What is an Air Compressor Used for?

Introduction to Air Compressors

Air compressors have been an important feature in the manufacturing industry for a long time, ensuring that compressed air is readily available whenever needed. In fact, it was in the mid-1700s that the very first mechanically-operated air compressor units were made! Since then, they have gone on to become so important to manufacturing that they are now known as the ‘fourth utility’ alongside electricity, gas, and water.

Let’s take a moment to find out more about air compressors and what they are used for, so that you can pick the right model for your needs.

The Basic Principles of Air Compressors

When you consider just how many industries use compressed air, it’s clear that they are in high demand, but how exactly do they work?

Put simply, air compressors work by taking atmospheric air and subjecting it to pressure inside a pressurised air container. This pressurised air compressor can then be engaged when needed, by converting the energy into kinetic energy that can power equipment, such as pneumatic tools in your manufacturing plant or construction site.

Interestingly, air compressors work in much the same way as combustion engines, in that they need a pump cylinder, crankshaft, and piston to produce the required compressed air. When you think about how these parts work, you can see how air compressors provide air for pool toys, bicycle tyres, vehicle painting, fixing vehicle engines, as well as driving high-powered tools, routine maintenance power tools, conveyor belts, and more!

What Are Air Compressors Used For

Air compressors are used to provide clean air for a variety of industries and needs. In fact, compressed air is used across a range of industries, even niches that need low-pressure air compressors.

Industrial Applications of Air Compressors

Air compressors are crucial in factories, helping assemble cars, electronics, and furniture with air-powered tools. They also power conveyor belts and are used for painting and sandblasting, ensuring smooth finishes.

Construction sites rely on air compressors for power tools like jackhammers and drills. They’re also used for demolition, breaking through concrete and rock.

Air compressors are helpful on farms too. They power sprayers for crops, clean equipment, and operate milking systems.

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Air compressors play a critical role in ensuring patient safety and the production of life-saving medications:

• Hospitals: Compressed air powers tools during surgery, aids in respiratory therapy, keeps medical equipment functioning, and even ensures clean, filtered air throughout the facility.
  
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Pristine, contaminant-free compressed air is crucial in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. Air compressors power processes and systems ensuring the purity and integrity of medications.
  
• Dental Surgeries: Dental practices rely heavily on air compressors to power tools, cleaning equipment, and support patient treatments.

Food and Beverage Industry

Air compressors are integral to the food and beverage industry, facilitating safe, hygienic, and efficient processes:

• Packaging and Filling: Compressed air powers machinery for filling containers, sealing packages, and even generating nitrogen for food preservation.
  
• Cleaning and Sanitation: Air compressors ensure food-grade hygiene in processing equipment and production areas by powering cleaning systems.
  
• Compliance: Specialised compressors adhere to strict health standards, providing clean air for applications with direct food contact.

Home and DIY Projects

Air compressors bring power and versatility to your home workshop and beyond:

• Power Tools: Air compressors fuel nailers, drills, and spray guns, making home renovation projects faster and easier. They can power a variety of pneumatic tools, taking the sweat and strain out of DIY projects:
  
• Inflation: From bike tires and sports balls to pool inflatables, air compressors make inflation a breeze. No more huffing and puffing!
  
• Cleaning: Unleash the cleaning power of compressed air for pressure washing, dusting hard-to-reach areas, and clearing debris.

Recreational and Miscellaneous Uses

Air compressors add an element of power and excitement to various leisure activities:

• Scuba Diving: Essential for refilling scuba tanks, compressed air is the lifeline of scuba divers. With a reliable air compressor, divers can safely explore the wonders of the underwater world, encountering a dazzling array of marine life in shipwrecks, coral reefs, and underwater caves.
• Paintball: Compressed air propels paintballs, turning paintball into a fast-paced and strategic game. Players use pressurised air to launch paint-filled capsules at opponents, strategically navigating obstacles and employing teamwork to capture flags or eliminate the opposing team.
• Amusement Parks: Air compressors play a crucial role in bringing amusement park rides and attractions to life. From the heart-pounding drops of rollercoasters to the exhilarating swings of pirate ships, compressed air powers pneumatic systems that drive the movement and operation of these rides. They ensure a thrilling experience for parkgoers of all ages.

Types of Air Compressor

There is more than one type of air compressor on offer, and each comes with its own unique benefits. Let’s take a look at the different types of air compressors below, and learn more about which one is right for your business:

Dynamic Air Compressors

Dynamic compressors are used in operations that require high-pressure air compressors on a large scale. They work by converting gas into pressurised air.

The most commonly used type of dynamic compressors are known as centrifugal compressors, or turbo compressed air units. As dynamic compressors are used to produce high-pressure, delivered on large volume jobs, they often have several compressed air stages, ensuring they can provide the output required.

Positive Displacement Air Compressors

Positive displacement compressors are used for industrial purposes and can be large or small air compressors, depending on your specific requirements.

These include piston air compressors, reciprocating air compressors, scroll compressors, and rotary compressed air solutions such as rotary screw compressors, rotary tooth and rotary vane.

The rotary design works to gradually compress air until tank pressure reaches the required level, before being released for use via a port or valve attached to the chamber.

Factors Differentiating Air Compressors

With so many different air compressor units to choose from, let’s explore the differentiating factors of some of the most popular air compressor solutions:

Oil Lubricated Air Compressors Vs Oil Free Compressors

Oil-lubricated air compressor units are hard-working and long-lasting and often have a much longer lifespan than an oil-free compressor. This is because the oil protects the components so that they don’t need repairs as often.

Oil-free compressors, however, are often used in industries that demand clean air solutions, such as the food industry. They are popular as they do not emit particles of dirt or oil that can contaminate other materials and cause dangerous problems for consumers.

Single-Stage Vs Two-Stage Piston Compressors

The main difference between a single-stage and a two-stage air compressor is the number of times the air compressor turns and compresses the air between the inlet valve and the tool. Single-stage units compress the air once, and two-stage units compress it twice, with double the air pressure in the air tank, and a higher discharge pressure.

Drive Mechanisms

When it comes to drive mechanisms for your air compressor, you can choose between belt drive and direct drive, and between fixed speed and variable speed. When choosing your compressor, it’s important to note that a direct-drive compressor has fewer moving parts, making it more durable and offering greater pressure than a belt-drive compressor.

Customers in the manufacturing industry will find that a VSD (Variable Speed Drive) is a better choice when your air needs tend to change throughout the day, but a fixed speed is best when you are looking for higher pressure on a constant basis.

Invest in Your Air Compressor Today!

When you consider the impact a few gallons of compressed air can have on your business, it makes sense to invest in the best machine for your needs.

Not sure if a rotary screw compressor is right, or have questions about getting the best air compressor solution for your remote sites? We are here to help you!

For more in-depth information on air compressors, read our detailed guides and articles, or get in touch with our team today!