Air Compressors Types and Accessories

The device that converts power into kinetic energy by the method of air compression, which when demanded can release great air bursts is known as air compressor. The power is usually derived from a diesel engine, electric motor, or gasoline engine. Air compressors are popular and used in different industries for safe, clean and convenient use of air. The types of air compressors can be classified on the basis of either positive displacement or negative-displacement. They are as follows:

• Reciprocating or Piston Compressors: These are the most common ones with positive displacement compressing unit. The powers vary from fractional to extremely high. The air is filled in the chamber and then volume of the chamber is reduced, thereby creating compression and thus releasing the energy. The inner components include valves, cylinders, crankshafts, pistons, and housing blocks.

• Centrifugal Compressors: Not a positive displacement compressor, this one uses very high speed spinning impellers and accelerates the air and then use the diffuser to break the air. This air compressor uses the method of dynamic compression whereby velocity is used to increase pressure. Centrifugal compressors have many impeller/diffuser combinations and also inter coolers to cool the air between the stages.

• Rotary Screw Compressors: This type if air compressor work by filling air in the void portion in between the two helical mated screws and their case. When the screws are turned, the volume decreases, thereby increasing the air pressure. These compressors also put oil into the bearing and compression area. The mechanism works by cooling, lubricating and creating a closure between screws and the case wall, thus reducing the internal leakage.

• Rotary Sliding Vane Compressors: These positive displacement compressors consist of a stator, rotor, and 8 blades. Here too, oil is injected into the air along the stator walls in order to cool the air, lubricate the vanes and the bearings. A closure is created between the vanes and the stator wall. Once the rotor turns, compression is created and the volume rises drastically.

To operate an air compressor, many accessories are needed. Not only do they ensure long lasting usage of the machine, but also result in fast recovery, in case of repairs. Some of the most common accessories for air compressors are system controller, air and water after coolers, battery tray kit, compressor air filter, compressor separator kits, compressor oil, flywheel, compressor valves, engine driven compressor controls, intake filters and silencers, low oil guard, pneumatic tank manifolds, portable air tank conversion kits, positive displacement blower accessories and so on.