COMPRESSOR
What is a compressor?
A compressor is a machine that compresses air to make compressed air. You can use the compressed air to power various hand tools and machines. A compressor also comes in different sizes and has different ways of compressing the air. The size and type of compressor you need depends on whether it will be used for hobby projects, in workshops or in industry. Most compressors are powered by an electric motor.
Different types of compressors
- Reciprocating compressor
- Screw compressor
- Rotary vane compressor
- Turbine compressor
- Scroll compressor
The size of a compressor
When we talk about the size of a compressor, we are talking about the amount of air the compressor can deliver, which is mainly determined by the power of the electric motor. The amount of air in turn determines which air tools and machines you can use with the compressor. And if you have a large air tank, you can use the compressed air for longer before the compressor has to increase the pressure again, but the volume of the tank does not tell you everything about the size of the compressor.
An electric compressor functionally consists of:
- Compressor block
- Electric motor
- Pressure switch
- Air Receivers
Reciprocating compressor
Available as direct or belt driven, oil-lubricated or oil-free, and single or two-stage. The piston pushes the air past the valve plate in the cylinder head where the actual compression occurs. Most often air-cooled, two-stage models also have coolers between the stages, it is precisely the cooling between the stages that can increase the efficiency of these models. Click here for our piston compressors.
Screw compressor
A screw compressor can be direct-driven or belt-driven, and can be of the on-off or rotary shaft type. Two precision-fit helical profiles rotate to compress air mixed with oil. The oil is to cool, seal, lubricate and separate from the compressed air in the separator filter.
Screw compressor Direct transmission
Rotary screw compressor Poly V transmission
Questions & answers
What is a compressor used for?
You can use a compressor to power pneumatic tools, machines, pump tyres, clean etc., so it is primarily a power source that enables the use of other tools.
Which model or size should I buy?
The model and size of compressor you buy will depend on the pressure and flow required for what you need to do with the compressed air. Also, always take into account that you need some excess capacity. What are your air requirements and what working pressure might you need, these are questions you should answer before buying a compressor. Check your air tools or machines to find out how much air you need. You are of course also welcome to contact us with your questions, or Read more on the Compressed Air School!
Buy your compressor here
Unoflow offers models for the DIYer, garage, workshop and industry. In our wide range of compressors you will find piston compressors and screw compressors and accessories such as oils, heat recovery systems and pressure switches. We also have specially designed models such as silent oil-free compressors for the lab or food industry, special construction compressors and more. Unoflow sells several well-known brands such as Fini Compressors and FSN Original Spare Parts. Unoflow is our own brand with service parts such as air tool oils and compressor oils.
If you have any questions or concerns, you are very welcome to contact us.
You can also find out more here Wikipedia on what a Compressor is