Air compressors are essential as their services are applied in many industries such as agriculture, construction, chemical manufacturing and the automation and assembly industries. The task of the air compressors is to convert the power from an electric motor or a diesel engine into stored energy form which is later released in the form of pressurized air. Pressurized air is used in the industries to power machinery and equipment. It is important that one pays attention when they are selecting a compressor, as any mistake will lead to financial losses to the company. Different types of compressors are available which vary regarding the level of pressure of the air they are delivering, their operation methods and also the capacity of air that a given compressor can deliver. When one is purchasing an air compressor, they also need to determine the cost of a given air compressor, the durability and also the ability of the compressor to balance the capacity of the air they hold and the pressure levels of the air that they release.
Three main types of compressors, based on the operation methods, are available in the market. The first kind of compressor is the reciprocating compressors which are categorized as positive displacement compressors. The reciprocating compressors have pumps which also have pistons and cylinders that are attached which serves to press the air reducing the volume of the air and thus resulting in the high pressures of the air being displaced from the compressor. One also, chooses between the direct drive and the belt drive kinds of reciprocating air compressors but it is advisable to purchase the belt drive compressors as they are durable and also effective. The reciprocating compressors are portable and thus suits traders in construction while they are also efficient.
The second type of the air compressors which are almost similar to the reciprocating air compressors are the rotary screw compressors which also function as positive displacement compressors. The rotary screw compressors are reliant on helical screws rather than the pistons and thus have less surges and vibration in comparison to the reciprocating compressors. One can also decide to purchase the rotary screw compressors as they are easier to maintain and are also durable and in comparison with the reciprocating compressors they have larger air capacity. The rotary screw compressors are used in hospitals, construction sites and factories as they also have variable speeds allowing one to control the airflow.
One can also purchase the centrifugal compressors which have a rotating disc which provides the momentum to move and also pressurize air. One can also control the pressure of the air as they have inlet guide vanes. They are used in refrigerators, automotive and air conditioners.