Air compressors are special devices that are used to supply and compress gases under pressure (refrigerant vapors, air, etc.). Air compressors have a wide range of applications. In most cases, they are used in repair, installation work, construction, that is, and are used wherever it is necessary to use pneumatic equipment and pneumatic tools. Also, air compressors are used in industry where high pressure compressed air must be used. In this case, for better and more efficient work, the compressors are used as part of drilling rigs in the coal and mining industries, and in the oil and gas industry. They are also intensively used in the metallurgical, food industry, electrochemical industry, medicine and other fields. Compressors can be used in all weather conditions and always maintain a high level of quality.

Another branch of the compressor is one of the areas of painting - airbrushing. To prove yourself in this field, you need a certain taste, talent, an airbrush, and, of course, a device used to draw air into an airbrush - a compressor. Thus, for whatever you need compressor equipment, the choice of the compressor must be approached with all seriousness, so that later the result will not disappoint you.

Air Compressor Types

Compressors are of several types: screw, belt drive or direct drive, receivers and dryers can also be classified in this category. The screw compressors are operated by two screw rotors that rotate in an oil bath. They have a contact line, which, performing a translational movement in the direction of the discharge port, leads to an increase in air pressure in the chambers. This type of compressor is characterized by the following parameters: economy of electrical consumption, reliability, high degree of efficiency, which is ensured by low friction of working elements and good heat dissipation. Belt driven compressors are a type of reciprocating compressor, they are equipped with two cylinders in which the air is compressed one after the other in series. Ultimately, the output is air with a very high compression rate. These compressors are durable, high-performance and are widely used in a wide variety of professional applications.

Direct drive compressors (reciprocating) are the most common type of compressor equipment. The principle of operation is quite simple - an electric motor transmits energy, which causes the piston to move, which, in turn, compresses the air that is in the cylinder and performs the necessary work. It is necessary to distinguish between the main types of reciprocating compressors - oil and oil-free. They are distinguished by their low price and high productivity, and this makes it possible to apply them widely in the industrial sphere and in everyday life. But they also have significant disadvantages: they work with oil filters, which must be constantly monitored, checked for oil level and cleaned. Oil-free compressors are low-power (less than 1.5 kW), but since the air they produce is free of impurities and the equipment itself does not need special attention and complex maintenance, oil-free compressors are ideal for painting, especially in the furniture industry.

Reciprocating compressors- the most common devices in the CIS countries. This technology has been used to compress air for two centuries due to the simplicity of its technical implementation. For the same reason, they were the main, and even the only type of air compressors (with the exception of centrifugal compressors), which were produced in the USSR. The main advantages of reciprocating compressors are their low cost, high maintainability, and ease of production. If the reciprocating compressor is serviced on time, then it can last for more than one year. Reciprocating compressors have the following advantages over other types of compressors:

Acceptable weight indicators;

Absolutely repairable;

Performs excellently even with high differences in compressed air consumption

Low cost;

Easy to maintain and operate;

Provides longer service life under adverse operating conditions. For medium and low productivity reciprocating compressors are better screw compressors... In our time, the reciprocating compressor market represents, in addition to a wide variety of models, a large number of manufacturing companies: from little-known Chinese factories to huge world leaders. A lot of compressors are assembled in China, which are developed by well-known American and European companies. The range of products is so great that the easiest way to organize them is to separate them by cost. The model range is very wide: modern compressors can be for domestic and industrial purposes, and sometimes they are so diverse that it is difficult to give preference to a particular model, even within the same company. The cost of compressors depends on the place of sale, country of manufacture, manufacturer's name, model release time, and its design features.

Air Compressor Receivers and Dryers

The purpose of the receivers is to store air during peak periods, which helps to smooth out air drops. Air distribution between consumers becomes even. The maximum volume is five hundred liters. It should be noted that vertical receiver models are more popular. They are used as additional tanks for removing oil and moisture from a buffer tank, or for storing compressed air. Dehumidifiers solve an important problem: high humidity in the room leads to an acceleration of the process of its destruction. And if we are talking about warehouses, then the products and materials that are stored there begin to deteriorate much faster than without this moisture, or change their shape and some properties. To prevent this from happening, dehumidifiers are used, which are designed to dry the air in the room.

Very often the compressor is bought for painting work. If you decide to choose a compressor for painting, then you need to focus on the tasks at hand. If you plan to paint small surfaces, without increased requirements for the result, then you can use inexpensive piston compressors (60-90 l / min.), And if the device is bought for professional use, then you need to think about serious models. A low power screw compressor may be suitable for you, which is a more reliable and economical option.

Air Compressor Device

In order to correctly understand the device of the compressor, you need to understand the device and the purpose of all its constituent elements and systems. All compressor parts can be divided into groups depending on the purpose:

Cylinder group - cylinders, cylinder liners, covers, rod seals;

Movement mechanism group - crankcase, frame, main bearings, connecting rods, crankshaft, flywheel, crossheads;

Piston group - piston rings, pistons, rods;

Distribution group - valves;

Regulation system - elements of capacity regulation (auxiliary valves, cylinders of "dead" spaces, pipelines);

Cooling system - pipelines, end and intermediate coolers for compressible gas;

Lubrication system - filters, oil pumps, oil lines, oil separators, oil coolers;

Equipment installation group - drive, control panel, gas pipelines, receivers, fencing, air filters.

The movement mechanism group includes elements that are common to other air compressors, and pumps, and internal combustion engines, and steam engines. Compressor cylinders for pressures not exceeding 6 MN / m2 are made of cast iron, for pressures not exceeding 15 MN / m2 - of cast steel, for high pressures - of forged steel. Cast iron cylinders are cast with a water jacket, steel cylinders have a removable casing. The running surface of the cylinder is honed and ground. Often, special cast iron bushings are inserted into the cylinders in order to improve the surface quality and to reduce the casting requirements of the cylinders. The valves are located in the cylinder head or inside. The water is supplied to the cylinder jackets at the bottom, and the water is drained at the highest point to avoid air pockets. If air cooling occurs, then ribs are made on the outer surface of the cylinder.

The stuffing boxes in air compressors are metal, self-sealing, with tapered and flat sealing elements. As a flat sealing element, 2 cast iron rings are used - sealing and closing. All rings are wrapped in a spring that seals the space between the piston and the rings. The number of rings depends on the pressure in the cylinder. Conical sealing elements are made of an antifriction alloy and with a special hydraulic seal, which is carried out by supplying oil to the annular chambers of the stuffing box. Often, fluoroplastic is used for the manufacture of sealing elements for glands.

There are several types of pistons: trunk (open), stepped (differential) and disc. They can be solid and composite. Piston rings are made of high quality pearlitic cast iron or texture.

Air compressors are indispensable in modern conditions of industrial development, therefore, they are ubiquitous.

Compressor - what is it and what it can do

Let's start with the principle of the compressor: the task of this noisy apparatus is to pump air (or any other gas) to a certain pressure and put this force at the disposal of the owner. This process is carried out by a pump, a tank for collecting compressed air (such a tank is called a "receiver") and a system for providing compressed air to the consumer (hoses, valves, adapters). As a rule, household compressors have the form of a motor mounted on a cylindrical tank on wheels, from which hoses twisted in a spiral stretch. A variety of compressed air devices can be connected to the end of the hose through the adapter.

Standard set of nozzles for a household compressor

Let's list the most common uses of the compressor in everyday life.

1. Inflation of car and bicycle tires, balls, cameras, mattresses, slides and other inflatable products is carried out using special pump nozzles with a pressure gauge(to control the maximum inflation pressure).
2. Painting of various surfaces can be done through spray nozzle (spray gun)... This nozzle consists of a special container for paint or varnish, a spray nozzle and a pen.
3. By using air blow gun you can blow out dirt and water from hidden cavities and pipes, dry hard-to-reach places after washing (for example, without a compressor, the larvae of locks on the car doors are guaranteed to freeze after a winter wash).
4. The compressor is also connected to a variety of pneumatic tool: nut and screwdrivers, jackhammers and drills, cutting and grinder - almost the entire arsenal of a home craftsman is available in pneumatic version. In addition to the analogs of the power tool, a nozzle for driving staples (stapler) and nails or dowels can be connected to the compressor.
5. Pneumatic jack it costs much less than a hydraulic one, and lifts the car many times faster.
6. Washing gun allows you to turn the compressor into a mini-sink by supplying water together with a jet of compressed air.

Compressor types

By design, all compressors can be divided into reciprocating, centrifugal, screw and rotary. By the type of engine, the compressors can be with such "drives": internal combustion, gas or electric motor. In terms of dimensions and operating conditions, compressors can be portable, mobile or stationary.

Compressors of various types

In turn, reciprocating compressors are divided according to the number of cylinders (one-, two- and multi-cylinder), according to the number of compression stages (one- and two-stage), according to the arrangement of the cylinders (in-line, V- and W-shaped).

Household compressors are considered to be mobile piston devices with electric motors (less often - with internal combustion engines) with a capacity of 1.5-3 kW, providing a compressed air pressure of no more than 10-20 atmospheres and a capacity of up to 50 cubic meters per hour. The principle of operation of such mechanisms consists in the operation of a piston, which pumps air as a result of a cyclic reciprocating motion, while the engine with a clutch is usually located on the same axis. An alternative to this design is the location of the engine connected to the shaft of the piston group by a belt drive.

Another feature of domestic compressors is the presence or absence of lubricating oil in the design. Oil-free compressors are suitable for airbrushing and other "clean" work, since they guarantee the absence of even small drops of oil in the air stream, but the service life of such devices is generally lower than that of their oil counterparts (ordinary engine oil serves to lubricate the cylinder-piston group) ...

The volume of the receiver (storage tank) of the compressor ensures not constant, but periodic switching on of the motor - the larger the volume of the tank, the less often the engine will turn on and the longer it will work to build up the required pressure in the tank. The volume of household receivers ranges from 5 to 100 liters, the optimal volume is considered to be 20-50 liters.

Receivers of various capacities

The standard equipment of the domestic compressor also includes handles and wheels for easy transportation, and the protection group consists of a relay and a safety valve. Upon reaching the maximum permissible operating pressure in the receiver, the relay (pressure switch) opens the electrical circuit and stops the compressor motor, which leads to the cessation of air discharge. When the operating pressure drops to the lower threshold, the relay turns on the engine again until the upper operating pressure is reached. A safety valve is required to prevent explosion of the device, it prevents the air pressure from exceeding the dangerous limit.

Household models of compressors are not equipped with practically any noise protection and noise suppression systems, so they work quite loudly (the "rattling" of a working compressor reaches a level of 60-70 dB).

Compressor tips

Working intermittently... Household models are not designed for long-term, much less continuous use, so they have a maximum permissible duration of continuous operation. For most inexpensive models, it is 15-20 minutes, after which the device must be allowed to "cool down" and "rest". The use of a receiver with a larger capacity can partially solve the problem of increasing continuous operation (the larger the receiver, the less often the motor and pump will turn on), however, for rational and careful use of the compressor, it is worth listening to the recommendations of the manufacturers and not working with the compressor continuously over the periods indicated in the passport documentation.

Compressor maintenance... Like any other mechanism with moving parts, the compressor requires periodic maintenance and repair. First of all, this applies to oil models - the frequency of changing the oil and filters in them is necessary in the same way as, for example, for automobile engines (after a certain period of operation). In addition to the oil filter, it is often necessary to replace or clean the air filter - provided that this compressor model is equipped with it. The next block that requires attention is the piston group. Over time, the piston and rings in the cylinder may require repair or even replacement. An important element of compressor maintenance is also the periodic inspection and adjustment of components exposed to high pressure - receiver tank, air hoses, pressure gauge and valves. Well, you should also not neglect the rules for servicing the electric motor: inspecting the condition of the insulation on the contacts, the integrity of the casing and checking the general performance of the compressor's heart should be carried out in accordance with the regulations for service work.

Overalls and personal protective equipment... When painting with a compressor, a suspension of air and paint (varnish) can easily get into the face, eyes and lungs of a person, therefore the use of glasses for the eyes and a mask or respirator for the respiratory tract in this case is a necessity. Other attachments and tools also require protective clothing and gloves, and in some cases, safety shoes and other personal protective equipment.

Safety engineering... Of course, one cannot but recall the rules for the safe use of household tools. Of the basic rules for a compressor, the following can be distinguished:

• do not leave the running compressor unattended;
• it is not allowed to operate the compressor with damaged units, in violation of the requirements for the safe operation of electrical equipment (bare contacts, operation of the device in water, other danger of electric shock);
• it is strictly forbidden to use a compressor with an inoperative or faulty pressure gauge or with pressure values ​​exceeding the maximum passport value;
• work with the compressor must be carried out in compliance with general fire safety standards, especially when working with a spray gun (painting near open sources of fire, near flammable objects and liquids is not allowed), if smoke or fire appears from the compressor, turn off and de-energize the device and take measures to extinguish fire source with improvised means.

Pneumatic or electro?

As a rule, when purchasing a compressor, one of its main advantages is the ability to purchase pneumatic tool attachments that can replace almost any household power tool - from a screwdriver to a grinder. So what is more profitable?

A set of pneumatic tool nozzles for the compressor

The main benefit is economic: purchasing a compressor and a set of pneumatic tools for a circle will cost less than buying the entire range of power tools, because pneumatics will not have electric motors, and the very principle of operation of "air" nozzles is simpler.

Second benefit: reliability. The simplicity of the design and the absence of an electric motor significantly increase the reliability of the pneumatic machines. For example, an air-driven rock drill or jackhammer has a much longer service life than similar electrical tools.

Benefit Three: Security. The absence of an electric motor minimizes sparking. Avoid accidental ignition by sparks or electric shock when operating a pneumatic tool and using long enough air hoses.

Benefit four: the uniqueness of some attachments. As we have already said, painting, hammering staples and dowels, pumping tires and some other work simply cannot be done with electricity in the absence of compressed air.

Price Range and Selection Tips

Household compressors for home use are presented on the market in a fairly wide range, while prices for them range from 3-4 thousand rubles. for budget models (brands "", Etalon) to semi-professional compressors of well-known companies for 30-50 thousand rubles. (, F.I.A.C.,).

Of course, for tire fitting in the garage twice a year, pumping up the wheels once a month and painting parts and walls during the repair period, buying an expensive model is impractical. The optimal choice for such purposes can be a single-cylinder reciprocating compressor with an electric drive with a power of 2-2.5 kW and a receiver with a volume of 50-100 liters, equipped with wheels and handles, weighing 40-80 kg. These characteristics are quite consistent with the compressor model in the price range from 11 to 20 thousand rubles, for example:,.

Rarely does an enterprise do without the use of compressed air. At some enterprises, it is used to apply coatings to various surfaces, at others to ensure the operation of stamping equipment. A compressor is used to obtain compressed air.

Purpose and principle of operation

What is a compressor? The official definition is as follows - a device designed to compress gases and pump them to consumers is called an air compressor. How does he work? The principle of operation of the device is quite simple, atmospheric air enters the mechanism that compresses it. For this, different methods can be used, they will be discussed below. The mechanism that compresses the air determines the design and principles of the compressor. For efficient operation of the equipment, it must be connected to the electrical network and the air network, through which compressed air will be transmitted. The electric motor connection diagram is usually indicated in the operating instructions.

Compressor types

On the industrial equipment market, there are many proposals for the supply of these devices. It can be divided into those that are used in industry and that are used in everyday life, for example, to inflate car wheels. All of these devices can be operated from different types of drives. An electric air compressor 220 V, as the name implies, operates from an electric power unit with a voltage of 220 V. But, there are also devices operating from a voltage of 380 V.

Diesel compressor, powered by an internal combustion engine that runs on diesel fuel. The use of such equipment is quite popular among builders; it is used when there is no possibility of connecting electric installations. Diesel-fueled units enable operation at remote construction sites.

Atmospheric air is supplied to the cylinder head, in which the pistons are mounted. The power plant, in turn, transmits torque to the shaft, which ensures the movement of the pistons in the cylinder. It is there that the air is compressed to the required parameters. After being compressed, it is directed to the plant's air system. Reciprocating compressors are divided into oil and oil-free. The oil one is distinguished by the fact that for its effective operation, special oil is poured into it, which reduces the frictional force between the rubbing parts and the device nodes. This increases its service life.

There are many ways to transfer torque from the engine to the actuator. In the manufacture of compressors, couplings or belt drives are often used. The device on which the latter type is installed is called a belt compressor.

The listed types of equipment are used in almost all industries, they differ from each other in performance, size and a number of other parameters. But, of course, the main characteristic is the amount of pressure that the compressor can create.

This is a rather complex device, its design includes oil scraper rings, filters for oil and air purification, control automation, and this means that qualified personnel and special tools and devices are required to maintain this device in working order.

Diaphragm compressor

The gas is compressed in such a device under the action of a membrane, which performs a reciprocating motion. The diaphragm is driven by a rod, which is attached to the crankshaft.

The diaphragm plate is fixed to the working chamber and thus there is no need to use additional parts, for example, piston rings, sealing devices, etc.

The membrane type air compressor has the following parameters:

• tightness;
• resistance to corrosion;
• high compression level;
• reliable design;
• operational safety and ease of maintenance.

The membrane-type belt-driven compressor differs in that the working medium comes into contact only with the membrane and the internal cavities of the chamber. However, it does not come into contact with the atmosphere. Such a device is used for pumping harmful and toxic substances.

Another advantage of the membrane product is that it does not need to be lubricated, which reduces the risk of contamination of the transported working medium.

Positive displacement compressors

A device in which the process of obtaining compressed air occurs by reducing its volume is called a positive displacement compressor. These include the following types of equipment:

• oil-free screw compressors;
• diesel piston compressors;
• household air compressors.

Screw Compressors

The history of this equipment began in 1934. The screw compressors are distinguished by high reliability, small dimensions, low metal consumption, which led to a high consumer demand for equipment of this class. The use of this equipment allows you to reduce electricity costs by up to 30%. Plants of this type are installed in mobile compressor stations, ship and other refrigeration units.

As a working body, screw rotors with depressions are used. They are installed in a housing that can be disassembled along several planes. It has holes and grooves for mounting and bearings. In addition, suction and air discharge chambers are formed in the housing. Pumps of this type are distinguished by their performance.

These products can develop pressures from 8 to 13 atm., While the air flow rate can be from 220 to 12400 liters per minute.

Quite often, one unit of such equipment can replace several units of compressors installed in production workshops.

When installing and putting into commercial operation of such compressors, it is advisable to install a device at the inlet to clean the air from excess moisture. Some manufacturers complete their products with such filters.

Rotary vane compressors

Compressors of this class operate on the same basis as reciprocating ones, that is, on displacement. Energy transfer takes place during compression. During suction, the working medium enters the working chamber, its volume decreases with the movement of the rotor. This compression leads to an increase in pressure and the escape of compressed air through the pipe.

Compressors of this type can create pressures up to 0.3 MPa, are called blowers, and those that generate higher pressures are called compressors.

Devices of this type have the following advantages:

More stable, balanced stroke, provides no reciprocating motion. This equipment is designed for direct connection to an electrical power unit. The weight of a rotary compressor will be lower than a reciprocating compressor with similar characteristics. The design does not include the use of valves. That is, the number of parts rubbing against each other decreases.

Dynamic compressors

Compressors of this group are divided into two types - centrifugal and axial. In the former, the air is thrown to the outer part of the impeller under the influence of centrifugal force. Thus, a rarefied space is formed on the suction side. Gas constantly enters the working chamber, after passing the wheel, the air is directed to the diffuser (flow rate damping device), where, in fact, its pressure rises.

In axial-type equipment, air moves along the rotor, and compression is carried out as a result of changing the speed of its movement between the blades of the rotor and the guide device.

These compressors can be classified according to the following properties:

1. The outlet pressure, those that provide a pressure in the range of 0.015 MPa, are called fans or blowers.
2. By the number of compression stages.
3. In the direction of air movement. If it moves along the axis of the rotor, then it is centrifugal, if it moves across, then it is axial. There are devices where air moves diagonally.
4. By the type of drive - it can be electric, steam or gas turbine.

Rotary compressors are used in aircraft engines. With its help, air is forced into the combustion chamber.

Compressor capacity

This term means the volume of gas that is pumped in a certain unit of time. The unit of measurement of productivity is m 3 per minute. This parameter can be specified either at the input or at the output, of course, these will be different numbers. The thing is that when the pressure changes, the volume changes. This characteristic indicates performance at a working environment temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.

Depending on the value of this characteristic, the following groups are distinguished - high productivity (over 100 cubic meters of air per minute), medium (up to 100 cubic meters of air per minute) and small (up to 10 cubic meters).

Dynamic devices have some advantages over piston devices. They are distinguished by their simplicity of design and operation. They have small overall and weight parameters. Smooth air flow and they do not require additional lubrication. Their installation does not require the manufacture of massive foundations. But, at the same time, their efficiency is somewhat lower than that of piston ones.

These compressors have found their way into many industries. For example, the chemical and oil and gas industries, metallurgy, mining and many other industries. One of the types of dynamic compressors - turbocompressors, is installed in gas-pumping pipelines.

For many years of operation of such equipment, many devices with various characteristics have been designed and put into operation, in particular, modern machines are capable of providing a capacity of up to 200 m 3 per minute, at a wheel speed of 250 revolutions per second. And all this with small dimensions and weight parameters.

Compressor aggregation

The process of mounting a compressor and a power plant on a frame is called aggregation. Due to the fact that piston-type devices have vibration, it is necessary to design and manufacture the foundation taking into account these characteristics.

Feature of oil-free appliances

These devices have found their application wherever it is necessary to ensure high requirements for air purity. They are installed in medical institutions, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In fairness, I must say that these devices are among the most affordable devices in terms of their cost. These compressors are easy to operate and maintain. This means that there is no need for trained personnel, and no special requirements are imposed on their installation in the workplace.

However, oil-free compressors have some disadvantages, such as excessive noise that occurs during operation. But, manufacturers were able to solve this problem by installing soundproof casings on these products.

When choosing an oil-free compressor, you need to pay attention to the power of the device, their performance and working pressure parameters, which are shown by the devices installed on the compressor. We must not forget about the volume of the receiver. As a rule, containers with a volume of 50 liters are installed in the compressor device.

The advantages of oil units

The most common method of reducing the friction that occurs during the operation of various parts and assemblies is to lubricate them. This allows you to reduce the load on the product as a whole, in particular, on its key part - the engine.

To solve this problem, special compressor oils are used, which can be used in various operating conditions.

Compressors of this type are cheaper to manufacture. Therefore, the cost of such equipment is significantly cheaper than oil-free counterparts. But in operation, they are more expensive. This is due to the fact that during operation, along with the removal of air from the working area, oil is thrown out. By the way, it must be replaced every 2,000–3,000 operating hours.

Since the compressed air contains oil microparticles, it is necessary to install oil trapping elements in the system, for example, filters. After a certain amount of time, they also need to be replaced, and this complicates maintenance, and requires additional costs for the purchase of replaceable filters.

However, in spite of the measures taken, it is not possible to completely clean the air passing through the oil compressor. For example, after processing air on a screw device, its contamination is 3 mg per cubic meter. The purity of air after processing it on a reciprocating compressor directly depends on the level of wear of its parts and assemblies.

This has led to the fact that in some technological processes the use of oil compressors is prohibited.

Features of operation

The normal operation of the compressor primarily depends on the operation of all its components and assemblies. In particular, intake and exhaust valves. Inside the compressor, where the air distribution takes place, a certain number of spools, distributors and valves are installed. The following types of valves are installed in compressors - poppet, plate, spindle, etc.

In order for the equipment not to reduce power indicators and not consume excess power, the valves that are installed in the compressor must be ground in and must not allow air to pass through. When these valves are depleted, they must be urgently replaced. Increased air consumption can sooner or later lead to a reduction in the life of the equipment.

A delay in the actuation of the valve leads to the appearance of knocking, a knock indicates that the seat is wearing out. In addition, a knock may indicate that its upper part has been pinched in the case.

The quiet operation of the compressor is a kind of indicator of the quality of the setting and, accordingly, the operation of the device as a whole.

Safety regulations

Compressor installations of various operating principles and purposes are widely used at construction sites and production. Compressors can be permanently installed on concrete foundations or mobile, that is, mounted on a chassis.

Normal use of compressor equipment is permissible subject to a number of conditions:

1. The compressor must be fitted with automatic devices to prevent the permissible operating limit from being exceeded.
2. A relief valve is provided to quickly relieve excess pressure.
3. On this equipment, filtering devices must be installed at the inlet and outlet, which ensure the purity of the air sent to the compressor for treatment and create an obstacle to its entry into the room.
4. The presence of installed pressure gauges provides control over the pressure parameters generated by the compressor.
5. An oil separating filter must be installed between the compressor unit and the receiver.
6. In addition, air containing toxic or harmful substances must not be supplied to the compressor stop.

The installed equipment must be properly supervised and maintained. It should be remembered that maintenance and routine maintenance should be carried out by trained personnel. The equipment that is under the supplier's warranty must be serviced by specialists from the appropriate service centers.

In particular, when flushing compressor units and parts, only those liquids and compositions recommended by the manufacturer of this equipment should be used. Storage tanks, compressed air must be equipped with safety valves, drain cock, pressure gauge. In accordance with the requirements of the operational documentation, these containers (receivers) must undergo routine maintenance and testing. Their results should be recorded in the service log.

When organizing the operation of compressor and related equipment, it is necessary to use guidelines and other regulatory documents promulgated by control bodies, for example, Rostekhnadzor.

Compressor equipment selection criteria

What should the consumer be guided by when choosing an air compressor. Most importantly, he must understand for what purposes the purchased equipment will be used. It should be noted right away that there are separate industries, and only compressors operating without oil can be used in technological operations.

The key parameters of the compressor equipment are:

1. Air consumption (performance).
2. Operating pressure.
3. Requirements for air purity.

As a rule, these parameters should be determined by process engineers who develop technological processes involving compressor equipment.

For example, air flow can be calculated as follows:

1. Calculation of the amount of air in continuous operation.
2. Making adjustments to the obtained value, taking into account the operating time of the equipment per shift or day.

When selecting equipment, it is necessary to take into account the growth in the number of compressed air consumers.

Compressor equipment control systems

Control equipment is installed to ensure that the air is under constant pressure in the compressor systems. The simplest system consists of a pressure sensor and the simplest setting system. It allows you to maintain a constant pressure in the receiver. If the set parameters are exceeded, the compressor is turned off, and after the pressure has dropped to a certain minimum, the automatic system is triggered and the compressor turns on. Such, or almost such systems, are installed on almost all compressor plants. Their presence ensures the safe operation of the equipment.

Household appliances

Household compressors are used to perform certain jobs that are performed at home or in the garage. Typically, these are small, electrically driven reciprocating compressors. The power of such a product is 2.2 kW. Such compressors are able to pump air up to 8 atm.

For the most part, they can safely provide a pressure of 10 atm. Receivers with a capacity of up to 100 liters are used for storing compressed air.

As a rule, they are used when performing painting work, indoor and outdoor.

Compressor equipment is undergoing a new stage of development in construction and production. Modern generation of units of this type is characterized by high power, large volumes of compressed air supply and durability. The process of active introduction of compressors into the domestic sphere is also observed. For the average home user, compressed air can help operate the spray gun and construction tools with minimal effort. At the same time, the household compressor is small in size and does not require special attention in the process of maintenance. But in any case, for the correct choice of such an assistant, it is necessary to understand in more detail its device and operating parameters.

What is a compressor?

Compressor units mean a wide range of compressed air supply units. In a sense, these are generators of air flows that are used as an effort to perform certain work actions. For example, compressed air is the working medium for pneumatic construction tools. The station directs it to the equipment, as a result of which the final function is performed. Technically, a compressor is a complex machine built on a mechanical working group. In the process of work, the operator must take into account the parameters of the state of the installation, in some cases adjusting the air supply pressure. There are also models that continuously work without user intervention - they are controlled by automation. Usually these are production compressors that are part of the conveyor lines for the processing of various materials.

Unit design

The design of the compressors is determined by the type of construction. The most common piston air models. They can be oily and oil-free. In both cases, the direct generation of compressed air is provided by the piston through reciprocating movements. But the piston group itself needs energy support. The drive function can be performed by motors of different types. In particular, an electric compressor runs on an electric motor. Such stations are beneficial for their noiselessness, but they are also dependent on the network, which is not always acceptable when organizing a workflow. There are other options for energy supply, which will be discussed separately. The obligatory composition of almost all compressors also includes a container with air. This is a receiver, the volume of which directly affects the performance of the compressor unit.

Principle of operation

In piston units, work is carried out by reciprocating action in the cylinder. In order to maximize the compression effect, a small gap from the outer surface of the piston to the inner wall of the cylinder is sealed with damping rings. The circulation of the received and discharged air masses takes place in the cylinder between the valves. The action of the piston is realized due to the work of the connecting rod, which is powered by a crank mechanism, which is activated by the engine. But a screw compressor is also common. The device and the principle of operation of this unit can be described through a group of shafts that rotate towards each other. It turns out the effect of a dynamic machine. At different stages of the working cycle, the grooves and edges of the shafts can form a closed or open space, thus controlling air flows. In both mechanisms, lubricants can be used - this applies to oil models. The technical fluid envelops the mechanical elements, protecting them from the destructive effects of friction. For screw and piston mechanisms, different types of oils are used, mainly differing in thermal resistance.

Compressor characteristics

In the choice, experienced users of compressor equipment take into account such parameters as pressure, power with capacity and receiver volume. Pressure in this case is measured in Bars - a unit that corresponds to one atmosphere. Typically, compressors have a pressure of 10 Bar and this is a rather significant value, so it is important to take into account that the same parameter should be lower for the tool being serviced. Power determines how intense the rotation of the same screws, rotors or piston will be - accordingly, will determine the level of performance. The power potential is on average 1.5-2 kW. With such values, the productivity corresponds to approximately 150-200 l / min. The most modern compressor unit is capable of delivering about 500 l / min. In the case of capacity, and in the calculation of performance, there should be a balance of 15-20% in case of overloads. The capacity of the receiver can be 10-20 liters in the case of a household compressor, and 500-700 liters if we are talking about an industrial unit.

Varieties of piston models

The fundamental difference between different piston models is the need for lubrication. An oil compressor is a unit that requires a regular and abundant supply of technical fluids to minimize the effect of friction. A kind of antifriction additive that increases the service life of the elements.

Oil-free models benefit from small footprint and clean air supply. But it cannot be said that the mechanisms of such compressors completely get rid of lubrication. It is present, but spreads through other channels, without contacting the receiver, in which the air circulates. Moreover, the supply of oil is provided automatically by special distributors. Both oil and oil-free types of compressors find their place in different areas. To understand the practical difference between the two devices, we can say that the former work better in intensive production conditions, while the latter is more suitable for servicing small-sized pneumatic tools.

Varieties of drive systems

The type of drive in this case is a type of engine, thanks to which the mechanical filling performs its function of generating air. It has already been said that there is an electric compressor that outperforms competitive models due to its quiet operation, but its connection to the network imposes certain restrictions. The advantages of such units also include environmental friendliness and modest size.

If high performance is required, then liquid-fueled compressors should be preferred. As a rule, these are the most powerful compressed air generators that can be used in production. Almost all industrial types of compressors are formed by gasoline and diesel stations. But, it is important not to forget that the presence of traditional internal combustion engines increases the size of the compressor and increases the responsibility of maintenance.

Consumables and accessories

In the course of its operation, the compressor interacts with pneumatic equipment through special channels that transmit compressed air. The simplest household compressor is equipped with adapters, adapters and fittings that allow you to organize a connection with a small spray gun, and with a massive spray installation.

Also, a measuring device - a pressure gauge - acts as a mandatory component. It can be a pointer, electronic or automatic, and its presence as such is highly recommended by specialists. It should also be remembered that a compressor is a high pressure and high voltage machine. Moreover, some models, together with an air jet, can also spray abrasive particles. Therefore, it is advisable to work with such settings in special equipment with glasses and gloves.

Compressor manufacturers

The largest manufacturers of industrial equipment produce compressors of various types. Segment leaders include Fubag, Abac, Metabo and Fini. These are the leaders of the segment, offering, in addition to increased performance, also effective protective systems with ergonomic design advantages. It is the firms Abac and Fubag that offer a high-power 500-liter compressor. The industrial unit of this production, according to users, pleasantly surprises not only with its operational capabilities, but also with modern technological control.

Applications

The simplest tasks that air compressors perform cover the full range of pneumatic tool functions. Grinders, wrenches, chisels, sandblasting machines are functionally provided by the compressor. It's a versatile source of compressed air for small pneumatics to say the least.

If we talk about more serious tasks, then these include pumping inflatable products, painting work, and also abrasive stripping. Again, due to the compressed air, a fairly active jet can be formed, capable of delivering foreign particles at high speed. This possibility can explain the industrial purpose of the compressor, thanks to which the machine tools that spray sand are serviced.

Conclusion

The principle of operation of compressor equipment has long been used in a variety of areas. At this stage of development, in pursuit of the consumer, manufacturers tend to revise both the designs and the technical and operational capabilities of such units. As a result, an industrial compressor appears, the list of tasks of which includes the provision of complex waterjet cutting operations. These are powerful diesel plants that outwardly resemble small power plants. On the other hand, the small-sized compressor, which serves small-sized instruments, does not lose its relevance - such models add functionality, ergonomics and the degree of autonomy.

Not everyone has seen the compressors and not everyone knows their purpose. Therefore, it is worth giving a clear definition of this equipment. A compressor is a special system for compressing air masses or gases under pressure used in industry.

Such devices reduce the volume of air or gaseous masses by compressing them. After the compression process, the air is accumulated in special tanks of the compressor and is completely ready for further industrial activity.

Air compression devices are widely used in modern manufacturing. For example, in energy systems. They allow the supply of compressed air molecules to temperature control systems and damper systems obtained by compressing air masses. Compressors are also widely used in the gas industry to support the operation of gasoline pumps. It is noteworthy that the devices have not spared construction, where they are also used to transmit energy and drive construction units.

How do you choose the right compressor?

A variety of devices that compress air

There is now a wide variety of compressor units. These are devices powered by pistons and screws, diesels, spirals and teeth without the obligatory consumption of oil.

For example, a piston unit can be both oil-based and not requiring it. Compressors are also divided into gasoline (diesel) and electric. And screw compressor equipment can be both basic and located on a receiver with a built-in cooler.

It is worth remembering that for each specific purpose, a setting is needed that is most suitable for that purpose.

How to choose the right compressor?

As already mentioned, each compressor unit is designed for a specific purpose. The specialists of the centers selling the above installations can help you in choosing the equipment. In addition, now there is the possibility of renting or leasing compressors, which will significantly affect the budget of your company or your own, if you need the equipment for the construction of your own residential or industrial facilities. In any case, the choice of compressor equipment must be approached responsibly so as not to spoil the project and not overpay when the installation is forced to change.

Based on materials from the site http://compressor.dukon.ru/.