What are the types of air compressor?

Air compressor is a device that converts mechanical energy into air pressure. According to its working principle, structure form, lubrication mode, performance characteristics, use and type of various classification standards, air compressors can be divided into various types. The following is a summary of the main types of air compressors:

1. classified by working principle

1. volumetric air compressor:

   • piston air compressor: The air is compressed by the reciprocating movement of the piston in the cylinder. The structure is relatively simple, but the operation is not stable and it is easy to wear.
   • Screw air compressor: Compressed air through the mutual meshing of yin and yang rotors, compact structure, high efficiency, high reliability, widely used in industrial production.
   • Sliding vane air compressor: Rotary variable capacity compressor, its axial sliding vane slides radially on the eccentric rotor of the same cylindrical cylinder block to realize gas compression.
   • Scroll air compressor: A plurality of compression chambers are formed by the meshing of the fixed scroll and the movable scroll, and the air is compressed by the spiral blades, which has a simple structure and low noise.
   • Liquid-piston air compressor: Use water or other liquid as a piston to compress gas.
   • Roots double-rotor air compressor: Compressed gas by the intermeshing of two Roots rotors.

2. Power type (speed type or turbine type) air compressor:

   • centrifugal air compressor: The high-speed rotating impeller accelerates the gas, thereby converting the speed energy into pressure, with large flow and compact structure. It is suitable for large-scale industrial production and occasions that require high-pressure air.
   • axial flow air compressor: The gas is accelerated by the rotor equipped with blades, the main air flow is axial, the flow is large, and the efficiency is high.
   • Mixed flow air compressor: Combine the characteristics of centrifugal and axial air compressors.
   • jet air compressor: Use high-speed gas or steam jet to take away the inhaled gas, and then convert the velocity of the mixed gas into pressure on the diffuser.

3. Thermal air compressor: Gas compression through the thermal process, this type of air compressor is rarely used in industrial production.

2. classified by lubrication method

• oil-free air compressor: There is no need to add lubricating oil during operation, which is suitable for occasions with high requirements for compressed air purity.
• Oil-lubricated air compressor: It needs to be lubricated by splash or forced (I. e. oil lubrication provided by oil pump and oil injector).

3. classified by performance characteristics

• low noise air compressor: Designed with noise reduction measures, suitable for occasions with high noise requirements.
• Variable frequency air compressor: It can adjust the speed and power according to the fluctuation of gas consumption to realize energy-saving operation.
• Explosion-proof air compressor: With explosion-proof performance, suitable for flammable and explosive places.

Classification of 4. by use

air compressors are widely used in various fields, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, refrigeration, oil fields, natural gas filling stations, rock drills, pneumatic tools, vehicle brakes, door and window opening and closing, textile machinery, tire inflation, plastic machinery, mines, ships, Medical treatment, sandblasting and painting, etc.

Classification of 5. by type

• stationary air compressor: Usually installed in a fixed position, suitable for long-term operation.
• Mobile air compressor: It has the characteristics of easy movement and transportation, and is suitable for occasions that require frequent changes of work locations.
• Closed air compressor: With a sealed casing, it can reduce noise and pollutant emissions.

In summary, there are many types of air compressors, and users should consider comprehensively according to actual needs and use environment when choosing.