Compressors are the machines which store the air and other gasses under high pressure and release these gasses in a controlled manner when necessary. They provide pressurized use of the stored air. The compressor was invented in the 1650s. In 1829, the improvements on the air compressor machine picked up speed with the patenting by William Man and the compressor varieties increased in number. In general, the working principle is that the air taken from the atmosphere is compressed in the storage, pressurized and used. The cost may be high but the device has many advantages.
What Should We Take into Consideration When Choosing a Compressor?
Improving technology brought many compressor varieties. When buying a compressor, the priority should be the capacity requirement. A redundant capacity compressor increases the economic cost. The most quality compressor provides the highest efficiency air with the lowest energy possible. The operating pressure, the type of compressor, the amount of air, the specific-no load power consumption and the clean pressure air. Last but not least, cooling should be considered. Cooling is the most important factor for a compressor. Sufficient efficiency cannot be obtained from a compressor with insufficient cooling capacity.
Compressor Methods
Compressors are divided into two in terms of the method used. These are the positive displacement compressor and the dynamic compressor. These methods are used to increase the air pressure.
Dynamic Compressor
It is also called the turbo compressor. It increases the air pressure during the flow of air. The air is brought to a high speed by means of the turbines and the speed is lowered in an effort to provide pressure. Used when there is a need for constant air volume and very high pressure.
Positive Displacement Compressor
It is the type of compressor which provides for increasing the pressure by compressing the air within a particular volume.
Today, establishments generally prefer positive displacement compressors.
Compressor types
Depending on the operating principle, there are many compressor types. The 5 of them can be listed as follows:
1.Piston compressor
They compress the air, increase pressure and provide the opportunity of using pressurized air.
2. Rotary-screw compressor
The machines which use an interlocked rotor couple instead of a piston are called rotary screw compressors. Infinite movement of 2 screws compresses the gas, the pressure is obtained and the air is readied for use.
3. Centrifugal compressors
The air which is taken into a spherical chamber gains speed with the rotational movement under the centrifugal force. It is discharged through the air collection ring.
4. Axial flow compressors
The air which moves in parallel to the rotational axis constantly increases the pressure by means of helical rotation.
5. Rotary positive displacement
These compressors which comprise external central pumps take the air into a series of small volumes. The reduced volume causes the pressure to increase. The circularly rotated air is discharged.
