AIR COMPRESSOR

Introduction -

An air compressor is a device that converts power (using an electric motor, diesel or gasoline engine, etc.) into potential energy stored in pressurized air ( compressed air). By one of several methods, an air compressor forces more and more air into a storage tank, increasing the pressure. When the tank's pressure reaches its engineered upper limit, the air compressor shuts off. The compressed air, then, is held in the tank until called into use.^[1] The energy contained in the compressed air can be used for a variety of applications, utilizing the kinetic energy of the air as it is released and the tank depressurizes. When tank pressure reaches its lower limit, the air compressor turns on again and re-pressurizes the tank. An air compressor must be differentiated from a pump because it works for any gas/air, while pumps work on a liquid.

     AIR  COMPRESSOR 

Classification -

        Compressors can be classified according to the pressure delivered:

1. Low-pressure air compressors (LPACs), which have a discharge pressure of 150 psi or less
2. Medium-pressure compressors which have a discharge pressure of 151 psi to 1,000 psi
3. High-pressure air compressors (HPACs), which have a discharge pressure above 1,000 psi^[2]

        They can also be classified according to the design and principle of operation:

1. Single-stage reciprocating compressor
2. Two-stage reciprocating compressor
3. Compound compressor
4. Rotary-screw compressor
5. Rotary vane pump
6. Scroll compressor
7. Turbo compressor
8. Centrifugal compressor      

Applications -

       

                 Air compressors have many uses, including: supplying high-pressure clean air to fill gas         cylinders, supplying moderate-pressure clean air to a submerged surface supplied diver, supplying   moderate-pressure clean air for driving some office and school building pneumatic HVAC control   system valves, supplying a large amount of moderate-pressure air to power pneumatic tools, such   as jackhammers, filling high pressure air tanks (HPA), for filling tires, and to produce large volumes of   moderate-pressure air for large-scale industrial processes (such as oxidation for petroleum coking or   cement plant bag house purge systems).^[6]

 Most air compressors either are reciprocating piston type, rotary vane or rotary screw. Centrifugal   compressors are common in very large applications, while rotary screw, scroll,^[7] and reciprocating air     compressors are favored for smaller, portable applications.

 There are two main types of air-compressor pumps: oil-injected and oil-less. The oil-less system has more   technical development, but is more expensive, louder and lasts for less time than oil-lubed pumps. The oil-   less system also delivers air of better quality.

 Air compressors are designed to utilize a variety of power sources. While gas/diesel-powered and electric   air compressors are among the most popular, air compressors that utilize vehicle engines, power-take-off,   or hydraulic ports are also commonly used in mobile applications.^[8]

Maintenance - 

 To ensure all compressor types run efficiently with no leaks, it is imperative to perform routine       maintenance, such as monitoring and replacing air compressor fittings.^[10] It is suggested that air   compressor owners perform daily inspections of their equipment, such as:

• Checking for oil and air leaks
• Checking the differential pressure in the compressed air filter
• Determining whether or not the oil in the compressor should be changed
• Verifying safe operating temperature
• Draining condensation from air receiver tanks

 References -

1.  "How Do Air Compressors Work?". Popular Mechanics. 2015-03-18. Retrieved 2017-01-12.
2. ^ "CLASSIFICATION OF AIR COMPRESSORS". www.tpub.com. Retrieved 2017-01-12.
3. ^ "Air Compressor Types and Controls". Natural Resources Canada.
4. ^ "Compressor Selection Basics: Positive Displacement versus Dynamic Compression". Retrieved 2017-01-12 – via The 5th Utility.
5. ^ "Types of Air Compressors". The Engineering ToolBox.