Air Compressor

Air compressors can be used in the home or in an industrial business. There are three main types of air compressors: reciprocating, rotary screw, and centrifugal air compressors.


1. Air Compressor Uses

Air compressors take a gas, usually air, and compress it down into a smaller space. The compression is usually done by cooling the air quickly using water, oil, or fans. The cooler the air is, the smaller its volume becomes. Once the air is compressed, it can either be stored easier, such as in the case of air compressors on scuba diving gear, or it can be directed into a pipe or hose and expelled at a high velocity. There are many different uses for air compressors.

Air compressors are found in scuba equipment. The air tanks on the back of a scuba diver are full of compressed air. This allows the scuba diver to have far less bulky equipment, and more air in the tanks than otherwise would be possible.

Many automotive related businesses also use air compressors. Air compressors provide the air to clean off parts and pump up tires. Industrial air compressors are found in most, if not all, factories and manufacturing plants. They help run machines efficiently and also help with cleaning tasks. You can also find air compressors in doctor’s offices and hospitals where they are used to power important equipment.

Finally, air compressors are helpful around the home. They can power other tools, such as nail guns. Also, spray painting with a spray gun is done with the use of an air compressor. Air torque wrenches are powered with air compressors. Many homes find purchasing an air compressor for their home is a great way to increase the contents of the toolbox. There are three main types of air compressors. These types are reciprocating air compressors, rotary screw air compressors, and centrifugal air compressors.

2. Storage Tanks

Before discussing the different types of air compressors, it is helpful to know about the main considerations that are common to all types. Most air compressors come with a storage tank. When shopping for an air compressor, the storage tank is one thing you need to consider to help you determine which model is right for your needs.

First, you need to understand that the capacity of air compressor storage tanks is read in gallons. The larger the storage tank, the more cubic feet per minute of air that the tank can deliver. Storage tank size does not directly affect the number of pounds per square inch of air that the tank can deliver, however. Just because a compressor has a large storage tank does not mean it provides a stream of high pressure air.

If you are going to use your air compressor to run tools in your home, check the manual for the tools before you start your shopping. Almost all air powered tools have specific requirements as to the volume of air they can handle, as well as the pressure. Make sure that you do not buy too small of a storage tank with your air compressor. If you are planning on running several different tools with your air compressor, choose the storage tank capacity based on the tool with the largest need. You can add a little more to the storage tank capacity to be safe with all of your tools. A tool without enough air running through it will not function properly.

3. Power for Air Compressors

Air compressors are measured in power units called horsepower, or HP. Most home air compressors have motors which are in the 1.5 to 6.5 HP range. Industrial air compressors are generally more powerful than this.

Power is supplied to air compressors in two different forms. Some air compressors are electrically powered. This is the most common type of air compressor, particularly for home uses. Electric powered air compressors can plug into an outlet or be powered by batteries, depending on the size of the compressor.

The other type of power supply for air compressors is gasoline. Gas powered air compressors are used in areas where it is hard to find a supply of electricity. They are popular choices for industrial air compressors, particularly for construction sites where power is not always available. Gas powered air compressors need to be used in well-ventilated areas.

When choosing an air compressor for your home or business, consider what form of power will be most easily accessible. In most instances, the answer will be electric power. Remember, if you buy a gas powered air compressor, you will need to have gasoline on hand to keep it running.

4. Reciprocating Air Compressors

Reciprocating air compressors take air and increase its pressure by reducing the volume of the air. These air compressors take in a large amount of air and basically squeeze it down into a small space using a vacuum created by pistons and valves. This creates a high amount of pressure in the air, and does not require cooling of the air. These air compressors are sometimes called piston and cylinder compressors, as that is the type of motor used to take in and compress the air.

There are two types of reciprocating air compressors on the market: single-stage and two-stage. The main difference between the two is the amount of pressure that they create. Pressure is measured in PSI, or pounds-per-square-inch. In a single-stage compressor, the PSI rating is in the 70 to 100 range. Two-stage compressors can create higher pressure in the 100 to 250 PSI range.

A reciprocating air compressor will keep the air inside the cylinder at a predetermined PSI rating. These air compressors have motors that will automatically turn on if the PSI starts to fall within the cylinder. So for example, if you are using a reciprocating air compressor to pump up a tire, the motor may not run at first, because the PSI inside the cylinder is at the right level. However, as you move around the car pumping up tires, the motor may kick on to bring the PSI back up to an acceptable level.

5. Rotary Screw Air Compressors

In a rotary screw air compressor, two rotors compress the air inside a casing. These air compressors do not have valves in the compressing mechanism, like reciprocal air compressors do. Instead, the rotary screw air compressor compresses the air by cooling it with oil. The oil also seals the inside of the casing. Using oil to cool and compress the air keeps the machine working at its greatest capacity. These air compressors can be constantly running without overheating.

Many industrial air compressors are rotary screw compressors, because they can run for long periods of time, and are very easy to maintain. Also, the output of the air from a rotary screw air compressor is smooth and free from the pulses that can be found in other air compressor models. Also, these models are small, compact machines that are still able to output a high volume of air at a strong power. They have a very long life and do not tend to wear out quickly.

There is an oil free rotary screw air compressor model. This type of air compressor uses air ends rather than oil to cool and compress the air. This is prefect for situations that need oil free air, such as when using an air compressor with a spray paint gun. You can also buy water cooled air compressors that use the rotary screw design, without the oil.

6. Centrifugal Air Compressors

Centrifugal compressors also discharge air at a high pressure, but they do it using a centrifuge. A rotating blade draws air into the machine, and converts the displacement of the air, creating a high pressure discharge. The air flows continuously through the centrifugal air compressor, making this a popular industrial air compressor model, because of the higher capacity associated with industrial air compressor usages. A centrifugal air compressor does not use oil to cool the air. However, the running engine of the machine does use oil for lubrication. These compressors rotate at extremely high speeds, which creates safety concerns, and makes these an industrial model more so than a home model.

7. Industrial Air Compressors

An industrial air compressor is a must have tool for many types of businesses. Air compressors are used to power many different tools, including nail guns, wrenches, spray guns, and more. If you have a business that uses tools on a regular basis, whether you work in construction, are an auto mechanic, or run a factory, you will find that your business needs industrial air compressors.

Industrial air compressors also come in three main types, which are reciprocating, rotary screw, and centrifugal. The main difference between an industrial air compressor and a home use variety is the size, power, and life. Industrial air compressors are generally larger and more powerful than home use air compressors. Also, they are designed to work for longer periods of time and can handle more capacity than the home use variety.

If you are looking to buy an industrial air compressor for your business, you can expect to pay between three hundred and three thousand dollars. Before you buy your air compressor, decide what uses you are going to be needing it for. This will help you decide on the best type for your business. For instance, if you need to use your air compressor for a long period of time each day, you may want to buy a rotary screw air compressor, because these machines do not overheat. On the other hand, if you are looking for a continuous source of air a centrifugal air compressor will fit the bill.

8. Home Use

Air compressors also have a place in the home. Many home power tools, including glue guns, nail guns, powered caulk guns, and other small power tools use air compressors. In fact, you may already have an air compressor and not even know it! It may be built into your favorite power tool!

Many home use air compressors are compact air compressors. These are the smallest air compressors on the market, and are designed to run these small tools. They do not come with tanks, which means they have to run all the time in order to supply air to the tool they are powering. You can also use compact air compressors to inflate balls and tires.

You can also buy small home versions of the reciprocal air compressor. These do not have the power of the industrial models, but are great for working with your car in your own home. One great benefit of reciprocal air compressors is the power that the user has to control the pressure settings.

Most home compressors are single-stage air compressors. This means they only use one piston. They are more than sufficient for the needs of the average home, and are much more affordable than two-stage air compressors.

9. Maintenance

Taking care of your air compressor properly will add years to its life. Many people forget to consider maintenance for their air compressors. Compressors that do not have oil in them will have bearings that are already sealed. This means that they do not require as much maintenance, because they do not need lubrication or oil for sealant. Air compressors with oil need to have the oil changed on a regular basis. Remember to check your air compressor’s owner’s manual to see how often you need to change the oil. If you have an industrial air compressor, it is likely an oil lubricated variety.

It is very important for air compressors to not get too hot. The engines can overheat with prolonged use, causing serious damage. If you feel your air compressor is getting too hot, clean out the cooler section. Make sure there is nothing in there restricting the airflow. If it is an oil lubricated compressor, make sure you have enough oil in the machine. Allow the machine to cool off before you continue using it.

Many air compressor motors have filters. You will need to change the filter from time to time. Check the filter regularly to see if it is full. When it is full, you need to change it. Also, check your air lines regularly. Water cooled air compressors can build up condensation in the air lines. When this happens, you need to replace the air dryer, because it is not working properly. The same thing can happen with an oil lubricated and cooled air compressor.

An air compressor is a necessary part of most toolboxes. With three different types and many different sizes, there is an air compressor for just about every need. Proper maintenance will keep an air compressor running for many years.
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