Types of Air compressors
There are different types of air compressors Toronto that are classified according to way that they compress air. There are air compressors with the rotating impellers that generate air pressure. There is the also the more common positive displacement compressors that are used by DIY enthusiasts, contractors, hobbyists and woodworkers. Rotary screw air compressors draw in air and capture it in a chamber. Air pressure is increased while effectively reducing the volume of air. However, this mechanism has a drawback because it can create a lot of friction and heat that has to be cooled down in an efficient manner so that the process will proceed smoothly. Lubrication is also a solution that is applied in most situations.
Reciprocating air compressors are quite common in the market. They are positive displacement machines where the compressing and displacing element is a piston with a reciprocating motion within a cylinder. When the piston moves down in the cylinder, air enters the space and is compressed as the piston moves upwards. This is the single stage compression that differs from two stage compression where there are two cylinders instead of one. Air is compressed to an intermediate pressure where majority of the heat is removed. As air passes on to the other cylinder, it is compressed to a specified value.
There are other less common types of air compressors that include the centrifugal air compressor that works through the principle of dynamic compression. Unlike the reciprocating air compressor that works through positive displacement, air pressure in the centrifugal air compressor is increased by raising its velocity. It includes an impeller that has the capability to rotate up to 60,000 times per minute.
On the other hand, the rotary sliding vane air compressor includes a motor that has a rotor, stator and blades. It has two ends that act as intake port and exhaust port. The stator that also contains the rotor can be found in between the two ports. When the rotor is turned on, it increases the volume of intake air while decreasing at the exhaust end. Due to rational acceleration, the vanes move outward and remain in place against the walls of the stator. In order to reduce friction and to plug any potential leaks, lubricants arte used.
Lubricants are very important for the air compressors to function without too much heat. It also allows the air compressor to perform heavy duty work. Oil free compressors do not require lubricants because they have permanent oiled bearings; however, they are only used for some specific applications in the industry.