How Air Compressors Function

Over time, air compressors have been evolving and as of today, there are very highly useful air compressors that are portable and can power single air tools. Unlike the regular tools, air compressors are super powerful and therefore do not require their own bulky motors. They also need just oiling and no other expensive sort of maintenance. Therefore, they can be economically used to power a variety of tools; from drills to inflating tires at a gas station, unblocking sinks at home, and so on. Due to their wide applicability, you may find the need to use an air compressor and to help you in this, this article covers how various air compressors work.

Generally, air compressors work by forcing air into a container and pressuring it. The air is then forced via an opening in the drum and as a result, pressure builds up there. It works like an air balloon where the air in the inflated balloon is converted into energy as it is being released. For air compressors, they are powered by an engine and like any other combustion engine work, electrical energy is turned into kinetic energy. However, this is a generalized approach and because there are different types of air compressors, their working may also be slightly different. Therefore, let look at the working of specific air compressors.

1. Reciprocating air compressor

They are also called the piston air compressors. In the reciprocating air compressors, a piston which is controlled by a crankshaft is used to deliver highly pressurized gas. The pressurized gas is then used to power a variety of tools in a worksite.

Basically, there are two types of reciprocating air compressors; the single and two stage reciprocating air compressors.

The single stage reciprocating air compressor

In this compressor, air is compressed from one side while the other side is left for functionality purposes. As the piston moves upwards, air is compressed and when it moves downwards, air is drawn in.

The single stage compressors are more basic and can be found at any mechanic store at a relatively low price.

Two stage reciprocating air compressor

Unlike the single stage compressors, a two stage compressor has double compression side on either side of its piston. The two compressors are cooled by water that continuously flow through the engine; this makes the compressor among the compressors with the best cooling system.

However, unlike the single stage compressor, the double compressor comes at a relatively high cost and as a result, better suited for factories and busy workshops that attract a lot of traffic.

2. Dynamic displacement

To generate air, a dynamic displacement uses an engine powered rotating blade. The air generated is then restricted to pressurize it and the kinetic energy produced as a result is stored within the compressor.

On application, dynamic displacements are highly used in manufacturing plants and large projects.

These compressors may come either as a centrifugal or axial compressor.

Centrifugal compressor

They are also called radial compressors and in this compressors, air is brought to the center via a rotating impeller. The air is then pushed forward via a diffuser and as a result, kinetic energy to power various tools is produced. You can find best details info on reciprocating air compressors by clicking on https://fluidairedynamics.com/air-compressors/reciprocating-air-compressors/.

On application, there are mostly used in HVAC systems.

Axial compressor

To generate air, axial compressors uses a series of turbine blades. The air is then forced via a small area and to ensure high pressure, this compressor uses stationary blades which then slow airflow and in turn increase pressure.

On application, they are the compressors used in aircraft engines and in several air separation factories.