If you are looking to buy an air compressor, there are many different types on the market, which leaves many people confused. Compressed air is used widely across many industries, and the right type for you would depend on your particular needs and working environment, and with that in mind, here is an overview of the different types of industrial air compressors.

• Positive Displacement – This involves compressing the air in a chamber and when maximum compression is achieved, a valve opens, releasing the trapped air. There are a few designs that effectively deliver a specified level of compressed air, with piston and rotary screw compressors being the most popular. A piston compressor works on the same principle as an internal combustion engine, in as much as it compresses the air in a cylinder and then a valve channels the air into a tank. These can be in-line or V shaped, and are very popular for small engineering workshops and car repair garages, as they offer the required volume of compressed air and are of a simple design, making repairs easy. If you are looking for industrial air compressors in Melbourne, for example, there is a local company that services many industries with the best quality units, and at affordable prices. The piston type air compressor ruled for many decades, yet the rotary screw compressor has recently been developed, and is generally accepted as the traditional piston driven compressor’s replacement.
• Dynamic Displacement – Using the centrifugal method, radial compressors, as they are also known, achieve the air compression by adding kinetic energy to a flow of air through a propeller. These systems are primarily used in a large gas turbine machine, and even the turbo charge units found on cars use centrifugal displacement to generate the energy. This has helped the oil and gas industry to become more efficient and keep costs down, and with ongoing development, they will become even more efficient.

Small Businesses

For many decades, the piston driven air compressor was the choice for nearly all small enterprises, and although earlier versions were extremely noisy, refinements came, and for what they cost, piston air compressors can deliver adequate volumes of compressed air. Many small businesses eventually make the switch to a rotary compressor, and this is far more energy efficient and very quiet, and gradually, the piston version will disappear, as many things do with the arrival of new technology.

Professional Advice

If you have a need for compressed air, and are unsure about the best choice, an online search would reveal an established supplier who would advise you accordingly. Whatever your industry, durability is a prime requirement, and with the help of a knowledgeable supplier, you can make an informed decision. Technology is always moving forward and modern air compressors offer a very high level of efficiency, and one should look at all the possibilities. Something that costs a little more, but uses less energy to achieve the goal, is a wise investment, and rotary screw compressors are ideal for a range of industrial uses, making them an ideal replacement for less efficient devices.

Making the right choices when it comes to compressed air means saving money in the long run, and with online suppliers who are ready to advise their customers, you can be sure of selecting the best device for the job.