What is an air compressor and how does it work

Air compressor is a simple mechanical device which converts electrical energy into kinetic energy. Its main purpose is to provide high-pressure air for different industrial purposes. From filling the tires, manufacturing plants and small workshops all use high-pressure air to make their work easy and fast.Unlike the old fashion of using a single power source in the production plants and workshops, the use of air compressor is simple and helps in delivering high performance. It provides power to drills, sanders, nail guns, staplers and even sprays gun. The major advantage is that each tool now does not require bulky motors to run.

Here the air compressor motor runs all the equipment and converts electrical energy into kinetic energy. This makes them light, easy to use, increases performance and demands less repair. Let’s have a concise look at air compressor and its working principle.

What is an Air Compressor?

An air compressor is a machine which presses the working fluid and pumps it to anywhere at the same time. Here the working fluid is always gas or air. It is a versatile device which compresses air at the notable pressure.

Also Read: Automotive air conditioning and it’s working principles

Featuring some examples:

• In the home workshops, we use air compressors to remove dust and to operate pneumatic devices like drills, nail guns etc.
• We use compressors for spray paints in paint workshops.

Types of Air Compressors

There are three types of compressors

• Reciprocating  Air Compressor
• Rotary Air Compressor and
• Centrifugal Air Compressor

Also Read: Portable Air Compressor

Watch video on next page to understand the working mechanism of an air compressor-