Compressors

Compressors

Defining what a compressor is involves understanding the two essential parts it contains in its mainframe: a compressing mechanism and a power source. Different designs use varying compressing mechanisms, such as pistons, vanes, or screws. Compressing mechanisms are what control the gas pressure within the compressor, which increases the pressure and makes the mechanism a power outlet for other tools. Compressors can be powered by electric motors, gas engines, diesel engines or various kinds of turbines. Compressors are used for a variety of applications, from large compressors used by industrial companies to small compressors designed for personal use. They are widely used in the industrial, medical, dental, construction, railroad and automotive industries. The specific application of a compressor depends on the style necessary for the task. In the air compressor family are a wide range of compressors, including rotary, portable, 12 volt, gas and oilless air compressors. Oilless air compressors are currently growing in demand, because without the lubrication fewer parts are required and the mechanism works for a longer period. Therefore, many compressor designs are oilless as well. Depending on the style, compressors are used for powering tools and equipment, storing and transporting gases, transferring energy, filling tires, pressurizing cabins, and operating air brakes.

Compressors always function with a gas and often compress air. However, certain industries use compressors to compress gases instead. In comparison, basic hydraulic systems function similarly to compressors, except they utilize a liquid instead of a gas. Because liquid does not compress in the same fashion as air, such systems require a pump to function. The two categories of compressors are positive displacement and dynamic compressors. A reciprocating compressor is an example of a positive displacement compressor, which works by filling and then emptying an air chamber. A centrifugal air compressor is an example of a dynamic air compressor, which uses a rotating device to accelerate and then decelerate air. Other compressor designs available on the market today include reciprocating compressors, screw compressors, centrifugal compressors, diaphragm compressors, and axial-flow compressors. These specific compressors differ from each other by the compression device they employ. For example, reciprocating compressors use pistons to compress the gas. Comparatively, in screw compressors, gas is compressed in between two inter-meshing, counter-rotating screws.

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