The Reciprocating Air Compressor - All you need to know

A machine with positive dislocation is the reciprocating compressor. The compressor can decrease the volume of air which causes an increase in pressure. This pressurized air is also stored in large steel vessels and discharged via a steel pipe with a control valve.

An air compressor is a valuable tool that can be used to pressurize air for many purposes. They are the best industrial air compressor because of their strength and ability to last for longer periods.

Types of Reciprocating air compressor

There are two types of reciprocating compressors. They are described below.

1) Single Stage Reciprocating air compressor

A single-stage compressor can have up to three identical-sized cylinders. Within these cylinders, the pistons compress air to increase pressure. The pressurized air then gets stored in the storage tank or is discharged. Single-stage compressors are needed if you need medium air pressure. Single-stage compressors are used for machines like spray painting machines, fuel-atomization for boilers, blow mold tools, filtration processes within the chemical industry, staplers, and many other applications.

2) Two-Stage Reciprocating air compressors

The two-stage compressor compresses air twice and then sends it into the receiver tank. The atmospheric air is then filtered through an inlet valve and sent to the LP (Low Pressure) cylinders. The piston's reciprocating motion will increase the pressure of the compressed air. The overall compression process will also increase the heat in the air. This heat can be absorbed by the air passing through the heat exchanger or intercooler.

This video explains how reciprocating works:

This absorption will occur before the compressed air is sent to the HP cylinder for further compression. This is done to reduce the air heat and increase the efficiency of the entire compression phase. The high-pressure cylinder wears less than the low-pressure cylinder. The compressor's design allows for an even higher pressure without increasing the compression stroke power.

Reciprocating air compressor by design

There are two types of compressors available, apart from the ones mentioned above. They can be classified by their design. These are the types of air compressors:

1) A horizontal reciprocating balance is used in place of a piston compressor

This air compressor has both the LP cylinders and the HP cylinders. They are in a horizontal as well as an opposite position. They are also driven by an identical crankshaft, which is powered by an electric motor.

2 Reciprocating Vertical Balance Against Compressor

This twin-cylinder compressor is a twin-cylinder unit. However, the LP and HP cylinders are placed vertically opposite each other.

For a reciprocating compressor to work, a strong foundation is necessary. This foundation is made from durable concrete. It will also reduce the vibration forces generated by the movement of twin pistons going in opposite directions. This compressor's construction is robust and its well-oiled moving parts make it durable for users or operators. This compressor uses less power and requires fewer maintenance breaks.

The reciprocating compressor can produce a pressure of 17.5 kg/cm2 and can be used to increase the pressure by adding more compression stages to meet your specific requirements. The BOP compressors can be used in a variety of industrial applications, including the Chemical, Forging, and Fertilizer industries, Railway worships, Refinery and Power plants, as well as Shipyards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to highlight the fact that there are many industrial air compressors available on the market. They come in different brands. You should also check the safety features required during manufacturing if you are looking to purchase an air compressor. You and your employees could be seriously hurt if the compressor is damaged structurally. Be safe when purchasing the reciprocating compressor.