The Journey Of Air Compressors- From ‘Human Lung To Electric Compressors’
Do
you possess an air compressor? What is an air compressor? Well, this
is a device that transforms power into potential energy stored in
pressurized air through electric, gasoline or diesel gasoline engine.
Air compressor forces plentiful air into a storage
tank, increasing the pressure that can be used to power other
devices.
Table of Contents:
A
Look Into History
Do
you have any idea about the earliest air compressor? Surprisingly, it
was a ‘human lung’. Since the human
body can exhale oxygen, around thousands of years ago, people
used their breath to add fuel to fires to keep it burning.
Yet another earliest compressor that we all are familiar with, is the
bellows that we might still use today to stoke the flames in our
fireplace. In
1762, an air compressor was used for other things than fire
management and a “blowing cylinder” powered by a water wheel.
Later in 1872, a water-cooled version of this appeared. With the
introduction of air compressors into drilling a tunnel through Swiss
Alp by hand, a project planned to be completed in 30 years was
completed in just 14 years. In
1871 the first pneumatic tool- a rock drill was used by Simon
Ingersoll. He provided the compressors for the gigantic project as he
took part in the construction of Mt. Rushmore in 1927.
Different types of Air Compressors
There
are 3 types of air compressors namely petrol, diesel and electric
depending on the method of providing power to the compressor. There
are different
types
of air compressors
and using each method has its association for the size, power, and
durability of the resulting compressor. Also, these factors determine
the suitability of each compressor according to your particular
needs.
Petrol
Air Compressors
These
are simple air compressor powered by a petrol engine. In this, the
engine is separate from the pump system and you can find various
types of petrol air compressors. When compared to electric air
compressors, these are more adaptable and useful for professionals
working in a building site with no electricity connection available.
An additional generator is not required when you are using petrol air
compressors.
Other
features of Petrol Air Compressors are as follows:
It
has good flexibility and engine control. A petrol air compressor can
be easily adjusted according to the output required thereby
effectively managing the fuel usage with minimal fuel wastage.
Monitoring becomes easy with the petrol engine and noise level can
also be adjusted.
Relatively
cheaper purchasing value. Petrol is comparatively cheaper than
diesel, though it is less economical.
It
is portable and not very noisy compared to a diesel engine. In terms
of the amount of torque and power, the capability is less.
Maintenance
costs will be high if you want to keep a petrol air compressor in
good working condition over a lifetime.
2.
Diesel Air Compressors
Diesel
air compressors are more portable when compared to petrol
compressors. These are commonly used in building sites. The Users of
good quality diesel air compressor need not worry about the
unexpected electricity shut down in adverse weather. Advantages
and disadvantages of diesel air compressors are as follows:
Suitable
for heavy-duty and industrial applications as it provides higher
torque. The diesel engine is more powerful when compared to a petrol
engine of the same size.
Diesel
air compressors are bulkier, heavier and noisier than petrol and
electric air compressor.
The
initial purchase value is high. But the maintenance cost of the
diesel engine is less because of its simpler ignition technique when
compared to a petrol engine.
It
is not suitable for the indoor purpose as it exhaust fumes that are
highly toxic.
To
ensure safety while using a diesel compressor, one should make
proper arrangements for fuel storage and transportation.
Electric
Air Compressors
Electric
air compressors are most commonly used and readily available in the
market today. It has a wide range of uses and applications as it runs
on electric motors. They are suitable for indoor as it does not
exhaust toxic fumes and for outdoor set-ups.
Pros
and Cons of electric air compressors are given below:
Electric
air compressors are portable. Storage and transportation are easy
and safe when compared to petrol and diesel compressors.
Electric
compressors are not powerfully built compared to their counterparts.
Outdoor
usage is limited to the length of their power cord and power supply
availability at the destination as it should be plugged directly
into the power socket without using any extension cables. Chances of
technical faults are high with electric air compressors.
Checkpoints while choosing an air compressor
You
will be lost when you have to choose an air compressor from a wide
range of tools and applications. So it is advised to do some research
before deciding to choose
the right one to fulfill the purpose
as per individual needs. The following points can be considered while
choosing an air compressor;
Check
the requirements of the engine in terms of portability, size,
pressure, and volume to ensure work efficiency.
Learn
about different types of compressors available in the market like
reciprocating and rotary screw depending on the usage purpose.
The
horsepower of the air compressor is a valuable marker. Another is
CFM, Cubic Feet per Minute rating that measures volumetric flow.
Consider
the fuel source.
Before
buying any air compressor, or any air tools for use, always check the
voltage of the machine and the amperage, and ensure that these
correlate with the available supply on the working site. Also, make
sure to check the maintenance schedule and change the air filters on
time. Neglecting your air compressor can cost you unnecessary
expenses later. Make sure to change the air filters twice a year,
because filthy air filters make your air compressor work double and
allow dirty air from the outside to enter the compressor.
Oil-lubricated compressors are long-lasting compared to oil-free
ones. To be on the safer side, read the instruction manual carefully
before using the compressor or any air tools.
