There are three basic types of air compressors on the market today: reciprocating, rotary screw and rotary centrifugal. In this article we're going to focus on the advantages of using a reciprocating compressor and also recommend the best Turbomachinery Services.
How It Works
Let's take a look at exactly how these machines work before we outline the specific advantages of using them. Like an internal combustion engine, where an offset crankshaft causes the rotation of a piston which translates into linear motion, a reciprocating compressor also uses a crankshaft to compress gases that are then used in various jobs and processes. As the piston moves back and forth, it takes in low pressure gas and increases the pressure.
Where It Works
Although many applications of these machines have been replaced by the screw compressor, it is still a mainstay in the gas and oil industries. Oil refineries continue to use these specific units for numerous tasks and processes that require high pressure delivery of essential gases.
And gas itself, which fuels our cars and our lives, can be transported cross country via pipelines that are powered by reciprocating compressors. These work horses are also frequently used in refrigeration plants, chemical plants and just about anywhere heavy duty tooling is needed.
Why It Works
And now let's discuss the advantages a these compressors have over other models. For starters, it is one of the most efficiently run machines and can be used continuously, as you might in a large factory or plant setting, or intermittently, like you see in an auto garage or mechanic's shop. Other types of compressors work best in one situation or the other, and don't provide the same kind of usage flexibility.
Next, a reciprocal compressor has an application for almost any composition of gas and this is due to the positive displacement. Also, unlike other types, a reciprocal is able to discharge very high pressures at low mass flow rates, and capacity controls are simple and instantaneous.
Final Verdict
Finally, if quiet is as important to you as powerful, then a reciprocal compressor has this advantage as well. This is because of the piston technology, which tends to operate much quieter than many other types of compression technology. Because of its quiet power, these machines tend to be the ones used for household applications.