How To Choose An Air Compressor?

Are you going to paint in the garage, or do you need compressed air to work with various pneumatic tools? The air compressor is beneficial not only for professional needs but also for household tasks. For example, it will help pump up the car and bicycle wheels and connect the spray gun or the water spray system in the country.

The compressor is a handy household device. However, choosing the right one for your needs can be difficult. If you understand how the compressor works, you can make a decision on your own about what model is best for you. It’s essential to find a compressor that is reliable and will last for many years.

Classification of compressors by type

The compressor works by taking in air from the atmosphere and then compressing it to a certain pressure. This compressed air is then stored in a particular container called the receiver. From there, you can use it to power pneumatic tools.

Most compressors are divided into two types:

  • Piston
  • Screw

Piston compressors are the oldest type of compressor. They are still popular and reliable because they are inexpensive to use. The basic principle is to use a piston to compress air. It creates pressure in the system, which is usually around 10 atmospheres. It is enough pressure to do many tasks around the house.

Classification of compressor by type

These compressors are designed for easy repair. They have many moving and rubbing parts that sometimes need fixing. However, if you monitor the device and regularly maintain it, it can last for years or even decades.

The disadvantages of reciprocating compressors include their noisy operation. In addition, it is better to work with headphones or earplugs in a small enclosed space.

Screw compressors are a type of compressor created later than reciprocating compressors. They create a lot of compressed air and are more stable, which is why they are used in large industries. By design, they are pretty complex, but they are reliable. Air is quickly forced into the system using spiral screws- this system allows the air to be supplied to the receiver at a variable speed. In everyday life, these compressors aren’t really used.

Screw compressors do not need regular maintenance, and they stay tight. They also run much quieter than reciprocating compressors. Plus, the pressure in the system does not change when the screws slow down.

Features of the choice of reciprocating compressors

We have already learned that screw compressors are practically not used in everyday life, so we will focus on choosing a piston compressor that will be best suited to perform the tasks you need. Piston compressors are used in the garage or the country and small auto repair shops.
Piston compressors can be divided into two types:

  • Dry
  • Oil

Oil-free compressors use plastic or plastic-graphite piston rings that do not require lubrication.

Oil compressors use metal rings, in particular cast iron. To reduce friction in the system, oil lubrication is used. Due to the strength of such rings, the resource of oil compressors is longer.

Each type of compressor has its scope and its advantages and disadvantages.

Oil devices are more powerful and are used in cases where the compressor is required to work several hours daily. They are perfect for painting and connecting various pneumatic tools.

One of the shortcomings of oil devices is that you need to monitor the oil level in the system constantly. You also must be careful that lubricant doesn’t splash on things and make them dirty.
Oil-free compressors are more expensive, but they are considered clean. They have low power. People use them for different things like dentistry and the food industry. But you should not expect high performance when you use them to inflate a bicycle or car tire.

A few simple tips for choosing an air compressor

Tips for choosing air compressor

Using a piston compressor for domestic needs is better since screw devices are expensive and difficult to maintain.

For more convenient and safer use of the pneumatic system, we advise you to use an additional dryer, a general system gauge, suitable fittings for a more reliable connection, and an air hose reel for more convenient storage of long lines.

If you plan to work with the compressor for several hours a day, then it is better to choose an oil-type device. Such systems last longer and wear out more slowly, but you must keep an eye on the oil level.

Oil-free devices have lower functionality and power. You can use them to inflate tires in bicycles and cars and connect small spray guns for paintwork.

Direct drive compressors are more compact but harder to handle and not designed for continuous operation. The situation is different with the belt drive type. In this case, you will need to change the belt on the device from time to time, but among the advantages, one can note a high service life due to a reduced number of revolutions on the engine pulley.

When choosing a powerful compressor, make sure you can connect to a three-phase power supply with a voltage of 380 V. For home use and small jobs, models operating on a conventional power supply will suffice.

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