Key Components of Air Compressors
Positive Displacement Air Compressors
Reciprocating Compressor
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Cylinder | Chamber where the compression process takes place by the change in its volume as the piston moves up and down. |
| Piston | Component located inside the cylinder directly responsible for the compression of air. |
| Crankshaft | Converts rotational motion generated by the motor to unidirectional motion for the piston. |
| Connecting Rod | Connects the crankshaft with the piston. |
| Inlet and exhaust valves | Control the amount of air going in and out of the cylinder. |
Rotary Screw Compressor
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Helical-lobe rotors | The main elements of this type of compressor where two close clearance helical-lobe rotors turn in synchronous mesh. As the rotors revolve, the gas is forced into a decreasing inter-lobe cavity until it reaches the discharge port. |
Centrifugal Air Compressor
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Rotating impeller | Imparts velocity to the air, which is converted to pressure. |