AIR COMPRESSOR

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).

In today’s world of pneumatic operations, it’s hard to imagine a time when air compressors
were nonexistent in factories or workshops. The fact is, in the context of machine-age history,
air compressors are a relatively recent innovation.

The most significant benefit of the standard workshop air compressor is its compact and
relatively lightweight dimensions, which stand in contrast to centralized sources of power that
generally utilize large motors. Additionally, air compressors last longer, require less
maintenance, are easier to move from worksite to worksite and are far less noisy than old-
fashioned machinery.

Piston Air Compressor Functionality

So, How Do Air Compressors Work?

Air compression is essentially a twofold process in which the pressure of air rises while the
volume drops. In most cases, compression is accomplished with reciprocating piston
technology, which makes up the vast majority of compressors on the market.

Every compressor with a reciprocating piston has the following parts:

crankshaft cylinder piston

connecting rod valve head

Air compressors, for the most part, are powered by either gas or electric motors — it varies
by model. At one end of the cylinder are the inlet and discharge valves. Shaped like metal
flaps, the two valves appear at opposite sides of the cylinder’s top end. The inlet sucks air in
for the piston to compress. The compressed air is then released through the discharge valve.

In certain air compressor models, the pressure is produced with rotating impellers. However,
the models that are typically used by mechanics, construction workers and crafts people tend
to run on positive displacement, in which air is compressed within compartments that reduce
its space. Even though some of the smallest air compressors consist of merely a motor and
pump, the vast majority have air tanks. The purpose of the air tank is to store amounts of air
within specified ranges of pressure until it’s needed to perform work. In turn, the compressed
air is used to power the pneumatic tools connected to the unit supply lines. While all of this is
going on, the motor repeatedly starts and stops to keep the pressure at a desired
consistency.

What the piston effectively does with its back and forth movements is create a vacuum. As
the piston retracts, the space in front gets filled with air, which is sucked through the inlets
from the outside. When the piston extends, that same air is compressed and therefore given
the strength to push through the discharge valve — simultaneously holding the inlet shut —
and into the tank. As more air is sent into the tank, the pressure gains intensity.

Air Compressor Power Ratings : CFM

The amount of power being used by an active air compressor can be measured in terms of
horsepower. Still, other things need to be taken into consideration in order to determine how
much pressure a given machine can offer. The rate and volume by which a machine can offer
compression is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm). However, the rate at which outside
air moves into the cylinder is impacted by the heat, humidity and wind of the surrounding
environment. Therefore, the atmosphere itself will play a part in the cfm of a given machine.

As a way of taking internal and external factors into consideration, manufacturers use
standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) to determine cfm in combination with outside pressure
and humidity. Another type of rating is known as displacement cfm, which determines the
efficiency of the compressor pump. This rating is drawn from a combination of motor rpm and
cylinder displacement.

In order to determine which kind of tools an air compressor will be able to support, it’s crucial
to look at a given machine’s cfm and psi ratings.

Pumps vs. Compressors: Two Instruments for Harnessing Air

A certain degree of confusion exists between the words “pump” and “compressor,” which are
often perceived as being synonymous with one another. Technically, there are crucial
distinctions between the two, the main differences being:

 A pump takes liquids or gases and moves them between places.

 A compressor takes a gas, squeezes the volume of that gas and then sends it
elsewhere.
Basically, a pump will work with any fluid, whether liquid or gas, whereas a compressor can
only do its function with gas because liquids are a lot harder to compress. In some cases, the
portion of a reciprocating air compressor that performs the compression function is called a
pump. However, pump and compressor functions overlap on pumps that have pressure
gauges that rise with each revolution. One example of this dual function is a tire pump, which
basically does both functions — moving air and creating a tighter air compartment — while
filling a tire with air. Still, since the purpose of a foot pump is to move outside air into an air-
tight space, the tool is not technically considered a compressor. After all, the purpose behind
a compressor is to put compressed air to use, such as when pneumatic tools are powered.

Section view of Mini air compressor :

Viair 40040 400C Air Compressor

This unit is in the mid price range but includes a lot of high-end
materials to complete the package. Features include a 150 PSI MAX, a 2.54
CFM free flow at 0 PSI, an oil-less design, and easy mounting. The system is
not intended for beginners and is designed to be mounted on the vehicle for
use in an on-board air system or air suspension system, with the ability to also
power air horns. Despite some loss of versatility in overall use, this is still a
very durable air compressor. It includes permanent magnetic motors, brush
DC, and mounting hardware with vibration isolators. The wiring is freeze
resistant and accessories also include a remote mount air filter assembly, air
line for remote mounting air filter, and heavy duty terminals. The entire system
is loaded with features from top to bottom so you will definitely get your
money’s worth.
Despite all these added features, it clocks in well under 10 pounds, which is a
testament to its portability. This isn’t your normal air compressor and relies on
an on-board air system to be used. This is more for an intermediate to advanced
user, even with the manual included. Its uses are also limited as is its
functionality. For the brave beginner, there are numerous help documents and
videos online, and to be honest, after using it a couple of times, it’s no different
than a regular run-of-the-mill air compressor. There’s a 1-year limited warranty
attached, but the high quality parts most likely won’t need to be replaced
anytime soon. This is an awesome option for those that have the means to use it.