What is an Air Compressor?

An air compressor is a mechanical device that works to convert power into potential energy that is stored in compressible fluids, most notably air. In simple terms, an air compressor works to excessive volumes of air from the atmosphere, compresses each volume of air in an enclosed space to be used in several applications. Air compressors have been in use for more than a century.

 

The importance of air compressors, in recent times, cannot be downplayed. In the early years, air compressors were mostly found in industries but due to rising demand and technological advancements, air compressors can now be applied in almost everywhere and every place.

 

Due to its specific capabilities, air compressors are usually found in medical facilities, construction sites, DIY domestic purposes, at workshops where cars are serviced and even factories where products are assembled.

 

Air compressors can be powered by either electricity, petrol or diesel, and can come in varying models and sizes.

 

 

What is the main purpose of a compressor?

Air compressors due to varying demands and specifications serve a different purpose. In Australia, air compressors can be applied in several areas. 

 

Typically, the air compressor produces compressed air and transfer the air to serve different equipment. Powering pneumatic equipment is one of the major purposes of air compressors. These tools deliver more power, usually lighter and not prone to overloading, unlike electric motor tools. Compressed air tools achieve optimum speed and high overall torque in short periods of time. 

 

Pneumatic tools that make use of air compressors include grinders, drills, nail guns, spray guns, sanders, staplers and many more.

 

Since air compressors require less maintenance, last longer, and relatively lightweight and mobile, they can be moved from one work site to another and can function in harsh weather conditions.

 

Other uses of air compressors include: supplying moderate-pressure clean air to a submerged surface diver, filling high-pressure powered tanks and supplying high-pressure clean air to fill gas cylinders.

 

In industrial plants, air compressors can also be used for combustion processes such as oxidation and thermodynamic processes such as cryogenics, refrigeration, and HVAC for cooling rooms and marine containers. Air compressors come in handy in aeration, dehydration and filtration processes.

 

Air compressors can also be applied in the integration of automotive car conditioning, transportation of raw materials, agriculture and even mining. Hence, it is important to know which air compressor will suit your specific needs.

 

 

What is the working principle of an air compressor?

Most air compressors have a relatively simple and compact design in different models, but they all operate using the same principle. While some compressors are designed with storage tanks, there are other models that simply comprise of motor and pump. The storage tanks are designed to keep the air pressure within limited ranges while powering various pneumatic equipment. 

 

Most air compressor consists of the following parts: valve head, crankshaft, connecting rod, piston, and cylinder. The working principle of the air compressor is as follows:

 

For air compressor to function, power is needed. Hence, air compressors can either be powered by an electric power source or via petrol or diesel.

 

When the compressor is powered, the piston is driven down, causing a vacuum to form above it. As this happens, atmospheric air is sucked into the vacuum through the inlet valve positioned on the valve head.

 

The piston will thrust upwards afterward, forcing the air above it to compress and shutting off the inlet valve. The discharge valve immediately opens and the compressed air is sucked through it into the storage tank.

 

As the piston continues to stroke downwards and upwards, more compressed air is pumped into the storage tank, increasing its pressure to be used for pneumatic purposes. Some air compressors are designed with backup systems that will release further pressure in the event of a malfunction

 

What are the types of air compressors?

 

Air compressors are of different types:

 

Scroll compressors

This type of compressor is usually referred to as a type of positive-displacement compressors. They consist of two identical scrolls. While one of them is fixed, the other is orbiting without rotating with the aid of a swing link. 

 

While other compressors have multiple cylinders,scroll compressors comprise of a single compression element. Most of them do not have an inlet valve but depending on each specification, there are some models that include a discharge valve.

 

These compressors are known to be volumetrically efficient when pumping trapped air. They are also hermetic – enclosed in a cylindrical welded steel shell. 

 

Scrolls compressors can achieve high pressure, produces less noise during operation and is dynamically balanced for vibration-free operation.

 

Piston Compressors

These compressors, referred to as reciprocating compressors, are the oldest and most widely used compressors to date. They produce and store air at pressures higher than 100psi. Piston compressors come in two forms:

 

• Single cylinder compressors which store air at 125psi. The air is compressed in one direction of the stroke of the piston.
• Double cylinder compressors which store air well over 170psi. The air is compressed on both strokes during a revolution, enabling smoother air supply.

 

These compressors are relatively easy to maintain, less expensive and require large quantities of oil for efficacy. It should be noted that they generate noise when in use.

 

Screw Compressors.

Screw compressors are a type of rotary compressors that compresses air through screw action. They are used for pneumatic tools requiring over 30hp. It consists of a casing, suction valve, rubber seal, an air filter and two rotors.

 

It is known to work at a high speed coupled with large flow rates, even though it has a small exterior. It is usually applied for low-pressure pneumatic equipment.

 

These compressors are usually lightweight and portable, generates minimum heat and noise levels. They can function in harsh and rough environments, consumes less oil with minimum oil carryover. They also have a higher energy efficiency than other compressors and occupy less space. 

 

Screw compressors are more expensive to purchase than piston compressors.

 

Oil-Free Air Compressors

Oil-free or oil-less compressors are fast becoming one of the most widely used compressors, because of its environmental benefits. Traditional air compressors require regular oil changes, but oil-free compressors do not.

 

Air purity is a necessity in most facilities, and that is why most experts opt for the oil-free compressors. It also saves money spent on fossil fuels. These compressors can be portable and mobile which makes it easy for DIY domestic purposes, commercial and even industrial uses. They are easier to maintain, start faster and environmentally friendly.

It should be noted that in places where there is no access to a steady power supply, oil-free compressors are not recommended.

 

 

Why Choose BOGE Australia Air Compressors?

BOGE, as an air compressor manufacturer and supplier, has been in the business for over 100 years, delivering the best air compressors to match specific user demands all over the world.

 

In Australia, BOGE is a force to be reckoned with, supplying industries and homes with compact compressors that have been designed with materials of superior quality and built to last for a long time. Reliability and efficacy have always been a watchword for BOGE and has remained so for many years.

 

BOGE Australia is a pace-setter, offering a wonderful array of compressors to meet every specific need. So, if you are ever looking for Australia air compressors for sale, visit 49 National Avenue, Pakenham 3810 Victoria. You can also call +610359403266 or Facsimile at +610359409279.