Recently, more and more people use compressors. This tool greatly simplifies everyday household or professional tasks. Not a single industrial or any other production can do without this equipment. In everyday life, it is also very convenient to solve many problems using these units. Let's look at the main types of compressors, their device and scope.
The tasks that the compressor helps to solve
This equipment allows you to quickly and very easily pump up a ball for playing volleyball or inflate a variety of air structures (for example, a pool). The compressor helps to water and spray plants, to clean clogged pipes. Artists use these units to perform airbrushing. Specialists in furniture restoration and hauling use some types of compressors in restoration work. Compressed air is necessary for the functioning of the furniture stapler.
Compressor advantages over power tools
Compressors are safer. There is no motor in the pneumatic tool.
Also, the equipment is as versatile as possible - it is a harvester that allows you to connect a lot of different tools to it. They also have the widest area of use and compressors are practically uncontested for solving some problems.
Types of compressors, purpose and principle of operation
There are several types of aggregate data. All of them have a different device, operating principle and scope.
A review of the equipment should begin with a history of these mechanisms.
How it was created
The main task that compressor equipment solves is air compression. Machines designed for this, whose productivity is up to 100 f / m per minute, are divided into two groups. These are rotational (screw) and piston. You can see all types of compressors with photos in this article.
One of the very first reciprocating compressors was created about 300 years ago.
The German Otto Von Guericke worked on its development. The equipment was more experimental than industrial. This sample had a mechanical drive, and the physical strength of a person was used as energy. In 1800, the Englishman George Medhurst presented equipment that worked on steam energy. Then, on the basis of this unit, a perforator working from air was created. But this tool had a serious flaw - frequent explosions. Workers who used it received serious burns.
The first sample screw assembly was made only in 1878. He was assembled by a German engineer Heinrich Kriegar. A more modern analogue was developed in 1932. This equipment had a slightly different operating principle.
Screw compressor: features
Speaking about industrial units, it should be noted that they have an impressive cost. But if you need a long and significant consumption of compressed air volumes, screw types of compressors are an excellent choice and an economical solution.
Screw compressor device
A special screw pair is used as the main element of this type of equipment. To reduce friction and increase durability, steam is placed in an oil bath. This is the main part of the installation. Among the main elements are a suction valve, a filter system, a screw pair, a separator, a receiver, an electric motor.
Principle of operation
Through the suction valve, a series of air filters, air enters a screw pair, and then a mixture of air and oil is formed. Two rotors or screws compress and send this mixture to the pneumatic system. Further, the air with oil enters the separator, where the second is separated from the first. The oil goes back. Air enters the outlet.
Oil in units of this type plays a very important role. So, the main function is cooling. In addition, the oil forms a gap between the screw pair. Also, with the help of oil, air is transported, the working elements of the mechanism are lubricated.
Benefits of Screw Compressors
This unit is characterized by low noise during operation. It can be installed without any problems with equipment, which is the consumer of compressed air. The process of replacing parts, if necessary, is very quick and easy.
There are devices with direct drive and belt. The resource of the mechanisms is very large. These compressors are extremely versatile and practical.
Modern industrial models have a reliable automation system that ensures smooth operation. If you need a lot of compressed air, and the consumption will be constant, then these types of compressors are perfect for these purposes.
Piston compressor: features and benefits
These solutions are the most common type of equipment for working with air, even though more technological devices are appearing. These units are very easy to use, any problems can be fixed almost immediately. These solutions differ in terms of energy saving, although they lose a little to screw units. Some, if not all types of refrigeration compressors are piston type.
In addition to simple construction and affordable prices, this equipment is well suited for use in harsh conditions. However, with all the advantages, there are some disadvantages. This is a high temperature (due to the piston adhering too tightly to the cylinder). A variety of radiators are used for cooling, but to solve problems when you need to prepare a lot of compressed air, no radiator will help.
Piston compressors: device and principle of operation
The basis of these units is a very simple, if not primitive, two-part mechanism. This is a cylinder and piston. In turn, the latter is connected to a crank mechanism.
The piston is very tightly aligned with the cylinder walls. The air compression process is provided by the reciprocating motion of
this piston. At the bottom, air is compressed. For a free exit, the equipment is equipped with an inlet and outlet valve.
Other types of compressor equipment
In addition to these popular solutions, other compressors are also used in industry to compress air. The types and purpose of them depend on what gases have to work. If chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen, oxygen and other gases will be used as a working substance, it is necessary to use gas units that can work with any type of gas. So, they distinguish piston, diaphragm, screw, jet, centrifugal and axial compressors.
Refrigeration compressor equipment
The compressor unit of the refrigeration unit is used to compress gases, and then to pump them directly into the refrigerator. According to the principle of operation, refrigeration equipment can be divided into three groups: spiral, screw and piston systems.
With reciprocating compressors, significant savings are obtained in the acquisition and then maintenance. Piston equipment for refrigerators, in turn, is divided into sealed units, open and semi-hermetic. This degree of sealing directly affects how securely the refrigerant is stored in the system.
In semi-hermetic solutions, the engine and compressor are closed. They are interconnected and have a single housing with the ability to disassemble for maintenance. Open models are equipped with an electric motor, which is located outside the unit body. The drive is carried out through the coupling. This equipment is used in particularly powerful cooling systems.
Types of automotive compressors
Automotive compressors are an indispensable attribute of any motorist. It helps to easily cope with most of the troubles on the road. There are several types of such units. A typical automobile compressor consists of a cylinder, a manometer and an electric motor. The durability of the product depends on how well made these parts are.
Often, compressor equipment is used to pump tires, which means that the main working material is air. Piston and membrane devices are suitable for this. Enough has been said about reciprocating, but there are other compressors. The types and types of them for use in a car are not too diverse. In addition to piston, membrane equipment is also used.
As a working unit, which is responsible for pumping air, use a special canvas. This membrane during operation makes a reciprocating motion. Due to them, air is injected. Often these devices are characterized by higher durability, since they do not have parts rubbing together. But the power is significantly lower. Of the shortcomings - the complete impossibility of use during severe frosts.
Now it is clear what types of compressors are, where they can be used, how they are arranged and how they function.