An air compressor is a piece of equipment that works on a diesel, electric motor or gasoline energy power to gain the results of a kinetic energy. Through the process of compressing and pressurising air which as a result will be let free in quick successive bursts when needed. The classification of air compressor can be based on ground of compression methods which in this case may be divided to either positive-displacement or negative-displacement type.
Positive displacement air compressors works by the principle of pushing air forcefully into a specialised pocket or chambers whose volume goes under intense reduction by compression. This compression is done using piston- type air compressors that use one way valves that direct air in the compression pockets. Negative-displacement air compressors utilize centrifugal force produced by a rotation of an impeller to speed up and then reduce the speed of the captured air which acts to increase its pressure. All air compressor systems require compressed air pipework to be design and engineered for each specific installation.
Reciprocating Air Compressors
Reciprocating air compressor falls in the category of the compressors that works on the principle of positive-displacement in that they increase the pressure of the air in the chamber by scientifically reducing its volume. Reciprocating air compressor in successive turns sucks in large volumes of air which in turn is restricted within a chamber hence raising its pressure. This is necessitated by the availability of a piston found in the cylinders which acts as the compressor and the agent of displacement.
Rotary Screw Compressors
This is another type of a positive-displacement air compressor. The most common examples of a rotary screw compressor are the spiral oil flooded screw air compressor. They are made up of two rotors held in a place by a case in which the two rotors squeeze and compress the air. The most amazing feature on how this compressor works is that it doesn’t have any valve but the components used are oil soaked and oil coolers where the oil seals all the possible escaping spaces. Rotary screw compressor emits little or no temperatures since efficient cooling is enhanced inside the unit casing.
Centrifugal Air Compressors
The centrifugal air compressor is a powerful compressor in nature which mostly acts as the transmission of energy directly from a rotating impeller to the air. This one type of compressor results into products of high pressure produced by conversion of angular movement by a rotating impeller. For this process to be successful, this compressor usually assumes high velocity than any other existing compressor. It specialised to produce high capacities since air production is continuous.
Axial Air Compressors
In this type of air compressor, the air flow parallel to the axis of rotation. This compressor is made up several rows of airflows cascades. Some of the rows called rotors are interconnected to the central shaft and rotates at a great speed. The compressor in the axial compressor is usually connected to the shaft and then to the power turbines on the right end of the axial compressor machine.