What is an Air Compressor?
An air compressor is an instrument that converts power (via an electrical motor, diesel or gas engine, etc.) into possible energy stored in pressurized air (i.e., compressed air). By one of numerous ways, an air compressor forces more and more air into its tank, increasing the pressure. When the tanks’ pressure reaches its engineered ceiling, the compressor turns off. That compressed air is then held in the tank until it needs to be used.
The energy held in the compressed air can be used for a multitude of applications, exploiting the kinetic energy of the air as it is released and the tank de-pressurizes. As tank pressure gets to its lower threshold, the compressor turns back on and re-pressurizes the tank. An air compressor needs to be distinguished from a pump since it operates for any gas/air, whereas pumps work through liquid.
Air Compressors can be categorized based on the pressure they deliver:
Low-pressure ones (LPACs), that have a release pressure of 150 psi or lower
Medium-pressure ones (MPACs) that have a release pressure of 151 psi to 1,000 psi
High-pressure ones (HPACs), that have a release pressure over 1,000 psi
What are the uses of compressed air?
When you examine the instances above, you might think how compressed air is applied in these circumstances. In certain sectors, it is utilized in 2 manners: as energy and as a part of a technique. These 2 kinds are known as Energy Air and Active Air accordingly.
First, Energy Air is used for conserving and transmitting energy to carry out mechanical work. More accurately, it is used for powering pneumatic production devices, air-driven lathe chucks, pressure washing workpieces and to transfer or cool components throughout production.
Active air, in contrast, is required as an active and essential part of a specific process. In this case, the air contacts the product therefore the air quality is particularly important. The cleaner, dry air quality can be enhanced by utilizing oil-free air compressors and by the treatment of the air using one of the many quality air devices available. This kind of compressed air is used in the below industries:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Chemicals
- Aeration and Agitation
- Food & Beverage
- Medical Breathing Air
- Semiconductor & Electronics
To start, you may believe air compressors are only used for inflating vehicle tires. Nevertheless, it does beyond that. They are utilized in the manufacturing of those tires, the fabric on vehicle seats and the sanding of the exhaust pipes. More significantly, compressed air is at the core of bus’s safety system. An air compressor is at the center of the air braking system and suspension, it also guarantees the airbag gets inflated in the event of an accident.
When it comes to choosing the right kind of compressor for your needs, you should ask yourself the following questions
- What are my applications?
- How much flow does my shop use?
- What pressure is needed within my shop?
- Do I require clean /dry air?
- How many hours each year do my compressor operate?
- How many shifts do I run each day?
- Are there any plans for expansion in the future?
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