What Are The Three Main Types Of Air Compressors?

Air compressors are essential tools used in many fields and situations. They turn power into potential energy stored in pressurized air. To choose the suitable air compressor for your needs you must know the different types and what makes them unique. There are three main types of air compressors: reciprocating rotary screw and centrifugal. 

Each has its way of working and pros and cons. This article details each type showing how they can be used, how well they work and how often they need to be maintained. If they know about these differences people and businesses can make better choices about which air compressor to use.

Type	Description
Reciprocating	Uses pistons to compress air, suitable for intermittent use.
Rotary Screw	Uses rotating screws for higher efficiency, common in industrial applications.
Centrifugal	Uses a rotating impeller for high-volume applications, efficient but costly.

Reciprocating Air Compressors

A reciprocating air compressor is a positive displacement compressor that uses pistons to squeeze air. Because they are flexible and work well these compressors are used in many fields such as manufacturing automotive and construction. They work by pushing air into a cylinder where a piston squeezes it and then letting it out into a tank. There are two main kinds of reciprocating compressors: single stage and two stage.

In single stage reciprocating compressors the piston moves only once squeezing the air. They can be used where a moderate amount of compressed air is needed like in small workshops or power pneumatic tools. Compared to other compressors these are simple and don’t cost as much. However they could be better used under high pressure.

Two stage reciprocating compressors use two stages to squeeze air. Air is squished to a middle pressure in the first stage and then cooled down before going to the second stage where it is squished to the final pressure. Single stage compressors can’t deliver as much pressure as two stage compressors which are more efficient. 

Reciprocal air compressors are often used in places where high pressure air is needed like in gas compression and industrial processes. One good thing about reciprocating air compressors is that they can put out a lot of pressure. They can also be used occasionally because they are easy to start and stop. Reciprocating compressors can be loud and need to be serviced often. 

Also compared to other types of compressors reciprocating air compressors tend to cost more at first. They are very effective and can be used for many tasks. They can deliver high pressure and can be used occasionally. They can be loud and need to be serviced regularly. 

Rotary Screw Air Compressors

Another type of positive displacement compressor is the rotary screw air compressor which compresses air with two rotors. Due to their high reliability and efficiency these compressors are used extensively in industrial settings. Air is trapped between the rotors and the air is squished together as the rotors turn. There are two main types of rotary screw compressors: those that use oil and those that don’t.

Oil injected rotary screw compressors keep the rotors smooth and the compression chamber closed with oil. These compressors can deliver higher pressures and work more efficiently than oil free compressors. These are commonly used in places like factories and refineries where a steady flow of air is needed. However they require regular maintenance such as changing the oil and filters.

The name of the type of compressor suggests that it doesn’t use oil to keep its parts moving smoothly. It doesn’t use oil to grease the rotors, instead it uses things like air or water. Oil contamination in these compressors is possible so they can be used in places like the food and drug industries. However compared to oil injected compressors they tend to be less efficient and cost more at first.

One good thing about rotary screw air compressors is that they work very well. They are also known for being quiet meaning they can be used in places where noise is problematic. However they can be more expensive to buy and keep up than other compressors. 

Centrifugal Air Compressors

Centrifugal air compressors are a type of dynamic compressor that uses a rotating impeller to squeeze air. Because they can deliver large amounts of compressed air they are often used in large industrial settings. To make them work an impeller that spins speeds up the air and then a diffuser slows it down raising its pressure. A single stage centrifugal compressor is one of the two main types.

Multi stage centrifugal compressors squeeze air in many stages while single stage compressors squeeze air in just one stage. Many stage compressors can deliver higher pressures and work more efficiently than one stage compressors. They are commonly used in places like gas pipelines and air separation plants where a lot of compressed air is needed.

One good thing about centrifugal air compressors is that they can deliver enormous amounts of compressed air. They also work well and are reliable. However they can be more expensive to buy and maintain than other types. They also take up more space and may need special foundations because they are big and heavy.

Conclusion 

Air compressors are essential in many fields because they provide air for many uses. Understanding the various types of air compressors and how they are used can assist you in picking the right one for your requirements. There is a type of air compressor that will work for both small workshops and large factories.

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