What types of compressors exist?

A compressor (compressor) is a portable device that deals with the conversion of engine electricity into compressed gas energy. It is used for a variety of tasks - both in the ordinary household and in developed industrial plants. The purpose of this device is to increase air pressure. First, the energy supplied to the electric motor is converted into kinetic energy by a shaft movement, which in turn drives the compressor block. This energy is then converted into compressed gas energy. It is worth remembering that each unit must be equipped with a cooling system to prevent it from overheating, as a large amount of heat is generated during operation. A distinction is made between the individual components of the reciprocating block design:

• piston
• cylinder
• inlet and outlet valves
• piston rings
• crankshaft
• connecting rod

Reciprocating compressors are small to medium-capacity units most commonly used in the automotive sector. The air that is obtained during use is significantly contaminated, as it is characterised by high oil and water content. Their operation can become cumbersome due to the noise that this machine makes. For this reason, reciprocating compressors are often replaced by other types with a lower noise level.

Screw compressors are very good at working hard in harsh environments. They bring compressed air to the engineering, food, electronics, pharmaceutical or woodworking industries. These units are very quiet, modern, energy-efficient and incredibly robust. Their operation and installation is incredibly simple. There is no need for frequent maintenance. There is also oil contamination in the air that is compressed in a screw compressor, but much less than with reciprocating compressors. Cleaning the air is then less of a challenge for the filters in the system, fed by the compressor. It is not necessary to change the filters frequently. Screw compressors generate large amounts of heat, so they are used for additional space heating. This requires the compressor to be equipped with a special heat exchanger to recover part of the energy that is fed into the compressor. This reduces its operating costs.

Every compressor is different and needs different parts. It is worth remembering to carry out proper maintenance so that it will serve us for many years. The basic operations that need to be carried out regularly depending on the type of unit are:

• regular water removal
• Checking the air filter and replacing it
• treatment of water that accumulates in the tank and removal of oil that contains
• Accurate checking of oil levels
• cleaning the air filter
• checking the V-belt

Low failure rates and efficiency have made compressors one of the most popular pieces of equipment used in many industries. Finding a job in this profession is made quite easy by the ever-increasing demand for compressor operators. If you want to become a compressor operator, you need to obtain the relevant qualifications. The licence is issued for compressors as a qualification certificate and is valid for 5 years. When signing up for training, you only need to be at least 18 years old and have at least a primary school education.