An air compressor is a device that stores air in a tank with the help of an electrical motor, diesel or some other type of engine. It transforms the potential energy that is stored in pressurized air tank into usable power. Compared to other energy sources, an air compressor does not require a huge motor. Its main purpose is to supply clean air to offices and schools when integrated with the pneumatic HVAC control system, to fill high pressure air tanks, and as it was aforementioned, to power important pneumatic tools for factories and workshops.
Air compressors use only one motor that converts the electrical energy into kinetic energy. When the stored air reaches upper limit, the compressor automatically shuts down and it can be used to power different appliances. Generally, air compressors are used in many different sectors whether is at work or used at home to finish those DIY projects.
An air compressor features a small part called internal combustion engine. It has a conventional piston compressor with a crankshaft and a motor. However, the smaller models are made from just a pump and a motor, nearly all air compressors have an air tank as an essential element. On the top of the air compressor cylinder, you can find a valve that controls the inlet and discharge valves. These valves are made from thin and durable valves thanks to which the outside air that has atmospheric pressure is pushing the inlet valve open and fills it with air the location about the piston. As the piston is used, the air is compressed and moves from the discharge port directly to the tank. With each stroke, more air enters the tank and the inner pressure rises.
On the market, you can find many different types of air compressors, starting from those that work with rotating impellers to positive displacement air compressors. We are talking about the most common type of air compressor, that is widely used by homeowners and a wide range of professionals such as mechanics, contractors, and more.
The most common compressors have one or two cylinder versions that will suit the requirements of the users. For the DIY-tinkerer, two cylinder models are used the same way as the one-cylinder versions,except the ones which have two strokes per revolution instead of only one. Also, many compressors use oil lubrications. This means that all the rings, bearings and cylinders walls are lubricated as the crank rotates. Using oil as lubrication does not create a problem because a lot of air tools must be oiled to work properly. However, these models require more maintenance than others and must be operated on a level surface.
Other types include automotive-type air compressors that only uses a one-piece piston. In this type of air compressors, there is no wrist pin, which means the piston will lean from side to side as the eccentric journal moves up and down with the shaft. To prevent leakage on the piston there is a seal that tightens the cylinders walls contact with the piston.
Choosing the right air compressor from all the different types can save you a lot of money and time. Hopefully, with this information, you can make the right buying decision.
