Also known as a piston air compressor, a reciprocating air compressor is a versatile, functional and economical option for many different types of applications. This is a system that can operate in high ambient temperatures as well as low temperatures, and it can provide continuous air, or it provides air as needed for light to heavy loads.
The reciprocating air compressor is classified as a positive-displacement compressor. This means that the system uses a mechanical linkage to reduce the volume of air while increasing the pressure in the system. The operation of the mechanical linkage is through pistons that force the air in a chamber through a small outlet, building pressure in a continuous type of motion.
The Process
The air compressor works similar to the engine in a vehicle. There is a crankshaft that controls the movement of the pistons in the air compressor. Different size of piston air compressor scan have two to six pistons, all which are designed to operate on a continual basis when the motor of the compressor is running an engaged.
The piston is pulled back, and the intake valve injects air into the cylinder. As the piston begins to move forward or reciprocate, the gas is compressed in the cylinder and is forced through the discharge valve of the cylinder.
The compressed air is then moved into a tank, where it is used when there is a demand. As the tank is part of the pressurized system, it is possible to continually produce and store the air at specific pressures within the tank. This allows for continuous or on-demand pressurized air.
While relatively simple in design, the reciprocating air compressor is a central component in most industrial, processing and manufacturing systems. Choosing a top system that requires low maintenance and delivers the quantity and the pressure needed for the operation or application is always an important consideration.
