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U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Federal Energy Management Program – Operations and Maintenance
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. |
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