How Does a Gas Compressor Work?
An air compressor consists of an electric motor that compresses the air into a tank. The compressed air can be released at the selected pressure when required. How does an air compressor work? What are the requirements for choosing an ideal air compressor? Well there are a variety of various compressor types.
Let’s continue with an overview. Usually compressors used in automation and workshops are the so-called plus displacement compressors. When air is drawn into a space and the volume of that space is lowered, here pressure is induced. For this article we wish to limit ourselves to this type of compressor. Let’s take a more detailed view of the reciprocating compressor.
The crankshaft turns which moves the piston inside the cylindrical chamber. An inlet valve likewise called an intake valve permits fresh air to enter the cylinder. This is done during a suction blow from the cylinder. The vacuum valve opens or deflates at high pressure during the pressure paddle.
The air is heated when it is compressed. This is a problem for every compressor. The result is not just a less efficient compression cycle, but likewise the threat of a real explosion if any combustible substances, such as oil or lubricants, touch with the piston and air. For that reason, the pressure of a single phase compressor is limited to an output pressure of about 10 bar or 145 pounds To attain higher pressures, you can use a multi-step compressor.
In a 2 phase compressor, the large piston develops the first stage. The air that exits the first stage can now be cooled before going into the second phase. With a two-stage compressor, you can attain pressure in excess of 20 bar or 290 psi. Multistage compressors can likewise be used with high-power water-cooled jackets to prevent getting too hot. Based upon its working principle, the reciprocating compressor provides just pulse compressed air.
So this type of compressor is used in conjunction with a tank. However, using a tank provides the benefit that the compressor can be operated with a two-point controller, leading to less power usage and wear.
The diaphragm compressor belongs to the piston compressor family. Here the suction chamber of the piston is closed by a diaphragm. The benefit of a diaphragm compressor is the compressed air in the compression chamber does not come in contact with the piston and is lubed. Therefore it can be kept free of oil. These are a few examples:
Because versatility is limited, the weak point of a diaphragm compressor is generally its diaphragm itself. Diaphragm compressors are used for instance in the food industry or for filling scuba divers bottles.
The working principle is totally unique from the so-called rotary compressor, which is likewise called a vane compressor. A typical rotary compressor has a round chamber. Adjustable rotors with their center point on the drive shaft are linked to the chamber.
So when the pivot rotates, these rotors create a chamber of numerous sizes. Air is compressed into the biggest chamber, then left and compressed in the tiniest chamber. A benefit here is in pulsed free circulation in contrast to piston compressors. An air tank may be optional. Furthermore, these compressors are quiet and relatively insensitive to dirt.