How Air Compressor Parts Work Together to Do the Job
Air compressors are machines that forces air into a space more than the amount of air it could normally handle. When much air is forced into a small space, it is said to be compressed or pressurized.
In other words, air has more energy when it has a volume smaller than usual. When pressurized air is released, it produces a large amount of kinetic energy. Air compressor parts have several applications for engineering, manufacturing and the arts.
In fact, you carry a natural air compressor within your body. The lungs are perfect examples of air compressor. When you blow into a candle or into a balloon, you first gather air and compress it by deeply inhaling. Then, you release the pressurized air with much kinetic energy.
Types of Air Compressors and Air Compressor Parts
Generally, there are two types of air compressors that use distinct air compressor parts. The first and most commonly used group is called the positive-displacement type. The common air compressor parts for machines that belong in this type are pistons.
Pistons capture air into a sealed cylinder and the constant movement of the pistons forces the air to occupy less volume. Hollow helical screws are also used as positive-displacement air compressor parts. When they spin quickly, they force air to travel from wide to narrow spaces gradually inside the chamber.
The second type of air compressors is the negative-displacement type. The air compressor parts that these machines use are spinning impellers. The impellers spin and generate centrifugal force, which captures air and accelerate it. The impellers would then rapidly slow down the accelerated air. This will cause a compression-effect. Negative-displacement air compressor parts are generally used for large machines and factories.
The Anatomy of Air Compressors
The main air compressor parts are the motor, piston, air tank and a network of valves. The motor is responsible for driving the piston. The rotating wheel of the motor has a crank that drives the piston in a unilateral manner. The motor can be powered by fuel or electricity, and its performance is measured in horsepower.
The valves and air tank are air compressor parts that serve as passageway and storage of air. The air has an entry point. This part usually has a fan that ushers air in. The piston would then accelerate and pressurize the air.
The tank stores much air at a designated pressure limit. The current pressure inside the tank is measured through a gauge or barometer. When the pressure goes lower than the target level, the motor automatically runs. The piston shoots more compressed air into the tank to maintain the ideal pressure.
To do work, pressurized air is released from the tank. The air compressor parts that facilitate the release of air are the safety valves, discharge tube and regulator. The output of the air compressor parts as a whole is measure by two parameters.
They are the volume of released air at a given time and pressure output. The volume is measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) and the pressure is measured in Pounds per Square Inch (PSI).
The Uses of Compressed Air
Compressed air has several applications of various scales. For example, artists and enthusiasts use air compressors for paint spray guns. The variable air compressor parts for painting are the nozzles, hose and paint storage tank.
The selection of these air compressor parts and the power of the compressor depend on the size of object being painted. For example, a spray gun for a car assembly requires a compressor that produces 30 CFMs at 100 PSIG. Smaller spray guns like those used for action figures require 25 CFMs or less.
Compressed air is also used for canning food products and bottling beverages. Notice that air escapes strongly once you remove the cap from a soda bottle. Afterwards, the beverage starts to bubble. Pressurizing the air inside the bottle is required to keep the soda carbonated. The important air compressor parts used for bottling soda are the hose and bar soda gun. The gun shoots compressed air into the bottle and immediately seals it.
Air compressor parts have different applications for workshops and assembly lines. The size of motor, CFM and PSI depend on the workload of the power tool. Handheld 1/4-inch drills require 25 CFMs at 100 PSI. Such handheld devices need smaller air compressor parts, motors and air tanks for portability. On the other hand, chipping hammers and circular saws require CFMs of 45 and above. Vertical grinders use about 60 CFMs.
Some workshops use a single air compressor unit for the entire shop. Individual regulators per tool and valves with different capacities are the air compressor parts needed for this setup.
Air Compressor Parts – How to Use an Air Compressor And The Parts of an Air Compressor
What is an air compressor made of? Learn about the different parts of an air compressor in this free video.
Important Air Compressor Parts and Accessories – How to Maintain Your Air Compressor Parts
For smooth operation and longer life for the tools, there are optional air compressor parts that you can use. Examples are filters and desiccants. These are canisters that intercept air before it is pumped deep into the compressor.
These air compressor parts prevent moisture and dirt from being pushed by the piston and stored in the tank. Such foreign bodies can cause corrosion and decrease the lifetime of the machine. Besides desiccants, you can also purchase thermal air dryers that use heat to remove moisture from air.
Piston-type air compressor parts also need lubrication. You need to replace lubrication regularly to preserve efficiency, and prevent jamming and heating up. You also need to regularly replace the air compressor parts that prevent the oil bath from mixing with the compressed air.
These are the cylinder and piston rings. Without them, oil can get mixed to the air in aerosol form, which can taint your work surface.
Other air compressor parts that may need replacement are frame gaskets, pistons, crankshafts and connecting rods. You can purchase them individually or in bulk. The signs that indicate the need for replacing these parts are operating noise, irregular vibrations, excessive heat and low output. Make sure that these air compressor parts are in good shape to keep your compressor’s optimum performance.
Related Pages:
Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor
