Air compressor is a device that converts power into potential energy stored in pressurized air. The energy contained in the compressed air can be used for a variety of applications, utilizing kinetic energy of the air.
Classification
Compressors can be classified based on the pressure delivered:
- Low pressure air compressors
- Medium pressure air compressors
- High pressure air compressors
Displacement type
There are numerous methods of air compression, divided into either positive displacement or roto-dynamic types.
Positive displacement compressors work by forcing air into a chamber whose volume is decreased to compress the air. Once the maximum pressure is reached, a port or valve opens and air is discharged into the outlet system from the compression chamber.
Dynamic displacement air compressors include centrifugal compressors and axial compressors. In these types, a rotating component imparts its kinetic energy to the air which is eventually converted into pressure energy.
Cooling
Due to adiabatic heating, air compressors require some method of disposing of waste heat. Generally, this is some form of air or water cooling, although some compressors may be cooled by oil and the atmospheric changes are also considered during cooling of these compressors.
Applications
Air compressors has a lot of significance like,
Supplying high-pressure clean air to fill gas cylinders, supplying moderate-pressure clean air to a submerged surface supplied diver, supplying moderate-pressure clean air for driving some office and school building pneumatic HVAC control system valves, supplying a large amount of moderate-pressure air to power pneumatic tools, such as jackhammers, filling high pressure air tanks, for filling tires, and to produce large volumes of moderate-pressure air for large-scale industrial processes.
The most common types of air compressors are: electric or gas/diesel powered compressors. The power of a compressor is measured in HP (Horsepower) and CFM (cubic
feet of air per minute). The gallon size of the tank tells you how much compressed air “in reserve” is available.
Gas/diesel powered compressors are widely used in remote areas with problematic access to electricity. They are quite noisy and require ventilation for exhaust gases. Electric powered compressors are widely used in production, workshops and garages with permanent access to electricity.
Maintenance
To ensure all compressor types run efficiently with no leaks, it is highly essential to perform routine maintenance, such as monitoring and replacing air compressor fittings. It is suggested that air compressor needs to be inspected for the following;
Checking for oil and air leaks
Checking the differential pressure in the compressed air filter
Determining whether or not the oil in the compressor should be changed
Verify safe operating temperature to avoid overheating the unit
Al Jahahma Est provides wide range of services in this domain. For more information, visit our website at http://www.aljalahmaest.com/
