Air compressors are significant investments for many businesses in diverse industries like any machinery. Thus, to ensure that they are reaping the expected benefits, you must be able to determine if they are working with the best equipment and parts.
The air compressor parts you select will play a major role in determining how your machine runs and how optimally you can maintain it. So, as an industry player, you must spend time, money and effort to learn more about the parts for compressors.
It will help you safely and reliably run the machine for better outcomes. So, this article is a comprehensive guide to educate you about the most commonly integrated air compressor parts.
A] Understanding The Basics Of Air Compressors
The air compressors work on a simple principle, air compressors operate by exerting pressure on the atmospheric air. Hence, it will create potential energy, which can then be stored within the tank for future use. The pressure will then build up when this pressure gets released deliberately. As a result, the potential energy will be converted into kinetic energy, which can power up various industry tools.
The air compressors need pump cylinders, crankshafts and pistons to transfer the energy for various tasks. These air compressor components work together to create a power source for tools such as nail guns, sanders, spray guns, grinders, drills and other industrial tools.
Popular Types of Air Compressors:
Here are some of the popular types of industrial air compressors that are mostly used in industrial applications:
- Reciprocating Air Compressors: Such compressors use reciprocating pistons for compressing air. It is a positive-displacement air compressor which uses a crankshaft integrated into cylinders and a piston.
- Rotary Screw Air Compressors: These compressors use two different rotating screws or rotors to produce the compressed air.
- Scroll Air Compressors: A displacement compressor works through the internal compression of gas or air.
- Oil-Free Air Compressors: Such compressors use technology to eradicate the use of oil in any situation.
B] Key Components Of An Air Compressor System
1. Compressor Pump
The compressor pump is considered the most important component in the air compressor system. It is responsible for implementing the air compressing actions using valves, cylinders and pistons. These pumps help transfer the compressed air from the system to the required applications.2. Motor
The motor is responsible for providing power to the compressor pump. The air compressors can use either an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. Electric motors are considered economical, reliable and capable of producing sufficient power for smaller applications. But, the internal combustion engine or three-faced induction motors are preferable for compressors being used for larger applications.3. Air Tank
An air tank, the receiver tank, is more like a storage vessel responsible for holding the compressed air. Its primary function is to stabilise the pressure within and maintain a reservoir full of compressed air to be transferred for use across various applications.4. Pressure Switch
A pressure switch is an air compressor component that monitors the pressure within the air tank. It is responsible for turning the motor on or off. Thus, the control staff can start or stop the compressor at their desired pressure levels for respective applications.5. Pressure Relief Valve
A pressure relief or safety valve is embedded into the system for releasing compressed air from the tank when pressure exceeds a specified level. Thus, this action prevents the air tank from being over-pressurised, which saves it from any adverse damage. The pressure relief can be channelled to a different location or the atmosphere.6. Check Valve
You will find the check valve between the air tank and the compressor pump. Its purpose is to allow the compressed air to follow in one specific direction by preventing the possibility of backflow from the air tank to that of the compressor pump. In short, it prevents the bleeding out of the air from the tank when the compressor is turned off.7. Regulator
The regulator is the next step of the entire air compressor architecture, which controls the air pressure delivered to the industry’s pneumatic devices, air tools, or appliances. As specific applications via tools require a set working pressure level, this regular enables you to adjust or maintain the same.8. Air Filter
As the name suggests, this component removes contaminants from the intake air, such as oil, moisture or dust. This filtration will be done before the air enters your air compressor. Thus, it will protect the critical components of compressors such as valves & cylinders and improve the air quality.9. Cooling System
While the air compressor functions, it will generate excessive heat, which might affect the system adversely. Therefore, air compressors require cooling systems to dissipate heat. The cooling system will use either water or air as coolant. There are cooling fans, fins and finned coils, which move the heat out of the compressor casing.10. Lubrication System
Some compressors need lubrication to ensure smooth operation of the mechanical parts within the compressor. It will reduce the wear & tear of the moving parts, enhancing the machine’s life. Lubrication is provided to the system through oil splash, oil injection and oil bathing systems.11. Control Panel
An air compressor control panel is designed for controlling and monitoring large air compressor systems. It is one of the key components for optimising the compressor performance and minimising the downtime. It consists of various controls & indicators, manoeuvred through pressure gauges, power switches, temperature gauges and others.12. Piping and Hoses
Piping and hoses are other common components that transport compressed air from the system to a specific point of use. The hoses and pipes are properly maintained and sized to minimise the pressure drop, ensuring outstanding operations.13. Drive System
A drive system is embedded within some reciprocating compressors or rotary screw compressors, which transmit power from the motor to the compression pump. It consists of pulleys, drive mechanisms, pulleys and belts. In a belt-driven compressor, a belt is used to establish the connection, whereas, in a direct drive, the motor is directly attached to the crankshafts.14. Control Valves
Control valves are meant to regulate the airflow within the air compressor system. It includes the inlet valves, discharge valves and unloaded valves. The inlet valves will be helpful for you in controlling the air intake, discharge valves will be used for regulating the compressed output, and the unloaded valves will help release pressure from your compressor.15. Intercoolers and Aftercoolers
In all multi-stage compressors, the intercoolers are meant to cool the compressed air within the various stages. Thus, you will be saving energy and enhancing the operational efficiency. Hence, the aftercoolers are meant to cool the air before their delivery. Thus, it will then minimise the moisture and safeguard your downstream equipment.16. Drive Coupling
The drive coupling component is used for connecting the engine or motor to that of the compressor pump. It will transfer the rotational force from an air compressor to the connected machines. Depending on the overall design, drive coupling is integrated through a direct or flexible coupling.17. Gauges and Sensors
The gauges and sensors are integral parts of compressor. The gauges measure and display temperature, pressure and other levels. On the other hand, the sensors are used for monitoring and controlling several operational aspects of a compressor. Air compressors use pressure, oil level, and temperature sensors.18. Drain Valve
An air compressor’s natural phenomenon is accumulating moisture and then condensing the same. Hence, this condensed moisture needs proper drainage over time. Therefore, the drain valves are introduced to remove condensed moisture from the tank and other associated components to support this action.19. Noise Reduction Measures
The air compressors can produce a lot of noise during their operations. Therefore, some high-quality compressors have noise reduction measures, such as vibration-dampening mounts, soundproof enclosures and mufflers. Thus, it will minimise the noise levels.20. Safety Devices
In the end, the air compressors also use various safety devices such as emergency stop buttons, pressure relief devices, motor overload protection, and thermal overload protection. These safety devices are constructed according to the design and application of the compressor.Conclusion
Learning about the different parts of the air compressor will help gain an understanding of their independent functionalities. Therefore, whenever there is a breakdown concerning a specific faulty symptom, you will be able to identify the point of error. Thus, the maintenance or repair work can be done immediately.
You can always seek professional assistance if you can’t determine the root problem in our air compressor. To learn more about the components or buy an air compressor, you can contact us.