Compressed air is created when the air molecules are pushed closer to each other using pressure. In other words, air when pressured into taking up less space is called compressed air. This form of air is used in various industrial processes, power tools and in various breathing apparatus used by underwater divers, miners and fire-fighters etc. The devices that perform the task of compressing air, so that it can be put to its intended use, are called air compressors. These compressors use energy – electrical, chemical or any other type – to pressurize air so that the potential energy of air can be stored or used for various tasks at hand.
Types of Air Compressors
An air compressor draws in the environmental air, creates a vacuum to pressure air and then pushes this compressed air into the storage tank. This storage tank then reaches a pre-set pressure and the air compressor turns off and comes back on when the pressure in the storage tank has dropped. Now you understand why your refrigerator makes those on and off sounds.
There are many types of air compressors but, broadly speaking, the following the most common categorizations.
- Rotary Screw Compressors – are used primarily for industrial purposes as they are designed for continuous use. These come in many sizes and can fit in with various applications. These require very less maintenance as they come equipped with internal cooling systems. Such compressors come in both oil-free and oil-lubricated types.
- Reciprocating Air Compressors – are the most common type of compressors found at smaller worksites. These are not designed for continuous use and involve the complex mechanism of a spinning rotor and a piston. When using one piston, they are called single-stage compressors, while those using two pistons are called two-stage compressors. For higher power requirements, the multi-stage compressors are the way to go.
- Centrifugal Compressors – involve the use of a rotating impeller. These have very high capacities as the flow of air through them is continuous. The chief function here is to slow down and cool down the incoming air with the use of a diffuser. Centrifugal compressors are largely used at high-energy demand facilities like chemical plants etc. because they produce a very high amount of energy in very little time.
Uses Of Air Compressors
Some of the most common industries associated with the use of air compressors are:
- Construction.
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Spray Painting
- Diving Equipment
- Fire-fighting equipment
Air compressors are almost as omnipresent as air itself. From the air in your vehicle’s tyres to the air conditioning system in your homes, from construction sites to the local garages, you can find countless uses and types of compressors. Quite amazing how important air is, even in its compressed form.
