When the crankshaft pushes the piston up, the air is pushed into a tank with a one-way check valve that does not permit it back into the cylinder. As more air enters the tank, the pressure increases. When the piston is pulled down, new air enters and the process begins again. Read More…
At Delta Industries, we specialize in delivering comprehensive compressed air solutions that power a wide range of industrial applications. Our focus is on providing high-performance air compressors, along with the support systems and technical expertise our customers need to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently. We offer everything from rotary screw and reciprocating compressors to...
At U.S. Air Compressor, we specialize in delivering high-performance compressed air solutions that keep operations running smoothly across a wide range of industries. As a team with decades of experience in the field, we understand the critical role air systems play in productivity, and we take pride in providing reliable, efficient, and expertly engineered equipment.
At Quincy Compressor, we manufacture rugged, reliable air compressors and air system solutions built to perform in the most demanding industrial environments. For over a century, we’ve been at the forefront of compressed air technology, designing and engineering equipment that stands up to the toughest jobs while delivering maximum efficiency and productivity.
At Campbell Hausfeld, we’ve dedicated more than 180 years to helping professionals and DIYers alike get jobs done with confidence. As a trusted name in compressed air solutions, we manufacture and support a comprehensive range of air compressors designed for both residential and industrial use.
More Reciprocating Compressor
The reciprocating compressors are the most common of all the air compressor designs, and are utilized in oil refineries, gas pipelines, chemical plants, natural gas processing plants, and refrigeration plants. A compressor is a component of a vapor compression refrigeration system, which is the most common method for air conditioning of public buildings and residences.
Reciprocating compressors are a specific model of positive displacement compressors, which generally use pistons within cylinders to control the flow of air in and out of the mechanism. Rather then filling and collapsing with air, another type of compressor, the rotary screw compressor, uses two precisely aligned helical screws to collect air through a sealant and release it again by way of the rotating screws.
Reciprocating compressors differ from screw compressors by the method of compression they employ, but are able to be utilized in similar applications. Rotary screw compressors involve lubrication more often then reciprocating compressors, but both can be oil free. The benefits of oilless air compressors are guaranteed clean air, with no oil carryover, cost-efficiency and earth friendliness.
Air compressors are typically made of cast iron, aluminum, stainless steel or a combination of these materials. However, when a light weight compressor is desired, the air compressor may be built from plastic instead. The pistons or other minor components may be made of plastic in small air compressors as well. There are different varieties of reciprocating compressors that are styled depending on the applications.
In a single stage reciprocating compressor, all of the compression takes place in a single cylinder. Multi-stage compressors will compress the air to intermediate pressures in two or more steps before the final desired pressure is reached. Some reciprocating compressors have been known to operate up to six cylinders at once. This allows for higher pressures to be reached, but can limit the cubic feet per minute, or CFM.
These large examples of compressors are powerful and impressive, but the small and portable reciprocating compressors are used as often if not more so, and are therefore just as important. Portable compressors are utilized in industrial companies as well, but by powering small pneumatic tools, such as sand blasters, drills, nail guns and staplers.
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