Editing Choosing an air compressor

{{youcanedit}} ==Types of air compressors== In the automotive world there are different types of air compressors used in different situations. Most compressors are measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute) or SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute), and PSI (pounds per square inch). An example of this would be advertized as '''''11 CFM @ 100 PSI'''''. Two of the most common types are: *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reciprocating_compressor Reciprocating] *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_screw_compressor Rotary] ==Reciprocating== Reciprocating compressors are the most commonly used type by hobbyists and professionals alike. They are more suited for uses where a constant demand for compressed air is not a priority. These compressors have a tendency to cycle often depending on the tank size and the amount of air being used. There are two types of reciprocating compressors: *Single stage *Dual stage A single stage compressor acts akin to a two stroke internal combustion engine. When the piston moves down, creating vacuum, opens a reed to allow air into the cylinder. After the piston changes direction, the intake reed is shut and the compression reed opens allowing the volume of air trapped in the cylinder to compress into the holding tank. A dual stage or two-stage compressor consist of one or two first-stage cylinders with the same bore size and one second-stage cylinder with a smaller bore size. On the suction stroke of the first-stage piston, air enters the cylinders through the inlet in the head. On the compression stroke of the first-stage piston, the air is compressed to an intermediate pressure and discharged through the discharge valves into common manifold. From the manifold the air passes through inter cooler tubes, where the heat of first-stage compression is removed. On the suction stroke of the second-stage piston this cooled air enters the second-stage cylinder through the inlet valve. The compression stroke of the second-stage piston compresses the air to the final discharge pressure and forces it out through the discharge valve into the receiver tank This type of system allows for quicker cycle times/air pressure recovery times while allowing the user to work at a higher pressure than a single stage. ==Rotary== This type of compressor is used more in situations where a high or constant demand of compressed air is needed. Examples of it's use include industrial factories, large shops with high air volume demand, trailer power unit running pneumatic construction equipment, and etc. Though this type of system will produce high volumes of compressed air at high pressures, the pressures attained are comparatively lower than those reached by a dual stage system. ==Uses== Example: What are air compressors used for, and what type of compressors might be needed for various tasks? ==Specifications== Example: What are an air compressor's specifications, and how are they reasonably interpreted? ==Brands== Example: What are some common brands and suppliers of air compressors? ==Related resources== ;Crankshaft Coalition wiki articles *[[Air compressor silencer]] *[[Media blasting]] ;Hotrodders Knowledge Base *[http://www.hotrodders.com/kb/air-compressors Air compressors] *[http://www.hotrodders.com/kb/air-compressor-suppliers Air compressor suppliers] ;Hotrodders forum threads *[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/compressor-191476.html Compressor] [[Category:Garage and shop]] [[Category:Tools]] [[Category:Undeveloped articles]]

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