Air compressors have been used for more than a hundred years to fill the tires of cars, bikes, refrigerators, and other appliances. This is because air is a renewable resource that is safe, clean, convenient, and easy to use. Such compressors are now highly trustworthy devices that can be used in many ways.

What are the different types of air compressors?

Many different air compressors vary in terms of size. Below lies a list of the most common ones:

Piston or reciprocating compressors: These types of air compressors are used widely. They range from fractional to high horsepower and are positive displacement compressors. Firstly, piston compressors pump air into the air chamber.

Afterward, the chamber’s air volume is reduced. In addition, their function mechanism is quite similar to that of an internal combustion engine. However, piston compressors work reversely compared to internal combustion engines.

Rotary Screw Compressors

Rotary screw compressors fill air into a void between two helical mated screws. Turning the screws will cause a reduction in air volume. Therefore, air pressure will increase. Moreover, these compressors inject oil into the compression area and bearing. Additionally, lubrication and cooling are done this way. Furthermore, a seal can be made to prevent any leakage.

Rotary Sliding Vane Compressors

Similar to the piston and rotary compressors, this group of compressors is also positive displacement. Moreover, the pump consists of a stator, rotor, and 8 blades. The rotor has a crescent shape and is also eccentrically arranged.

Additionally, the area is kept between two ports. Compression will occur when the rotor rotates. Afterward, the volume will increase from a maximum at the intake port. It will again reduce to a minimum at the exhaust port. Oil can also be injected for lubrication, sealing vanes, and cooling.

Centrifugal Compressors

Unlike the other compressors listed above, this is not a positive displacement compressor. Here, high-speed spinning impellers accelerate air at first. Afterward, a diffuser reduces the airspeed.

Air compressors can serve a great many purposes. Moreover, it has been found that people use air compressors more for work purposes, while some use them for fun activities and hobbies. In addition, applications that run using air compressors perform better than the ones that do not. Some devices only require electricity but cannot last long because of overheating.

Until now, we have only seen the different types of air compressors. Now, we will look at the uses of air compressors, which are only ten common uses. After knowing them, you will be astounded and may even explore more to discover more uses.

Airbrush painting

Artists often use airbrush paint to paint a vehicle, such as a car, motorbike, scooter, or even a helmet, according to your wishes. For this purpose, smaller air compressors are used.

Snow Machine

Another use of air compressors is in snow machines. With this device, one can make one’s snow!

Paintball Guns

Homemade guns use small air compressors, which are often used during a paintballing event and in bicycle pumps. Therefore, it is advised to take safety measures before experimenting with making your gun. The guns may fracture, so it is necessary to wear safety goggles to avoid any unwanted occurrence.

Diving

Compressed air is also used in diving cylinders, which contain gas for breathing. Therefore, there are two types of cylinders—surface-supplied diving (low pressure) and compressors used for scuba diving cylinders (high pressure). In addition, specialist air compressors are used industrially to ensure the safety of the divers. The divers also require gas blending, heat, and pressure.

Inflating tires

Inflating tires is carried out daily to ensure the safety of any automobile. Few vehicles, such as cars, bicycles, and vans, require this purpose. However, some car manufacturers in the UK do not provide spare tires for new cars.

They have done so because they are unable or unwilling to change tires. Various sizes and kinds of Tire Inflators serve this purpose. Moreover, smaller air compressors are used for bicycles.

Pressure Washer

Pressure washers are an extremely fun device. They are also mainly used to clean driveways and cars. Nevertheless, they should be handled with caution. One should not point them at people or pets. Additionally, they should not be used by people on a ladder. This is because balance cannot be maintained.

Nail/Staple Guns

The first nail gun was invented in 1950. It can speed up housing construction work. Moreover, an operator nail gun can file 40-60 nails per minute. Here, the gas pressure causes the nail to be driven into the timber. This is a direct drive method.

Additionally, the indirect drive method uses a piston to drive the nail. Both methods can be used on concrete, stone, and steelwork. It is advisable to be alert while using nail guns. There are quite many reports of injuries to hands and feet. Furthermore, staple guns use the same mechanism to function.

Sandblasting

Another common use of air compressors is sandblasting. It is mostly used to prepare surfaces and remove paint, rust, and other substances from metal or wood. It is advisable to check which material to use for air compressors with a manufacturer. Surfaces include sand, silica, and water. For smaller items, cabinets are used.

Air blow gun

Air compressors are also used in air blow guns, which clean dust on the workbenches and machines. It does not have high-pressure like pressure washers. This is because damage would occur to the items it is used on. It is a device for removing dust and dirt from a target area.

Conclusion

The types and uses of air compressors should fascinate you and inspire you to explore more. We hope that this article was useful and worth reading.