Here's How Air Compressors Works

06 September 2023

Have you known how to work an air compressor? Compressors are important tools and are often used in various industries. The compressor itself can increase pressure and reduce the volume of gas or air, making it an effective and efficient solution in multiple fields.

In this article, you will learn how the compressor works and the parts that make up the compression system. This is important to know because by understanding how a compressor works, you can understand how it helps ensure that the system is running efficiently and safely. Read more below.

How the Compressor Works

The compressor is an essential tool for various industries and applications, such as air conditioning, filling the air for fuel, and so on. Here's how the compressor works:

1. Basic Principles of Compressors

A compressor is a tool used to compress gas from one space to a smaller space. The basic working principle of the compressor is to change the gas pressure from low to high and send the gas to a smaller space. This serves to increase the gas pressure and make it more concentrated.

The compressor moves gas from the suction chamber to the discharge chamber. In the suction chamber, gas enters the suction valve and the cylinder. After that, the piston pumps gas into the cylinder and increases the gas pressure. When the gas pressure reaches the desired level, the gas is expelled through the discharge valve into the discharge chamber.

The basic principles of the compressor are very important in ensuring that the compressor works efficiently and meets the desired specifications. This ensures that the pressure of the generated gas is as expected and ensures that the released gas has no contamination.

2. Compression Process

The compression process begins when gas enters the top of the compressor. The rotor and shaft compress the gas and move it to the bottom. This process is repeated as the rotor and shaft rotate to increase the gas pressure. After reaching the desired pressure, the gas flowed to the output section. Following are the steps in the compressor process:

• Gas enters through the suction valve and enters the cylinder.

• The piston moves up and compresses the gas in the cylinder.

• The piston moves down and opens the suction valve. The gas pressure increases and opens the discharge valve.

• Gas is released through the discharge valve and enters the discharge chamber.

Steps 1-5 are repeated continuously while the compressor is running.

3. Compressor Type

Several types of compressors are available, depending on the energy source used. One of the most commonly used types of compressors is the electric compressor. Electric compressors use an electric power source to drive a motor producing compressed air or gas.

Electric compressors can be used in various industries, such as automotive and households. The advantage of using an electric compressor is its ability to produce stable and reliable air or gas pressure.

In addition to electric compressors, there are also types of compressors that use gasoline or internal combustion engines as resources. This type of compressor is usually used outdoors or in places with limited power sources.

Gasoline compressors use an internal combustion engine to drive the compressor and produce compressed air or gas. In addition, gasoline-fueled compressors are usually used on construction sites or places with high mobility requirements.

Gasoline compressors have several advantages over electric compressors. One of the advantages is its ability to be used in places where there is no power supply. In addition, gasoline compressors are also easier to move because there is no need to use long and heavy power cables.

If you choose this type of compressor, you must also be prepared for additional operational costs because it requires fuel for its energy source. In addition, gasoline compressors also require more frequent maintenance to provide maximum performance.

Read also: 4 Types of Compressors, What's the Difference?

Part of Compressor

Each type of compressor has different parts, but some are common and are usually always present in the compressor assembly. Here are the parts of the compressor that you should know:

1. Drain Valve

A drain valve is a valve located at the bottom of the compressor. Its function is to remove accumulated water or dirt in the reservoir tank (receiver tank).

Usually, this drain valve has a time setting that allows the user to set the frequency of draining water. If the drain valve is not working properly, water or dirt that collects in the holding tank can cause damage to the compressor or cause the air to be produced to be unclean.

2. Fluid coolers

A fluid cooler is a component that reduces the temperature of the fluid used to drive the compressor. Generally, this fluid cooler is located between the compressor and the electric motor. Decreasing the fluid temperature will make the compressor performance more stable and the compressor life longer.

3. Hoses

A hose or hose is a flexible component used to connect various compressor parts. The hose is usually made of rubber or plastic that is resistant to high pressure and temperature. The function of the hose is to drain fluid or air from one component to another.

4. Hose Fittings

Hose fitting is a component that is used to connect the hose and other compressor components. This fitting consists of several parts, including the body fitting, nut, and ferrule. The function of the hose fitting is to ensure that the hose connection to other compressor components is secure and tight.

5. Ball Valves

A ball valve consists of a ball and a hole that can be opened and closed manually. The function of the ball valve is to regulate the flow of fluid or air in the compressor. A ball valve helps you control the flow of fluid or air that enters the compressor so that it can function properly.

6. Filters

The filter, as the name implies, is a component that filters air or fluid entering the compressor. This filter consists of several types, namely air and oil filters. So later, you can be sure that the air or fluid that enters the compressor is clean and does not contain dirt or particles that can damage the components.

7. Pressure Gauges

A pressure gauge is a device that measures air pressure in the compressor. The function of the pressure gauge is to monitor the air or fluid pressure entering the compressor. Later, you can control and ensure that the pressure generated by the compressor matches the desired application requirements.

8. Pressure Switches

This pressure switch component cuts off electricity when the air pressure in the compressor reaches a predetermined limit. The function of the pressure switch itself is to keep the pressure on the compressor stable and prevent damage to other components due to excessive pressure.

9. Safety Valve

The safety valve is located at the top of the compressor receiver tank. Its function is to ensure that the pressure in the storage tank does not exceed safe limits.

If the pressure in the storage tank exceeds the specified limit, the safety valve will open itself and release the pressure so as not to cause damage to the compressor.

10. Receiver Tanks

A receiver tank is a holding tank used to store air or gas that the compressor has produced. This tank's capacity varies depending on the size and type of compressor used.

The function of the receiver tank is to maintain stable air or gas pressure and provide sufficient air or gas supply for use in various applications. Receiver tanks can also help reduce the load on the compressor and extend compressor component life.

Read also: Here Are 6 Ways to Choose a Good Compressor

So that's information about how the compressor works and the various parts in it. All parts of the compressor work together to create optimal engine performance. Therefore, ensuring that every component in the compressor is assembled with quality materials is important.

To ensure that the compressor used is of high quality, choose the versatile engine Engine - GX120T2 QD from Honda Power for your various needs, from boat engines to compressors that you use. Find the best and most trusted generator according to your needs only at Honda Power Products.

HONDA POWER PRODUCTS INDONESIA

Honda Power Products menyediakan anda Mesin Serbaguna, generator, pemotong rumput, pemotong sikat, anakan, pompa air, dan Mesin tempel.