Air compressors are some of the most common, yet most misunderstood, tools there are in mainstream use. Air compressors come in different styles that are intended for particular uses, and knowing what types of compressors work best for a given situation can make the difference in productivity, costs and safety.

Air compressors fall into three basic categories: continuous-run models, piston drive models and rotary screw models. There are also centrifugal air compressors, although, these are very rarely encountered outside of extremely large, industrial applications, such as those involving mass power generation. These three main types of compressors dominate the market, and while each has features and accessories that can expand or restrict its applications, these models encompass the majority of applications for home, business and industrial uses requiring air compression.

Air+Compressors+-+Learning+the+Different+Types
Air Compressors - Learning the Different Types

Continuous-Run Compressors

The continuously-running compressors, often referred to as compact compressors, supply compressed air as it is needed by continuous operation of the compression device. These types of compressors are basically shrinking air hoses, using forced air through reducing sizes of hoses or nozzles, which increases the pressure of the air before it emerges. These are often used to inflate tires, air mattresses and other items with minor inflation requirements.

Piston-Driven Compressors

Piston-driven compressors are quite different from compact compressors, not only in the way they compress the air, but also in the fact that they possess the ability to store it. This provides a steady supply of compressed air, without having to run the compressor non-stop; as the air is depleted in the storage tank, the compressor is activated to refill it.

Piston compressors are some of the most common types encountered in automotive shops, residential garages and a host of workshops. They are available in single or two-stage variations, with a two-stage model further compressing the air a second time for higher pressures. These are some of the most versatile and useful compressors, mainly due to their relatively small size and portability.

Rotary Screw Compressors

Rotary screw compressors are mostly found in full-scale industrial applications, such as manufacturing and assembly plants. Rotary screw compressors are very similar to piston-driven compressors, but instead of using a cylinder and piston, these models use large screws to compress and force air up into a storage tank. These types of compressors also come in single or dual-stage varieties, allowing for much higher pressure outputs than most other types.

Special Considerations

While the type of compressor will often define its practical role, there are some other aspects to consider, particularly when industrial or commercial applications are in question. Many special applications, such as electronics manufacturing, must have pure air supplies; air compressors that use oils for internal lubrication of the pistons or screws may not be applicable in these situations, as they are notorious for leaking oil into the air tanks and lines.

There are many special considerations with air compressors that may need to be addressed, depending on the given application, and familiarity with the types compressors at the onset will make these considerations quite a bit easier to address and deal with effectively.

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