What air compressor works the best for your project? 4 compressors you need to know about!
compressors are used as power sources for electronic tools in construction sites. This is why it is very important to have an air compressor in various projects. There are many types of compressors available and here’s all you need to know about it.
Types of compressors:
1. Rotary screw compressor
2. Reciprocating air compressor
3. Axial compressor
4. Centrifugal compressor
Rotary Screw Compressors
It is a type of displacement compressor. It generates power via air displacement. Rotary screw compressors work with two internal rotors that are used in large scale construction sites. They are easy to maintain and has an internal cooling mechanism that helps in easy maintenance. They can run both on oil or without lubrication. The two rotors in the machine run in the opposite direction. The air that gets trapped between these two starts creating pressure within the device. The internal cooling system makes it run better and hence can generate anywhere from 5 hp to 350 hp. It is best suited for industries that require continuous airflow.
Reciprocating Compressors
This type of compressor works through a piston placed inside a cylinder. They are mostly used for small projects like home renovation and the ones that do not require continuous use. These are also a type of displacement compressors and are typically found in smaller work sites. These are not designed for continuous use as it has more parts and needs more oil for lubrication. These compressors have a piston inside the cylinder. This displaces air to create a compressor that affects the pressure ranges. If you are looking for a multi-stage compressor, then this is the best way to channel more power. These come as single-stage and multi-stage compressors.
Axial Compressors
Axial compressors are highly efficient and come under dynamic compressors type. They are used in high-speed engines in airplanes and ships and hence are extremely costly. They are not used in the construction process. They are highly efficient and have great horsepower. Due to the way they function, they are priced at high rates.
Centrifugal Compressors
These compressors use a diffuser to slow and cool the incoming air. This builds up potential energy and are used in large-scale manufacturing plants. They need lesser maintenance. Some of these machines produce oil-free air and can reach upto producing 1000 horsepower. These are majorly used in high requirement plants like chemical plants and steel manufacturing sites.
Things to consider while picking the right kind of compressor for your project
There are various other factors to consider when it comes to buying the right kind of compressors. Here are a few things that you can look at for your project:
Consider air quality – Factories that follow clean manufacturing, using oil can be against the standards they follow. The fumes that come from oil lubrication in such compressors may contaminate the air which is not as per some standards of following green practices. W Oil-free compressors are costly but they come with minimal maintenance.
Look for your energy efficiency – Long construction projects need compressors that are of high-efficiency. You could choose variable speed driven compressors or natural gas compressors.
Check for portability limitations – If you require the compressors to be transported frequently to other sites then you must check for a simple portable compressor.
Additional features – Air compressors come with additional features too. You can choose to have one with thermal-protection, with belt drive systems, or with air hose splitters.
It’s always good to do proper homework before picking the right kind of compressor for your project. Consider all of the above points to pick the one for your next big project.