An air compressor is a useful and convenient piece of equipment critical in automotive repair, craft projects, maintenance, construction, and many others. With this equipment, you can finish most of your projects in no time as compared to using traditional equipment. “What kind of air compressor do I need?” is usually a common question. This may result in failing to find the right model for your needs.
To find the kind of air compressor you need will depend on numerous factors. This is because there are different air compressors with different functionalities. Understanding what you need an air compressor will enable you to find the kind of air compressor suitable for you. The wrong air compressor can affect your production negatively due to a lack of efficiency.
Types Of Air Compressor
Various air compressors are used to handle multiple tasks. What you will like about air compressors is they are quite efficient and always gets the job done. Some have notable features that make them reliable in their line of duty.
Here are the types of air compressors;
Reciprocating compressor
This is a popular type of air compressor that is usually used at smaller worksites. You will find a reciprocating compressor being used for construction projects at home and in garages. The flipside of this compressor is it’s not meant for continuous use. A reciprocating air compressor has more moving parts that require lubrication with oil to guarantee smoother movement.
Axial compressor
Axial air compressors are renowned for being highly efficient and quite expensive. They are used in high-speed engines, meaning you will not find them in typical construction projects. Commonly axial air compressors are used on planes or ships delivering excellent horsepower.
Positive displacement compressors
Positive displacement compressors emit power through air displacement. They are unique and entail several air compressors. The air compressors incorporated herein use several internal mechanisms, though all of them work on the same principle.
Dynamic compressors
This specific type of air compressor produces horsepower through bringing in the air via the blades that keep on rotating rapidly. This is then followed by restriction of air to create pressure, whereas the kinetic energy is preserved within the air compressor as static.
Rotary screw compressors
Rotary screw compressors are easy to care for and maintain. You will note that they feature an internal cooling system that doesn’t need a lot of maintenance. These air compressors are usually massive for industrial use. You can either have them lubricated with oil or let them run oil-free. Rotary screw compressors produce energy using two inbuilt internal rotors that usually turn in opposite directions. The best part about this specific air compressor is that you can use it continually because it has an internal cooling system.
What Kind Of Air Compressor Do I Need?
You may be asking what kind of air compressor do I need? This will depend on the reason why you need the air compressor. For an air compressor to work, you have to check on the amount of air pressure you require for it to work. The minute you comprehend all that, you will now check the features on the various air compressors to see which one would suit your needs best. What you have to understand is, air compressors come with their specific capabilities; hence the kind of air compressor you need will depend on the unique skills you want it to fulfill.
Air compressors are quite efficient, reliable, and use the latest technology to perform highly. The kind of compressor you need has to be in per with its usage and the size of the machine. Please don’t make the wrong call by getting an air compressor without understanding how it will benefit you. There are many models in the market, and that can be a bit confusing, that is why you have to understand your needs first before deciding on the kind of air compressor you need.
Why Do I Need To Choose The Right Air Compressor?
You need to choose the right air compressor because that is the only way it will fulfill your needs. Also, air compressors have several uses, from small tasks to powering planes hence the need to choose the right one.
Choosing the right air compressor can be quite a daunting task, but by considering the below, you will be able to find the right one.
Purpose
Before choosing an air compressor, you need to ask yourself why you need it in the first place. That way, you will be able to match the need to the right air compressor. This is an essential consideration to think of when choosing an air compressor.
Usage
Usage is another important factor to look into when choosing the right air compressor. To make the selection more manageable for you, check the manufacturer’s specifications to your usage; that way, you will find the right air purifier. For instance, the pressure required for a spray gun is minimal compared to power for an engine. So it’s good to understand the usage to enable you to make the selection better.
Size
Air compressors are not of the same size. The size depends on how you will use the air compressor. Three grades determine the size of this device: consumer-grade, professional-grade, and industrial grade. Air compressors used for consumer-grade are small, lightweight, and easy to carry around. They are mostly used for DIY projects. Professional-grade air compressors are considerably larger and are used to power several air tools. Industrial grade compressors are suitable for industrial use and are perfect for continuous use. So choose the air compressor that matches the grade you will work with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can air compressors explode?
Is it bad to leave air in your air compressor?
Do air compressors need to be inspected?
Final Thought
Air compressors are critical in our daily lives and are great investments due to their efficiency. “What kind of air compressor do I need?” keeps on popping up, but we have discussed in length what drives you to choose a particular air compressor. Understanding your usage needs will help determine the kind of air compressor you need. With the right information, you will find a good air compressor that will not cause any disappointment.
Whether you are in the manufacturing or industrial sectors, you will probably opt for oil-injected air compressors. They work efficiently for big companies hence better for industrial use. If you only need an air compressor for small scale projects, then that is an ideal air compressor to cover that. The bottom line is, no matter your need, you will always find an air compressor that suits your needs.
