Machines are utilized for various purposes, including home use and industrial applications. Moreover, specific types of contraptions are used distinctly for a set of tasks, while some versatile equipment pieces are ideal for an assortment of applications. Here’s a quick guide to the workings of air compressors, as well as their types and typical uses:
Air Compressors
Air compressors work by pumping high-pressure air for filling up gas cylinders and hollow objects or powering pneumatic tools and HVAC control systems. Several tools that air compressors power are grinders, drills, jackhammers, impact wrenches, and sanders.
What makes air compressors function optimally and efficiently is that they don’t require a built-in bulky motor to pump air. Instead, they utilize the compressor, which consists of a single engine. The compressor is tasked with converting electrical energy to kinetic energy for the contraption to work, leading to a unit with fewer parts and is soundless when running.
Also, a lot of compressors make use of reciprocating pistons with components such as rods, crankshafts, a valve head, and a cylinder. The compressor drives air from the tank toward the systems or tools. Its motor will then continue its on-and-off cycle to ensure that adequate pressure is sustained.
Industries that Use Air Compressors
Popular Mechanics affirms that air compressors are employed in a varied range of work sites, from manufacturing factories to gas stations. An air compressor is also present in-home workshops, basements, auto repair garages, and fabrication facilities.
Different models are also designed for handling specific jobs, and they are available through tool dealers, hardware stores, home centers, mail-order catalogs, and e-commerce sites. Accordingly, Gardner Denver air compressors are a popular choice among mechanics and homeowners.
Common Types
Typically, air compressors are powered either by gas or electricity. A mechanical system is also used in present-day manufacturing plants and construction sites to save energy, as it powers several tools simultaneously.
Also, some air compressors utilize rotating impellers to generate pressure. There are also positive-displacement compressors, and these models are commonly preferred by contractors, woodworkers, homeowners, and mechanics.
Home Use
As previously discussed, air compressors can perform several tasks. For home applications, these include inflating plastic pools, balls, car tires, and bike tires. An air compressor also comes in handy for DIY home improvement projects, such as building decks, repainting surfaces, and repairing roofings. Moreover, lighter duty air compressors can be used as a blower to remove dirt, leaves, and other small debris from a garage floor or work area.
Industrial Use
For heavy-duty applications, belt-driven pump designs or lubricated air compressors work best. These can perform many functions, such as powering devices that deal with cleaning brick, house siding, and stone. As mentioned earlier, they can also be used for powering a variety of equipment pieces and machines for construction or structural development.
When choosing the best type of air compressor, it’s a must to determine its intended use. To add, it’s also essential to consider the power source, and if electricity is used, identify how much PSI (pound per square inch) or CFM (cubic feet per minute) is needed.