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Types of Air Compressors: Which is Right for Your Project

An air compressor is one of the most important additions for businesses. A compressed air system is crucial for operating pneumatic tools, such as wrenches and hammers, material handling, supporting production lines, and other applications.

It is used for everything from blowing and drying to spray painting and packaging at manufacturing plants, industrial facilities, construction sites, and automotive garages. You can only reap the benefits of compressed air when you choose the right type.

In this blog, we list the different air compressor types to help you make the right decision. Read to the end to learn about the various types of air compressors on the market and how they can benefit your business.

Here are Four Major Air Compressor Types

Rotary Screw Compressors

This is arguably the most popular compressor in the industrial world. Also simply known as the screw air compressor, this is a highly reliable compressor you can trust for an uninterrupted compressed air supply.
The working principle of a rotary screw compressor is simple. It relies on two interlocking helical screws to compress air and move it through the compression chamber. The constant rotary screw movement means the air intake and the compression never stop. Here are four important stages of rotary screw air compression.
  • Air intake
  • Air trapping
  • Compression
  • Discharge

Here are situations when investing in rotary screw air compressors is sensible:

  • You need a non-pulsating, continuous supply of compressed air.
  • Your air demand is high and consistent
  • You want to prevent downtimes at all costs
  • You want to lower energy bills
  • You want to bring down the noise levels
  • You are planning to scale or grow operations

Reciprocating (Piston) Air Compressors

Powered by crankshaft-driven pistons, reciprocating air compressors are always in high demand. The back-and-forth motion of the pistons ensures efficient air compression, enough to power pneumatic tools and equipment.
One key thing to understand before sourcing piston air compressors is that they operate in start-stop cycles. Meaning, the air supply will be pulsated. Unlike screw air compressors that can operate continuously 24×7, reciprocating piston air compressors are designed to run on a defined duty cycle. The duty cycle is determined by how long the air compressor can work before entering the rest or cool-down period.
Piston air compressors come in two designs, single-stage and double-stage. It represents the number of times the air is compressed before being discharged. Double-stage piston air compressors are designed to provide higher pressure output than single-stage.

Here are situations when investing in reciprocating piston air compressors is sensible:

  • When you need higher pressure but lower airflow
  • The compressed air demand is intermittent
  • It is for a small to medium-sized workshop
  • You seek a lower maintenance cost
  • You are on a budget
  • You seek portability

Axial Compressors

Investing in axial compressors for generic applications is usually overkill. The working principle of axial compressors is interesting. These compressors boast a shaft, simply called the compressor shaft, that’s crucial to the entire compression process.
Parallel to the shaft are usually a series of stationary and rotating blades. When the air passes through these blades, the force gradually multiplies. This facilitates the delivery of a large volume of air despite the unit being relatively compact.

Here are situations when investing in axial compressors is sensible:

  • You seek very high airflow volumes
  • You seek low to moderate pressure ratios
  • You are looking for a compact air compressor unit
  • You operate in power generation or specialised industries

Centrifugal Compressor

The top-of-the-line compressors, centrifugal models, are ideal for large manufacturing units, refineries, and power plants. These premium compressors are oil-free and ensure a continuous, non-pulsating air supply 24×7.
The working principle of a centrifugal compressor is quite interesting. An impeller in the compressor draws in atmospheric air. It relies on a diffuser to convert kinetic energy into compressed air, ensuring a continuous air supply.

Here are situations when investing in centrifugal compressors is sensible:

  • You want low to zero vibration
  • You want clean, oil-free compressed air
  • Your facility is open 24×7
  • Energy efficiency is crucial for your operations

Choosing The Right Air Compressor For Your Project

Buying the right air compressor type is crucial to ensure maximum efficiency. Considering factors such as airflow requirement, pressure levels, duty cycle, and energy efficiency is crucial. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that the reciprocating piston compressors and rotary screw compressors dominate the market for generic industrial applications.
If you are looking for a trusted supplier for your compressed air needs, look no further than SL Engineering in Perth, WA. Setting benchmarks in the compressed air industry since 1988, our brand name is synonymous with quality.
Our home brand, Pneumark, has an exceptional range of air compressors compliant with Australian design standards. Apart from piston and screw air compressor types, we also supply air receivers, air dryers, and digital tyre inflators.
Call (08) 9399 9412 or email info@slengineering.com.au to get a free quote.