Types Of Air Compressors
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Reciprocating Air Compressors
Reciprocating air compressors are positive displacement machines. They increase air pressure by reducing its volume, confining successive volumes of air within a closed space and elevating it to a higher pressure using a piston within a cylinder.
Single-Stage
Standard efficiency, generally used for lower pressure applications.
Two-Stage
Higher efficiency, generally used for higher pressure applications.
Mechanics & Control:
The compressor is single acting when compressing uses only one side of the piston, and double acting when using both. Load reduction is achieved by unloading individual cylinders (throttling suction pressure or bypassing air).
Available as air-cooled or water-cooled in lubricated and non-lubricated configurations.
Rotary Screw Compressors
Rotary air compressors are positive displacement compressors. The most common type is the single stage helical or spiral lobe oil flooded screw.
How it works:
These units consist of two rotors within a casing that compress air internally. There are no valves. They are basically oil-cooled, where the oil seals internal clearances. Since cooling takes place inside the compressor, working parts never experience extreme operating temperatures.
- Easy to maintain and operate.
- Continuous duty cycle (100% duty).
- Smooth, pulse-free air output.
- Compact size with high output volume.
Oil-Free Options:
The oil-free rotary screw compressor utilizes specially designed air ends to compress air without oil in the compression chamber, yielding true oil-free air. These are available in both air-cooled and water-cooled configurations.
