What is a Reciprocating Compressor?

A reciprocating compressor is a machine that uses a cylinder with a piston to compresses gas and delivers it at high pressure. If you recall your high school science, the laws behind a compressor boil down to Boyle’s Law. The compressor has a similar blueprint to an internal combustion engine. During the first stage of compression, the air moves from the cylinder, triggered by the piston’s flow. This flow creates a vacuum.

How does a Reciprocating compressor work?

The piston reverses its motion, fulfilling its name’s reciprocating part, and begins the air compression process. Compressors are powered by some fuel such as gasoline or electricity to power their compression method. Once the pressure inside the cylinder exceeds the discharge pipes’ pressure, valves open and allow air to zoom out. The gas is then discharged to a pneumatic machine or stored in compressed air tanks. It reduces the volume of gas and increases the density without turning gas into a liquid.

Imagine a bicycle pump with the end of its pipe disconnected. As you push the plunger down, the volume of air inside the pimp is greatly reduced. You’ll feed the resistance as the gas pressure increases.

Reciprocating compressor design

Understanding reciprocating compressors’ designs and the different types of compressors available is essential to choose the right model, whether you’re a home artisan or run a factory. Essentially, you can store excess solar and wind energy into pressurized air. Various compressors are found in workshops and garages. The most common compressor uses include dental and medical tools, sandblasters, auto body sanding, and pesticide delivery.

Compressed gas delivery varies under several process conditions—speed drives, suction valves, and bypass recycling influence the overall performance. Variable compressors adjust to the process demand to save the leading energy source. Most customers will look for a small single stage compressor, while industrial customers will require a second stage.

Types of Reciprocating compressor

A reciprocating air compressor has four types, either single or double-acting, and single or double stage compressor. In a single-acting compressor, air compression-only happens on one side of the piston compared to double-acting, where compression takes plan on both sides.

In single-stage compressors, the air goes directly into a storage tank with the double stage compressors offers two cycles of compression for further pressurization.

A reciprocating compressor is a resourceful tool with many uses such as Pneumatic Tools, Blow offs, Stainless Air knife, Dust collection, and Ventilation to name a few. It’s a helping hand for your DIY projects or to help run your business. Understanding the basics is crucial for your shopping experience.