Air compressors are essential appliances that are used as a power source for electric tools. This mechanical device is an important element in industries, mills, and construction sites for instrumented air. Some oil-free air compressors even come in a compact and handy size, due to which they can be easily spotted in several industrial sites.
Due to the variation in the pump and its operating principles, the compressors are divided into two categories; one has positive displacements, while the other has dynamic displacement mechanisms.
But they are further subcategorized into numerous types depending on their internal mechanism. So, the six commonly used types of air compressors at construction sites and industries include:
Rotary Screw air compressor
Rotary screw compressors are the most common type of compressor used in the industry. It wields two intermeshing helical rotors (screws) that thrust the air into a smaller area, thus creating pressure. Oil is then pumped throughout for lubrication purposes as well as sealing and heat absorption. Before the pressured air exits the chamber, the present oil particle is removed to make the air usable.
Oil-free/Oilless Scroll air compressor
Scroll air compressors use stationary and orbiting spirals which decrease the volume of space between them as the orbiting spirals trace out a path over time. The intake for gas occurs at one edge of the scroll, while discharge takes place near the center. The scrolls are inherently oil-free/oilless compressors or say they don’t use any lubricating oils for the operation because the scrolls don’t contact each other and due to this, the compressor is a more efficient eco-, friendly and self-maintaining type of compressor available for use.
Centrifugal compressor
Centrifugal compressors are incredible devices that convert energy by utilizing a series of stages that compresses and cools the air as it continuously flows through the unit. The compressor relies on high-speed pumps (impellers) to impart velocity to gases to produce a hike in pressure. During the operation, the air is drawn into an impeller, which is then accelerated and thrown outward by the spinning impeller. Then the air expands in a casing volute, where its velocity gradually slows down and pressure increases.
Rotary lobe
Rotary-lobe compressors are high volume, low-pressure tools perhaps classified as blowers. They use a positive displacement mechanism and are used for a wide variety of applications such as rice, flour, grain mills, etc.
Oil-free Piston Compressor
Piston compressors ( reciprocating compressors) are also the most common type of compressor that relies on the reciprocating action of one or more pistons to compress gas within a cylinder and discharge it through valving into a high-pressure receiving chamber. These machines are used for numerous applications; from providing compressed air for tools, powering an engine by charging its cylinders with fuel-air mixture under compression, or storing natural gas for cooking purposes. However, the major application is usually supplying compressed air for energy sources. The piston compressors are also available as oil-lubed, so depending on the application, quality of air required, and design it can choose from either of the types.
Axial compressor
Axial compressors are generally used in high-speed engines on planes and ships, as they can get up to extremely high horsepower. They have a high efficiency rate and are highly expensive as compared to other types of compressors.
How much does an air compressor cost?
The cost of air compressors varies depending on the type, design, and type of lubrication. Besides, its compressing capability, power input, and horsepower are desired. For more details about pricing, type and specification mail us at sales@roots-vacuum-pump.com
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