Air compressors are fascinating machines that have an array of applications in every aspect of our lives. These machines employ aspects of mechanics and aerodynamics to meet the requirements of various pneumatic tools.
This page is dedicated to introducing the different categories on our website and some common topics about air compressors.
Understanding air compressors
The field of air compressors uses a wide range of terminology, which can be very confusing. Understanding these terms is fundamental to delving into more detailed topics about air compressors.
Here are the most common terms and their brief explanation:
PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) – PSI is a unit of pressure measurement that indicates the force exerted by air within the compressor tank and the air pressure delivered to tools or devices.
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) – A measurement of the volume delivered by the air compressor per minute. CFM is synonymous with airflow capacity.
Tank – The reservoir of the air compressor where compressed air is stored for later use.
Single-stage compressor – A type of compressor that pressurizes air in one step. After that, the air goes into the storage tank.
Two-stage compressor – This is an air compressor that pressurizes air in two stages. Two-stage compressors are able to deliver higher pressures more efficiently.
Oil-flooded compressor – A compressor that’s flooded in oil to lubricate the moving parts and reduce friction.
Oil-free compressor – A compressor that doesn’t require oil lubrication. As a result, it requires less maintenance.
Duty cycle – The percentage of time a compressor can run before stopping to cool off. Some air compressors may have a continuous duty cycle, meaning they don’t need to stop.
Pressure switch – The pressure switch starts and stops the compressor motor according to pressure levels within the air tank.
Regulator – This is an essential valve that allows users to control the output pressure to comply with different pneumatic tools.
Air filter – The filter removes contaminants during the intake of atmospheric air before the compression phase.
Belt drive – Air compressors that work by connecting the compressor’s motor to the pump with a belt.
Belt guard – An accessory that protects users from the rapidly rotating pulleys of the motor and pump.
Direct drive – This type of compressor connects the motor to the pump directly. While direct-drive compressors might be more efficient, they produce more noise.
Horsepower (hp) – Air compressors use this power unit to measure the compressor’s motor output.
The valves of air compressors
After grasping air compressor terminology, it’s time to break down the different valves within these machines:
Intake valve – This is the valve that controls the airflow into the compressor’s cylinder during the intake stroke.
Exhaust valve – A valve that controls the release of compressed air from the pump to the air reservoir.
Unloader valve – Also known as an “idle” or “throttle” valve. The unloader valve empties the pressurized air within the compressor head and line to prevent starting the motor in a high-pressure environment. We covered this topic in greater detail in a separate blog post.
Check Valve – This valve is a one-way valve that prevents air from flowing back to the pump from the air tank.
Blowdown valve – This valve is important for emptying the air reservoir quickly in case of maintenance.
Solenoid Valve – An electrically controlled valve that opens or closes with an electromagnetic coil. It’s used for precise control of airflow and can be part of an automated control system.
Pressure relief valve – As the name implies, this valve releases air from the tank to stop the pressure from reaching dangerous levels.
Automatic drain valve – An automatic drain valve releases water or condensate that accumulates in the air tank.
Manual drain valve – It has identical functions compared to the automatic drain valve. However, this valve needs to be operated manually.
Air compressor FAQs
This category is dedicated to frequently asked questions about air compressors, including:
- Why do air compressors blow up?
- How does a gas air compressor work?
- How many watts does an air compressor use?
- How to de-shed a dog with an air compressor?
- Who are the leaders of the air compressor market?
Each of these topics goes into great detail about the inner workings of the air compressor. At the same time, they explain common terminology used in this field, including CFM, PSI, tank size, valves, and maintenance.
If you don’t find the answer to a specific question you’re looking for, please use the search bar and look for specific keywords. Alternatively, you can reach out to us via this link. We will either answer your question in a private email or post an article that details the answer.
Air compressor products
The market of air compressors is loaded with an array of manufacturers, brands, and products. Without a knowledge-based approach to these products, you can easily make the wrong choice.
This category will discuss everything related to air compressor machines, including:
- Air compressors for die grinders
- Engine-driven air compressor
- Electric air compressor
- Barber air compressor
- Quiet air compressor
While these blog posts cover general concepts about air compressors, we will still list some specific products with our reviews and opinions.
Air compressor troubleshooting
As the name implies, this category is dedicated to troubleshooting air compressors. We will focus on some common and rare issues that you might face during your journey with air compressors.
Some topics that we already covered in this category include:
- How to wire a magnetic starter in an air compressor?
- Outdoor air compressor enclosure
- Air compressor unloader valve
- Air compressor belt guard
Conclusion
Air compressors are indispensable tools that allow for a multitude of applications for everyday consumers and heavy-duty industries. These machines serve to convert the potential power of the motor to pneumatic output that operates many tools.
Throughout this guide, you will learn about the fundamental aspects of air compressors, starting from basic concepts to more complex issues.
Check out our collection of blog posts to learn everything there is to know about air compressors.