate treatment, and energy loss from reduced filter pressure. Another advantage is that it is more portable and can maintain a more consistent pressure.
Gasoline
A gas compressor is a piece of machinery used to compress air. The compressor’s shaft turns a turbine. The turbine uses the airflow inside the combustion chamber to spin its blades, which absorbs energy and moves it through the compressor. A gas compressor can be small and portable or large and heavy, depending on its intended use.
A gas-powered air compressor can be more powerful than an electric one. Its gas engine allows it to produce more PSI than an electric compressor, making it perfect for big jobs and running multiple pneumatic tools.
