Air compressors can be found across a multitude of environments for various purposes. Gas stations normally provide compressed air for refilling vehicle tires, tire shops utilize compressed air tools to deflate tires. Moreover, there are some desktop air compressors that are used with airbrushes, and even gas-powered air compressors are used at construction sites to power concrete compactors and jackhammers.
As a matter of fact, you might have come across air compressors more often than you think. Some of them are even tucked away within your HVAC system or the refrigerator. This device has numerous uses ranging from home maintenance, leisure or even in business.
Different applications require different types of compressors in terms of size and power. However, inasmuch as there are countless varieties of air compressors, most of them fall under two major categories. These are rotary screw air compressors and reciprocating piston air compressors. However, the reciprocating piston air compressors are the most common type seen in day-to-day activities. Depending on the size and capacity of air compressors, these machines can be further classified according to the type of use. These are consumer-grade air compressors, professional-grade air compressors, and industrial-grade air compressors.
Consumer-grade air compressors
These compressors are normally utilized for banal household tasks particularly maintenance. They make maintenance tasks very simple and also enable the expression of creativity in the form of hobbies or artistry. Consumer-grade air compressors typically use the reciprocating air piston. These come under two options namely, single-stage and two-stage models. The two-stage models offer more power and are suitable for heavier tasks. They utilize electric motors or gas engines, which allow for remote usage and high portability.
The majority of them are tiny enough to be carried around or moved on wheels. For light occasional usage, you can opt for remanufactured air compressors and save on the cost. The most typical uses of this sub-category of compressors are:
Inflating bike or vehicle tires
Blowing up balloons and other inflatable products
Clearing of cracks and narrow spaces including electronics
Airbrush painting for small objects or larger ones like vehicles and bikes
Professional grade air compressors
Compressed air also has some uses in business. Numerous firms utilize compressed air to provide the energy required in running various tools and equipment to enhance business activities. One common use of air compressors, especially in small to midsize businesses is the powering of pneumatic tools. Compared to their electronic equivalents, pneumatic tools are usually lighter and safer to operate. Electrical tools typically produce a lot of heat and can even blow up under excessive usage.
Air compressors are becoming increasingly common in small enterprises, more so in the construction industry. What’s more, businesses that specialize in automobile services, small engine repairs, dental procedures, and recreational activities can utilize compressed air to offer services to customers. Though sometimes producing compressed air can be an expensive affair, you need to find the most effective way of producing an adequate amount of compressed air at the requisite pressure for the least cost. You can also go for remanufactured air compressors to save costs, especially if you are just setting up the business.
Industrial grade air compressors
For many industries, compressed air is the only option when it comes to the safety of a non-thermal power source, as well as a stable flow of power. Industrial air compressors can also be found in both the reciprocating piston and rotary screw options. The following is a list of some uses of industrial-grade air compressors
In agriculture: compressed air offers sustained performance as well as low maintenance costs. Air compressors can be used in moving grains and feed on conveyors. They can also be used in glasshouse ventilation setups, spraying of crops, running dairy machines, and running pneumatic handling machinery.
Manufacturing: air compression is a primary power source in refineries, assembly plants, plastics, or the fabrication of metals. They assist in the production process in a number of ways. These include welding and cutting equipment, the ejection of objects from molds, monitoring production, blowing of molded gas tanks or plastic bottles and many others.
Energy exploration: due to its remote nature, this industry needs reliable power to minimize maintenance and repair costs. Air compressors can thus be used to power both onshore and offshore pneumatic equipment as well as compensate for movements caused by rough seas among other uses.
