Compressors are pumps, and pumps move a fluid from one place to another by increasing the pressure on the fluid at point a so that it flows along a connecting pipe to point b. Compressors are built in exactly the same way as pumps – the only difference being that the fluid that they are pumping is a gas rather than a liquid. Because a liquid is a relatively non-compressible fluid, the effect of a pump is to force the liquid from one point to another. Compressors do the same thing, but increase the pressure of the gas according to the laws of Physics, increasing the temperature of the gas as it is compressed. When compressing a gas, it is normally held in a strengthened storage reservoir until needed. The reservoir is usually fitted with a pressure relief valve to prevent it being over-pressurised.
There are several different types of compressors and they fall under two groups, each of which, in itself, has several different types of compressors. These groups are:
- Dynamic compressors
- Positive displacement
- Reciprocating
- Single acting
- Double acting
- Diaphragm
- Rotary
- Lobe
- Liquid ring
- Screw
- Scroll
- Vane
All compressors need a prime mover – this is the source of power input that ultimately compresses the gas.
- Gas turbines power the axial and centrifugal flow compressors that are part of jet engines
- Steam or water turbines are used for large compressors
- Electric motors are cheap and quiet for static compressors. Small motors suitable for domestic electrical supplies use single-phase alternating current. Larger motors can only be used where an industrial electrical three phase alternating current supply is available.
- Diesel or petrol engines are suitable for portable compressors and also support compressors used as superchargers from their own crankshaft power. Exhaust gases can also be used to power turbochargers.
Industrial air compressors are used in a number of settings and for many different reasons ranging from spray painting to cleaning. These types of air compressors are essentially large pieces of machinery that are designed to deliver an energy source for an industrial use. Many manufacturing plants use air compressors as their main power source, but automobile repair shops routinely use industrial air compressors as well in order to deliver the power that is required when working with cars. But these types of compressors are popular with large businesses and they typically use them in order to operate efficiently and to obtain an excellent power source and system. There are all sorts and types of industrial air compressors, though, and the main purpose that you need an industrial air compressor will dictate which type of compressor to invest in.
For industrial air compressor uses, there are three main types that businesses need to be aware of. First, there are reciprocating industrial air compressors, but there are also centrifugal and rotary industrial air compressors. All of these compressors do mainly the same job but operate differently.
