How an air compressor works?

How does an Air Compressor Work

In an air compressor, air is compressed by pulling in atmospheric air, reducing its volume and
increasing its pressure. There are three major types of air compressor, namely, reciprocating,
rotary and centrifugal compressor.

Air compressor is a versatile device used for supplying the compressed air and/or power into a
specific space. It is used for any purpose that requires air in the reduced volume or increased
pressure. Air compressor is a vital mechanical device for the homeowners (refrigerators and air
conditioners), jet engines, commercial businesses, refining industries, manufacturing industries
and automotive industries. In fact, air compressor has been used in the industries for more than
100 years.

Air Compressor: Types

Air compressors are available in various types, which are designed to meet different
requirements. Each of the type of air compressor may differ in cooling method, compression
stages, lubrication and power source. Following are the three major types of air compressors:

Reciprocating (Piston) Air Compressor

Reciprocating air compressor makes use of piston to compress air and store it in a storage tank.
Based on the number of compression stages, reciprocating type can be a single-stage or double-
stage compressor. In single-stage, only one piston is used to compress air, whereas in double-
stage compressor, there are two pistons for air compression.

Rotary Air Compressor

Rotary air compressor is similar to the positive displacement configuration of a reciprocating
compressor. In rotary type, two spinning helical mated screws are used rather than piston(s). As
the screws spin towards each other, air is compressed and pushed inside a storage tank.

Centrifugal Air Compressor

Centrifugal air compressor or dynamic compressor is applicable when the demand for compress
air is high. In this air compressor, a high speed rotating impeller increases velocity of air, which
is directed towards a diffuser that converts the velocity of air into pressure. Centrifugal air
compressor requires more energy to operate than the other two air compressors.

Air Compressor: Working

Air compressor consists of two major components - compressing mechanism and a power
source. The compressing mechanism can be a piston, rotating impeller or vane, whereas the
power is supplied by an electric motor or other energy sources. The compressing mechanism, as
the name suggests, helps in compressing atmospheric air by using energy from the power source.
The basic working principle of an air compressor is to compress atmospheric air, which is then
used as per requirements. In the process, atmospheric air is drawn in through an intake valve;
more and more air is pulled inside a limited space mechanically by means of piston, impeller or
vane. Since the amount of pulled atmospheric air is increased in the receiver or storage tank,
pressure is raised automatically. 

In simpler terms, free or atmospheric air is compressed after reducing its volume and at the same
time, increasing its pressure. There is a pressure setting knob that can be manipulated as per the
requirement of the operator. When the pressure increases to the maximum pressure setting in the
receiver or tank, the pressure switch shuts off the intake of air in the compressor. When the
compressed air is used, the pressure level falls. As the pressure drops to a low pressure setting,
the pressure switch is turned on, thus allowing the intake of atmospheric air. Thus, the cycle
continues in an air compressor. 

While purchasing an air compressor, it is necessary to check performance, machine

configuration, operation type, price and operating cost. As per your requirement and budget, you
can consult with the manufacturer about the suitable air compressors. Always purchase a durable
compressor that is easy and safe to operate.

The mechanism of an air compressor is similar to internal combustion with a crankshaft driving a
piston down a cylinder to compress valve entrapped air and generate kinetic energy.

Air compressors have relatively simple design and can be sized all the way from the extremely
powerful to ones that can just drive small tools. They have few parts and hence last for a long
time with little maintenance. The factors make them drivers of choice from heavy equipment on
manufacturing shop floors, to cleaning areas in gas stations and now, inside homes and small
garages as parts of handy gadgets.

An air compressor works by transforming electrical energy in to kinetic energy in the form of air
that is held in a highly compressed space before sudden release. The energy released when
the compressed air is let out can be used for inflation, cleaning under pressure, turning,
generating torque, driving or other similar movement by force.

The principle of an air compressor’s functioning is like that of an internal combustion unit. A
crankshaft moves a piston through a connecting rod, in a linear fashion along the length of a
cylinder in which it fits snugly. Air is drawn in through an open valve as the piston moves
upwards, providing ample space for a high volume of air. The valve closes and the piston moves
down, compressing the air. The latter has kinetic energy as it gains tremendous pressure because
of the restricted space in to which it has been forced. The valve opens again to release the
energy.

Cylinders may be placed in series, so that the compressed air is fed to an intake where it is
compressed further. The pressure goes up further and hence the power is increased in proportion.
All air compressors must have back-up systems to release extra pressure in the event of a
malfunction in the valve mechanism. This is required to prevent an accident such as in an
explosion.

The efficiency of air compression depends on air temperature, atmospheric pressure and
relative humidity. The rating of an air compressor therefore depends on ambient conditions. This
aspect should be taken in to account if an air compressor is used in very cold weather, very wet
weather or at an high altitude.

Oil is used to lubricate the piston as it moves inside the cylinder. Rings act as seals to reduce the
amount of oil that can mix with the compressed air. Some oil contamination, especially in
atomized form, will inevitably escape ring seals and hence a more secure oil containment design
is required in case the compressed air energy sources have to be completely free of oil. Painting
and other functions related to finishing a surface have this kind of requirement as even a faint oil
trace can affect appearance.

Air compressors have relatively few parts and hence require little maintenance. They last for
years and are versatile and compact as well. This is why new uses for air compressors keep
surfacing so many years after the first unit was built. Some models have a second cylinder and
sizes can be adjusted at the design stage to increase the range of applications and uses.