What are the 5 types of compressors that you can find in the market? From a common reciprocating compressor, to the innovative centrifugal compressor!
An air compressor itself is a device that intakes air (or gas) at lower pressure to be compressed and delivered at a higher pressure.
The air compressor has a wide range of functions and is used in many industries, such as automotive, manufacturing, construction, etc.
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So, what are the 5 types of compressors that are best suited for your needs? Let’s take a look at the explanation that we’ve provided just for you!
Table of Contents
Types of Compressors
The type of compressor that you need will depend on a lot of factors, such as the amount of power, the size of your space, and types of tools or equipment that you are about to use.
1. Reciprocating Air Compressor
The reciprocating compressor or also known as a piston compressor is one of the most commonly used types of compressors.
The principle of operation is similar to that of an internal combustion engine, i.e. the piston moves up and down (reciprocating) in the cylinder to generate air pressure.
Piston compressors are suitable for applications that require high pressure, such as pneumatic applications and the automotive industry.
The advantages of a piston compressor can be seen from its ability to produce stable pressure, high reliability, and relatively low initial costs.
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2. Screw Air Compressors
The screw compressor uses two screw rotors that rotate each other to generate air pressure. The space between the rotors narrows and compresses air as the rotor rotates.
This compressor also has an internal cooling system so it’s easier to maintain, and also because of that, this compressor is able to be used continuously.
Screw compressors are used in applications that require stable air flow and consistent pressure, such as the food and beverage industry.
The screw compressor have a range in power from 5 HP to 500 HP and the advantages of screw compressors include high efficiency, virtually vibration-free operation, and low noise.
3. Centrifugal Compressors / Vane Compressor
The centrifugal compressors use spinning impellers that can reach speeds of up to 60,000 rpm to accelerate air, which is then decelerated by a diffuser.
This process, called dynamic compression, uses velocity to increase pressure. Centrifugal compressors are highly efficient and require minimal maintenance, but they may need more complex controls.
This compressor is more suitable for industrial applications that require large air flow at relatively low pressure.
The advantage of the centrifugal compressors is that they are compact in size but still have high reliability and are able to produce consistent air flow.
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4. Scroll Compressors
The next one on our list of types of compressors is the scroll compressors that use two spiral-shaped scrolls with one stationary and the other rotating in an eccentric orbit.
The air is compressed as a result of the moving scroll’s that creates many gas pockets that progressively get smaller as it revolves around the stationary scroll.
The compressed air is then discharged through a port in the housing, while another port is used to draw the low-pressure air.
This type of compressor is also proven to be 25% more energy efficient than the reciprocating compressor.
And because of those traits, the scroll compressors are used in a variety of industries, including food and beverage, medical, industrial and automotive.
5. Axial Compressor
Axial compressors use a rotor blade that is specially designed to compress air in the axial direction. The air is sucked through the space between the bars and accelerated out.
The axial compressor is generally used in industrial applications that require high air flow at relatively low pressures.
The advantages of an axial compression include its high efficiency, its concise design, as well as its ability to generate large amounts of air.
So there you have it: The 5 types of compressors commonly used in many industries!
