Air compressor types

Introduction to the different types of air compressors. All the main types of air compressors are covered.

1. Types of Air Compressor Aircompressormachine.com

2. Air Compressor What is it? A compressor is a machine that increases the pressure of any gas by decreasing its volume. In case of air compressors, it is the atmospheric air that gets condensed

3. Compressor Types Dynamic Positive Displacement Reciprocating Rotary Axial Centrifugal Single Acting Double Acting Scroll Liquid Ring Screw Lobe Vein Diaphragm Air Compressor Classification Source: aircompressormachine.com

4. Compressor Types Positive Displacement Dynamic Positive Displacement Compressor A positive displacement compressor is the system which compresses the air by the displacement of a mechanical linkage reducing the volume. Positive displacement compressors are the most common form of compressors used in the industry.

5. Compressor Types Positive Displacement Dynamic Dynamic Compressor Dynamic compressors are rotary continuous-flow machines in which the rapidly rotating element accelerates the air as it passes through the element, converting the velocity head into pressure, partially in the rotating element and partially in stationary diffusers or blades. Instead of reducing the volume of air that is captured in a chamber, dynamic compressors increase the velocity of the air and then block its passage. With a sudden reduction in velocity, the air compresses and becomes pressurized.

6. Positive Displacement Rotary Reciprocating Rotary Compressor A positive-displacement machine in which compression of the fluid is affected directly by a rotor and without the usual piston, connecting rod, and crank mechanism of the reciprocating compressor. Rotary compressor is the perfect choice for applications that require a constant air supply.

7. Positive Displacement Rotary Reciprocating Reciprocating Compressor A reciprocating air compressor (also called as piston compressor) use pistons to compress air and store it in a chamber or a tank. Reciprocating compressors are normally used in the production facilities like in oil refineries, petrochemical plants, gas pipelines and many other industries. Further Reading : Reciprocating Compressors

8. Reciprocating Single Acting Single Acting Compressor In single acting reciprocating air compressor only single side of the piston is used for the compression of the air and other side is connected to the crankcase and not used for the compression. You will find them in smaller (hobby) air compressors, in trucks for the pneumatic system, multi-stage for higher pressures, but also in your fridge, doing his job quiet. Double Acting Diaphragm

9. Reciprocating Single Acting Double Acting Compressor In this types of compressor, both the sides of the piston is used for the compression of the air. When suction takes place at one side than compression is taking place at other side. Both suction and compression takes place on each stroke of the piston This technology in only used in heavy duty industrial and process compressors from 45kW on. Double Acting Diaphragm

10. Reciprocating Single Acting Diaphragm Compressor The compression of gas occurs by means of a flexible membrane, instead of an intake element. The back and forth moving membrane is driven by a rod and a crankshaft mechanism. Only the membrane and the compressor box come in touch with pumped gas. It is the best suited for pumping toxic and explosive gases. Double Acting Diaphragm

11. Rotary Lobe Rotary Lobe Compressor The rotary-lobe compressor incorporates two intermeshing rotors mounted on parallel shafts. In a twin-lobe compressor, each rotor has two lobes (four lobes per compressor). In a tri-lobe machine each rotor has three lobes (six lobes per compressor). Rotary compressors are widely used due to their reliability, ease in operation, relative simplicity in design and high efficiency. Screw Liquid Ring Scroll Vane

12. Rotary Lobe Rotary Screw Compressor A Rotary Screw Air Compressor is a compressor that uses a rotary-type positive displacement mechanism, called a rotary screw, air-end. Rotary Screw Compressors are commonly used to replace piston compressors, in commercial and industrial applications, Rotary screw air compressors are one of the most efficient ways for large scale infrastructure development. They form the basis for heavy lifting, drilling, demolition and even building new roads. Screw Liquid Ring Scroll Vane

13. Rotary Lobe Liquid Ring Compressor An offset rotor is placed in a cylindrical housing, and fluid (typically water) is fed into this housing. As the rotor spins, the water is thrown by centrifugal force to the outside, similar to a washing machine. The void created in the center holds gas drawn in through the inlet port of the pump. As the gas travels around the pocket of air in the center, it is compressed. Scroll compressors are positive displacement compressors usually employed in residential and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pump applications Screw Liquid Ring Scroll Vane

14. Rotary Lobe Scroll Compressor An offset rotor is placed in a cylindrical housing, and fluid (typically water) is fed into this housing. As the rotor spins, the water is thrown by centrifugal force to the outside, similar to a washing machine. The void created in the center holds gas drawn in through the inlet port of the pump. As the gas travels around the pocket of air in the center, it is compressed. Scroll compressors are positive displacement compressors usually employed in residential and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pump applications Screw Liquid Ring Scroll Vane

15. Rotary Lobe Vane Compressor Rotary vane compressors consist of a rotor with a number of blades inserted in radial slots in the rotor. The rotor is mounted offset in a larger housing that is either circular or a more complex shape. As the rotor turns, blades slide in and out of the slots keeping contact with the outer wall of the housing. Thus, a series of increasing and decreasing volumes is created by the rotating blades. Used in a variety of welding operations, air-operated metal and wood working tools, paper pressing and industrial cooling operations. Screw Liquid Ring Scroll Vane

16. Dynamic Centrifugal Axial Centrifugal Compressor They achieve a pressure rise by adding kinetic energy/velocity to a continuous flow of fluid through the rotor or impeller. This kinetic energy is then converted to an increase in potential energy/static pressure by slowing the flow through a diffuser. Centrifugal compressors are used in pipeline booster service where high volume and low compression ratios exist. They are also used in very high flow rate gas lift service.

17. Dynamic Centrifugal Axial Axial Compressor It is a rotating, airfoil-based compressor in which the gas or working fluid principally flows parallel to the axis of rotation, or axially. Axial compressors are integral to the design of large gas turbines such as jet engines, high speed ship engines, and small scale power stations.

18. Thankyou Further Reading: Air Compressor Machines Reciprocating Compressors How to choose an air compressor Air Compressor Oil