An air compressor converts power into compressed air by forcing more air into a storage tank, increasing the pressure until an upper limit is reached. The compressed air can then be used to power tools and machinery utilizing its kinetic energy. Air compressors come in various types classified by pressure output or design, and are used for applications like filling gas cylinders or powering pneumatic tools. Routine maintenance like checking for leaks is important to ensure efficient operation.

1. Air compressor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Air compressor supplies air into a nail gun
An air compressor is a device that converts power (using an electric motor, diesel or gasoline
engine, etc.) into potential energy stored in pressurized air (i.e., compressed air). By one of
several methods, an air compressor forces more and more air into a storage tank, increasing the
pressure. When tank pressure reaches its engineered upper limit the air compressor shuts off. The
compressed air, then, is held in the tank until called into use.[1] The energy contained in the
compressed air can be used for a variety of applications, utilizing the kinetic energy of the air as
it is released and the tank depressurizes. When tank pressure reaches its lower limit, the air
compressor turns on again and re-pressurizes the tank.
An air compressor must be differentiated from an air pump which merely pumps air from one
context (often the surrounding environment) into another (such as an inflatable mattress, an
aquarium, etc.). Air pumps do not contain an air tank for storing pressurized air and are generally
much slower, quieter, and less expensive to own and operate than an air compressor.

2. Classification[edit]
Compressors can be classified according to the pressure delivered:
1. Low-pressure air compressors (LPACs), which have a discharge pressure of 150 psi or
less
2. Medium-pressure compressors which have a discharge pressure of 151 psi to 1,000 psi
3. High-pressure air compressors (HPACs), which have a discharge pressure above 1,000
psi[2]
They can also be classified according to the design and principle of operation:
1. Single-Stage Reciprocating Compressor
2. Two-Stage Reciprocating Compressor
3. Compound Compressor
4. Rotary-screw compressor
5. Rotary Vane Compressor
6. Scroll Compressor
7. Turbo compressor
8. Axial Compressor

3. Applications[edit]
Air compressors have many uses, including: supplying high-pressure clean air to fill gas
cylinders, supplying moderate-pressure clean air to a submerged surface supplied
diver, supplying moderate-pressure clean air for driving some office and school

4. building pneumatic HVAC control system valves, supplying a large amount of moderate-
pressure air to power pneumatic tools, such as jackhammers, filling high pressure air
tanks (HPA), for filling tires, and to produce large volumes of moderate-pressure air for
large-scale industrial processes (such as oxidation for petroleum coking or cement plant
bag house purge systems).[6]
Most air compressors either are reciprocating piston type, rotary vane or rotary
screw. Centrifugal compressors are common in very large applications. There are two
main types of air-compressor pumps: oil-lubed and oil-less. The oil-less system has
more technical development, but is more expensive, louder and lasts for less time than
oil-lubed pumps. The oil-less system also delivers air of better quality.
The most common types of air compressors are: electric or gas/diesel powered
compressors. The power of a compressor is measured in HP (horsepower) and CFM
(cubic feet per minute of intake air).[7]
The gallon size of the tank specifies the volume of
compressed air (in reserve) available. Gas/diesel powered compressors are widely
used in remote areas with problematic access to electricity. They are noisy and require
ventilation for exhaust gases. Electric powered compressors are widely used in
production, workshops and garages with permanent access to electricity. Common
workshop/garage compressors are 110-120 Volt or 230-240 Volt. Compressor tank
shapes are: "pancake", "twin tank", "horizontal", and "vertical". Depending on a size and
purpose compressors can be stationary or portable.
Maintenance[edit]
To ensure all compressor types run efficiently with no leaks, it is imperative to perform
routine maintenance, such as monitoring and replacing air compressor fittings.[8]
It is
suggested that air compressor owners perform daily inspections of their equipment,
such as:
 Checking for oil and air leaks
 Checking the differential pressure in the compressed air filter
 Determining whether or not the oil in the compressor should be changed
 Verify safe operating temperature to avoid overheating the unit and it is used in sucking the
air
 Draining condensed moisture from the tank

5. ADVANTAGES
· Each type of air compressorcomes with different definition
because it offers different types of feature that impresses all of air
compressorusers. But all in all, an air compressoris an equipment
that adds air inside a container and compresses it, which makes the
air pressure inside the tank higher than the air outside of the tank.
· Different types of air compressorprovides different levels of
power, but it still depends on what level you need, whether it is for air
in spray painting or an air compressorthat fills air to a car tire. Each
type of air compressordoes a specific job so reading its description
will help you a lot. You will know the capacity of power that it can
provide.
· Unlike other equipment, the machines, air compressorsdoesn’t
need meticulous maintenance. But regular but easy maintenace can be
done to avoid minor problems that can lead to major damage like
engine malfunction, but other than that, it provides good performance.

6. DISADVANTAGES
 Air compressors are very noisy. This is not so perfect if you are living
on an apartment or duplex because it will surely disturb your
neighbors. It is a major downside for people who don’t have excess
area to run loud equipment like air compressor. If you are planning to
get an air compressor, make sure that you have an extra lot or area
where you can place the equipment and make it run.
 Each type of air compressor comes with different sizes. They say that
a huge air compressor can provide a higher level of power. If you don’t
have enough excess area for the compressor, this will be a major
drawback most especially if you needed too much energy. However,
there are small sizes of air compressor but it doesn’t provide high level
energy compared to huge air compressors.