Below is a guide to air compressors; what they are, why are they useful, their types, and much more. To be more specific, there are portable and stationary air compressors, and we will cover the latter.
What exactly is an air compressor?
An air compressor is a device that is converting power to energy, in the form of compressed air. Simply put, the air compressor ensures the airflow in one system and its equipment parts.
Air compressor vs. Air Pump
In fact, it is quite simple to differentiate between the two; the air pump is a device that causes movement of the fluid (gas or liquid) between two points, whereas the air compressor is a device which literally ‘compresses and squeezes’ the gas, lessening its volume, and redirecting it (pumping it) elsewhere.
Types of stationary air compressors
There are quite a few types of air compressors, but they are all divided into four main categories:
Rotary screw compressor
This compressor is among the most popular displacement type compressors, and it requires simple steps for maintenance too. It is great that these compressors have a cooling system inside, so they are not a hassle to maintain. Usually, they are big, and you can use them with oil, or as an oilless air compressor. The rotary screw compressor generates air by the two rotors inside which operate in opposite directions, so the air is trapped between them, thus, creating pressure. You can use them continuously due to internal cooling. They can reach 350 horsepower tops.
Reciprocating air compressor
This is another very popular type because it is extremely convenient for garages, households, and small sites. There is a catch though, this compressor cannot be used all the time, and it has moving parts that have to be oiled for functional movements. They have a cylinder with a piston that creates air compression and pressure. It can reach 30 horsepower tops.
Axial compressor
The axial compressors are used for planes or ships due to their efficiency. They are quite expensive and reach horsepower of thousands, so it is logical that they are not used commonly and for households or similar.
Centrifugal compressor
Lastly, the centrifugal compressors slow down the airflow, and cool the air with the help of a diffuser to make the energy. Their compression is multi-phase, and they are practical because they produce a lot, in such a small space! They can reach 1000 horsepower tops.
Campbell Hausfeld 80 gallon 2 Stage Air Compressor (XC802100), Blue
Uses of stationary air compressors
Air compressors can be be used for power to air tools for construction, gas-filling of cylinders, divers’ supply, the power to HVAC systems, then to pneumatic tools, filling vehicle tires and similar.
For household usage, you can use it for blowing up balloons or all inflatable products you might have, pumping the vehicle’s or bicycle’s tires, cleaning crevices with air pressure, painting with an airbrush, and more.
For business use, you can use it for: sanding in repair shops, painting over the vehicles, use them for pneumatic roofing nail guns, for making fake snow for entertainment, powering automotive tools, and similar.
Power sources of stationary air compressors
The design of air compressors is made in such a way that many power sources can be used. The most popular ones are electric, gas, and diesel-powered too. However, almost as popular are the hydraulic ports (for mobile applications), and those air compressors that are connected to engines of vehicles too.
The price range of stationary air compressors
When you browse for a new air compressor, be ready to have sums spanning between $200 up to even $5000, depending on how you will use the compressor.
Tank capacity of stationary air compressors
The capacity depends on the tank size, because the size will determine if you’d use air tools long or not. The size of a tank is measured in gallons, starting from 1 gallon and upward, with a maximum of 80 gallons tops. Usually, the average capacity is 1.70 gallons.
The pressure of stationary air compressors
In general, air compressors are divided according to pressure, and the 3 main categories are:
- Low-pressure air compressors (operates with low pressure in order to increase pressure, and is used for a sprinkler system for example)
- Medium-pressure air compressors (for compression of helium, nitrogen, air, gas, and natural gas)
- And high-pressure air compressors (used mostly for scuba, industrial, fire markets, as well as for the paintball industry)
Single-stage and two-stage air compressors
There is one big difference between these two compressor types, and it is the amount of times when the air is compressed between the tool nozzle and the inlet valve.
The single-stage compressor has only one air compression, whereas in the two-stage, the air is compressed two times, and thus, the pressure is doubled here.
Maintenance of stationary air compressors
It is not hard to maintain the air compressor if you are given the simple explanations, descriptions, and tips. Besides doing precautionary steps, you will also save money and time that would usually be needed for repairs.
Daily maintenance: Checking the level of the pump oil, checking for oil leaks, draining the tank water, checking for unusual sounds or noises, checking every single air leak, and inspection of belts.
Weekly maintenance: Check all of the air filters, and if needed clean them, or replace them.
Monthly maintenance: Do a checkup of the safety relief valve, check belts (if needed), tighten the bolts, and do a detailed check of possible leaks in the connections.
Yearly maintenance: Once a year, you should service the engine or the pump.
2340L5-V 5hp 60 gal Two-Stage Compressor (230/1)
Conclusion
Regardless of what you look for in an air compressor, it is always practical to read a simple categorization in advance. Knowing the basic features and functions of a stationary air compressor goes a long way, whether for business uses, or miscellaneous household uses.