How do air compressors work?

Essentially every business, large and small, is constantly on the lookout for ways to cut costs or operate more efficiently. Within the construction and manufacturing industries, air compressors present an attractive opportunity to do just that. Air compressors are fast, efficient industrial machines that can be used to blow up tires or power paint sprayers, air-powered tools, and other instruments. Due to its variety of uses, air compressors can be found anywhere from manufacturing plants to home workshops. It’s important to take the various types, uses, costs, and other factors concerning this powerful tool into consideration when deciding whether to get one for personal or professional use.

Air compressors work by taking in volumes of air at atmospheric pressure and increasing their pressure in order to generate compressed air. This compressed air can then be used to power various pneumatic tools, among other usages. People generally use a conventional air compressor or an electric version. The conventional kind is composed of a gas engine that compresses the air and a storage tank that holds the compressed air. It can also include a line pressure gauge that measures the pressure levels of the compressed air that is pumped out and a tank pressure gauge that measures the air stored in the tank. The electrical unit requires a storage tank, an electric motor, a pressure switch, and a pump. The motor powers the pump, which is used to compress and discharge the air into the storage tank. Conventional and electric air compressors can be used in a multitude of settings, depending on the benefits and features one desires.

Conventional Air Compressors

The actual performance of the gas-driven machines versus the electric-driven version does not differ much so it’s best to focus on the features that work well for your circumstances. For instance, within a manufacturing plant and other industrial settings, a conventional air compressor would be more appropriate since an electrical power source may not be readily in range of the equipment. Since these machines do not turn on and off by themselves, they are perfect for tools that require continuous flow such as sprayers or sanding tools. For anyone looking to perform large construction projects, the gas driven compressor might be the best fit for you. Just keep in mind that this unit shouldn’t really be used indoors due to the noise and fumes that are given off.

One of the many applications for which you can also see an air compressor used is the conventional air conditioning system in a car. Automobiles often utilize the belt-driven compressor, which is a type that directly connects the compressor to the engine. Through this connection, the compressor can harness the energy generated by the engine and work its magic. Because of this set-up, the workload created by the machine is applied to the engine and may actually reduce its performance. A reduction in performance can correlate to an increase in fuel consumption, which proves to be costly. Consequently, although the conventional air compressor is a straightforward and simple tool, it does come with some drawbacks. So if you’re looking to switch compressor types in your vehicle, make sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Electric Air Compressors

In order to combat the workload problem of the conventional air compressor, a potentially more efficient alternative is the electric compressor. This machine is powered by a direct current, is easy to maintain, consumes less energy and fuel, and is easy to install. It is very compatible with and suitable for electric cars as they have a steady source of electricity. Additionally, it is much much quieter than its counterpart, which actually gets louder the bigger the machine goes. If you have access to power and are looking to do smaller projects, then the electric compressor would be a great fit.

Electric air compressors are very useful for smaller projects and indoor work since they are very portable and simply require an electrical source. For example, they can easily be used to power a nailing machine that you may need to finish setting up your flooring. In this situation, the electric motor rotates the crankshaft of the compressor, allowing the machine to compress air that is sucked in through an inlet valve. The compressed air is expelled through an outlet valve and stored in a storage tank. The stored air can then be used to power the nailing machine. There is a built-in stop and start mechanism that turns the unit off when the pressure levels get too high or too low or when no tools are being used at the moment. Overall, this is a pretty efficient system, perfect for anyone looking to keep costs low.

Quick Tips

• Before operating whichever air compressor you decide to purchase, it’s very important that you remember to wear all recommended safety equipment, receive proper training, and follow all safety precautions.
• Within a manufacturing plant and other industrial settings, a conventional air compressor would be more appropriate since an electrical power source may not be readily in range of the equipment.
• If you have access to power and are looking to do smaller projects, then the electric compressor would be a great fit.