How does an air compressor work?

Compressors have a wide range of applications and are widely used in a wide range of fields. These are practical devices that are used in factories, farmers ’workshops, dental clinics, car repair shops and much much more. However, the choice of compressors is huge and in each of these areas they are used in both different types and different technical parameters.

Compressors are devices that compress air, convert it into force, and produce energy from it. Air compressors are divided into two main types: reciprocating compressors and screw compressors. The most popular are unambiguously reciprocating air compressors, as they have a wider range of applications and are not as specific as screw air compressors, which are used in particularly specific fields.

Reciprocating air compressors operate and compress air with the help of cylinders. Their working principle is similar to internal combustion engines in cars. With the help of the movement of the cylinders, the air is pumped into the receiver, and with constant movement the cylinders compress that air. In this way, the air is compressed to the maximum specified pressure and the cylinders stop working again. When the worker uses some of the compressed air in the receiver when working with pneumatic tools, the reciprocating compressor starts operating again and replenishes again to the maximum air capacity.

And so the cycle goes as long as the worker is working with the tools to which the compressed air is supplied. This is why it is an advantage of reciprocating compressors that the air is constantly replenished and the reciprocating compressor, although not running at some point, has enough compressed air in it to work with the tools.

Screw air compressors are most commonly used in industry because their advantage is that they can operate around the clock without stopping, thus ensuring high uninterrupted production of compressed air. Screw compressors are more durable, run quieter and use less electricity to compress the same amount of air needed.

Air from the outside enters the screw compressor through filters. In a screw compressor, air is compressed while two propellers are operating. When we hear a specific noise, the air is compressed with the help of screws. When the screw compressor presses the full tank with high pressure air, it shuts down and becomes silent.

When is a reciprocating compressor needed to be repaired?

Regular maintenance is required to ensure that the reciprocating compressor purchased lasts as long as possible. Perform regular maintenance as you would for your vehicle. The most common reasons for repairing a reciprocating compressor are as follows:

Decreased performance

Increased vibration

When through the gaskets begin to "dew" and drip oil

When the pressure drops

Due to mechanical shocks to the receiver

To ensure that the reciprocating compressor lasts as long as possible, you must not:

Connect to an electrical outlet without grounding

Supervise against mechanical damage

Leave the compressor running unattended

Direct airflow at people

Use a compressor if you know it is defective

Possible piston compressor failures and their causes

When the performance of the reciprocating compressor decreased: there was an air leak in the intermediate connections; damaged valve plates; worn valve; clogged air filter

Compressor head overheated: cooling system fault possible; valve clearances are not adjusted; the wrong, too viscous oil is used; oil change time exceeded; engine connecting rods overtightened.

Metal squeak inside the tank: deformation of the cylinder or piston; the appearance of cracks and chips.

Air leakage from valve: Valve poorly closed or worn.

Air flow through condenser: Improper bypass valve.

Engine flywheel stuck: The valve rests on the top of the piston and the ground clearance needs to be adjusted.

The compressor enters the operating mode but does not run in full mode: the valve is not closed properly; poorly tensioned drive belt.