If you own an air tool, you will know the importance of an air compressor. We use them in our everyday lives too, to inflate tires and swimming pools. But how does an air compressor work?
We decided to take a detailed look at air compressors to give you the lowdown on how they work.
Key Takeaways
- An air compressor is a pneumatic device that stores compressed air and has various uses, from home applications to industrial settings.
- Positive displacement air compressors force air into a tank, decreasing the volume to pressurize the contents, while dynamic compressors use rotating blades to generate airflow and pressure.
- Reciprocating piston air compressors and rotary screw air compressors are commonly used in home and industrial environments for tasks such as inflating tires and powering air tools.
- Air compressors require proper maintenance to ensure a long lifespan, with rotary air compressors lasting between 40,000 to 60,000 hours of use and reciprocating air compressors lasting approximately 10 to 15 years.
What Are Air Compressors For?
There are different types of air compressors, with varying applications. Air compressors found in the home are generally smaller, although you can use larger air compressors to inflate tires and swimming pools.
Some of the most common types are portable and handheld devices that you carry in the trunk of your car in case of a flat tire. Air compressors also blow up balloons and are useful tools for cleaning hard-to-reach areas using directed air.
Larger, reciprocating piston compressors are better suited to DIY tasks like using pneumatic tools. These can include air hammers, air impact wrenches, and paint spray guns for respraying your car.
There are some less obvious ways that air compressors get used. They are used in dental services, farmers use them to spray crops, and dairy farmers use them to power milking machines.
The aviation industry uses them in aircraft engines, and large chemical and industrial facilities employ compressors in the manufacture of products like steel and chemical separation.
They are even used in some ski resorts to make snow!
How Does Each Type of Air Compressor Work?
Each type of air compressor has its unique way of producing pressurized air. Here are the basics of how they work.
Positive
Positive displacement air compressors force air into a tank, and the volume decreases to pressurize the contents. The systems vary with each machine, but the principle is the same.
“Positive” is a blanket term used to describe all air compressors powered through positive air displacement.
Some positive displacement compressors are better suited to industrial and commercial applications than others, while some suit hobbyists and the home market.
Reciprocating/Piston Type
Reciprocating piston air compressors use a piston controlled by a crankshaft to deliver pressurized air. They are not suitable for continuous use, unlike the rotary screw type. So, how do they work?
We have to divide them into single and double-stage operations. Single-stage compressors have a rotor that spins, forcing the piston to move up and down. This motion draws air into the chamber through valves, causing the air to push through outlet pipes as the piston moves upwards.
These types of air compressors are relatively affordable and commonly found in auto-repair shops.
Two-stage compressors have a large piston and a small piston. The rotor operates both, but as the larger one creates air, it pushes it through an intercooler containing water. This is then fed to the chamber containing the smaller piston, as it compresses the air into a small space. It then forces the air through an outlet pipe.
Rotary Screw
The two screws rotate in opposite directions, which creates a vacuum. As the air gets forced along the screws, it compresses until it is released through the air output. This provides the power to run air tools and many other applications.
These are the easiest to maintain of all the types of compressors and are typically used in heavy-duty scenarios, thanks to their ability to run continuously and the size of their engines.
Rotary Vane
Rotary vane compressors are much the same as rotary versions, except they use vanes attached to the rotor that adjust in size as they spin. The fan is mounted off-center to create larger and smaller chambers within the casing. This creates pressure as the air is forced around the casing as it decreases in size until it eventually pushes out through the exhaust port.
Rotary vane compressors are easy to use and popular with home and hobbyist users alike.
Dynamic
Dynamic compressors use a rotating blade to generate airflow. This airflow is then restricted to create pressure, as all that kinetic energy is stored ready for deployment. These types of devices are a mainstay of larger industrial applications like steel manufacturing and chemical plants. It is unlikely you will see this compressor in the home or small commercial use.
There are two main types of dynamic air compressors, namely, axial compressors and centrifugal compressors.
Axial Compressors
It starts with a large fan that draws air at high speed into the inlet. It passes through stationary fan blades, and as space decreases, kinetic energy is created, causing the air to pressurize. This then gets fed through an outlet.
The purpose of the stationary blades is to slow airflow as the air is forced into a smaller space, increasing the pressure. These types of compressors are less common and mostly used in aircraft engines and large air separation plants.
Centrifugal Compressors
A large fan draws air into the chamber, but the centrifugal force causes it to push outwards towards the edges of the space. The air travels around the inner casing, heading towards a diffuser, which slows the pace and increases the pressure. This pressure is then delivered through an outlet pipe.
These types of compressors use a high-speed electrical motor, making them a staunch favorite with HVAC professionals, and are commonly used in domestic HVAC systems.
How Long Do Air Compressors Last?
The estimates are that rotary air compressors will last between 40,000 and 60,000 hours of use. That equates to 20 to 30 years. Reciprocating air compressors will last approximately 10 to 15 years but will require more maintenance.
This all depends on the punishment the compressor gets and the applications it is used for.
FAQs
How Long Should an Air Compressor Run?
It depends on the duty cycle. If the compressor has a duty cycle of 50/50, it can run continuously for 5 minutes before resting for a further 5 minutes. Some have 100 percent duty cycles, meaning they can run without resting, but these are more robust compressors suited to the commercial and industrial sectors.
Can an Air Compressor Run Out of Air?
It depends if you have a continuous-duty air compressor or not. These devices can run for long periods without ever running out of air. Smaller models may need to rest to replenish the tank when it depletes.
Do You Have To Refill Air Compressors?
As the air depletes from the tank, pressure starts to drop, which affects your work. A motor kicks in and replenishes the tank, but this may cause a slight delay in your operation. Some air compressors have dual tanks to allow you to carry on working as the empty chamber refills.
What PSI Should I Set My Air Compressor?
It depends on the application. Some air tools have a PSI of 70 to 90, whereas larger applications require a PSI of 100 to 120. For general duties that cover most aspects of use, the rule of thumb is to set your compressor at 90 PSI.
What Causes an Air Compressor Not To Work?
There are several reasons why your air compressor doesn’t work. The most common causes are lack of oil in the pump and power switch failure. This could be a result of a lack of contact between the pressure switch and the circuitry.
Should I Drain My Air Compressor After Every Use?
You should drain your air compressor after each use to avoid water pooling in the tank, causing corrosion. Releasing the air from the open drain valve empties the tank and removes the condensation.
Is Buying an Air Compressor Worth It?
Buying an air compressor is subjective because not everyone can use this product. If you’re wondering whether or not to invest in a compressor, you should first know what people use it for.
If you use a wide range of air tools regularly (being a hobbyist DIYer who fiddles in the shed with these tools every weekend also counts as a “regular”), you could use an air compressor. Even the smallest ones are compatible with many nail guns, impact drivers, and such.
Air tools are usually considered lighter compared to their bulkier electronic counterparts, which is why so many people prefer to use these instead.
Even if they’re pushing a lot of air pressure through their system, air compressors are surprisingly silent. Of course, this doesn’t apply to all air compressors, but a portable pancake unit won’t deafen you.
An air compressor is worth the investment for passionate DIYers, woodworkers, metalworkers, car repair shops, inflating sports gear, air mattresses, camping, and many other applications.
What Are the Disadvantages of Air Compressors?
One massive drawback of air compressors is the pressure problem. If you’ve never used an air compressor before you’ll also have to get acquainted with terms like CFM, PSI, duty cycle, and others.
Each air tool you attach to your air compressor actually has different requirements. They won’t function the way you want if your air compressor doesn’t meet them.
If your compressor starts to leak and you don’t notice and fix the problem immediately, it’ll waste a ton of energy. You also can’t leave a compressor outside in cold winter, even if you use it indoors afterward.
What Should You Not Do with an Air Compressor?
When you don’t use an air compressor properly, three things can happen: you can damage the compressor, damage your air tools, or risk self-injury.
- Don’t leave your air compressor unattended, even for a brief period.
- Never point your air compressor at people or pets around you.
- Avoid using any kind of oil except whatever the manufacturer recommends.
- Try not to start using the air compressor without reading the manual first.
- Don’t power up things that should never be paired with an air compressor.
- Never use your air compressor with a tool if it can’t deliver the right CFM and PSI.
- Avoid using it without safety goggles to protect you from potential flying debris.
- If you suspect leaks or any damage, unplug the compressor and don’t use it until the problems are fixed.
Can You Run an Air Compressor on a Car Battery?
There are specific portable compressors you can use with your car battery. These are usually 12V units compatible with a DC power source. But, you’ll only get as much power as the battery can last, so don’t expect miracles.
When you attach an air compressor to a car battery, you can inflate your beachball, camping air mattress, bike tires, and even some car tires.
Are Air Compressors AC or DC?
Most air compressors use AC, but some use DC. For instance, 12V compressors can connect to your car battery, which functions on DC.
Can an Air Compressor be Left Outside In Winter?
Unless you live in the Northern Part of Brazil (where winters are mild), you should never leave a compressor outside in the winter. Compressors are not allowed to stay in temperatures below 40 to 45°F.
Allowing the condensation formed inside the compressor’s tank to freeze will damage the internal lining and extend to the other internal parts. Before you know it, the compressor’s valves, fitting, and lines will be useless.
Almost every air compressor manufacturer specifies the correct winter storage conditions for their products, so read the user manual.
Can You Feel the Pressure?
Air compressors are extremely useful devices. They come in all shapes and sizes and for different applications. Air is free, so it’s no wonder so many industrial and commercial environments utilize this precious resource to create the force they need to operate large-scale machinery.
And in the home, air compressors have many uses, from inflating balloons and tires to driving air tools like hammers and wrenches.
