An Air compressor is a mechanical device that sucks in successive Air volumes from the atmosphere, compresses each air volume much smaller, and then transfers the high-pressure air to a receiver tank used to power the equipment at hand. This article will explain how compressors work and the types found in Kenya.
Compressor existence play a significant role in households, hospitals, industries, and companies since they run most equipment. The compressor uses petrol-driven engines or electric motors as a source of power.
Categories of air compressors
Compressors work under two fundamental principles of air compression. Therefore, they are divided into displacement and dynamic compressors, depending on the principle they use.
Types of compressors
Reciprocating Compressors
This compressor uses pistons driven by a crankshaft to compress theair. This type works in both single-stage or multistage,depending on the output required. They are commonly used at households, home workshops, and smaller job sites in Kenya due to the lower prices and small sizes.
Rotary vane compressors
This type works under the principle of air compression motors. Theyconsist of a rotor and a fixed stator wall which is stationary. As the rotor turns, theblades are pressed against the wall of the housing. This makes it noise-effective. However, it has many moving parts requiring continuous maintenance and has weight.
Linear compressors
This compressor can compress various gases, figurants, hydrogen, and natural gas. Due to this, it has a Wide range of applications in many industries and can be designed for various capacities. But they have several disadvantages that make it less practical to use in Kenya.
Rotary screw compressors
This type uses two meshed rotary positive-displacement screws to force air into a smaller space. It is the best known and most popular type because it has fewer moving parts, larger capacity, less vibration and surging, and typically has higher efficiency. It also has the most affordable air compressor prices in Kenya.
Centrifugal compressors
This type, along with screw compressor are extensively used in large refrigerators and air conditioning. They weigh up to 90% less and occupy 50% less space than reciprocating compressors; they’re reliable and cost less to take care of.
Scroll compressors
This type of air compressor operates more smoothly, quietly, and reliably than other types. Due to minimum clearance volume, the compressors have a very high volumetric efficiency. They are lighter, smaller, and have fewer moving parts than reciprocating compressors, and they are also more reliable. This makes them obtain the highest air compressor prices in Kenya.
Axial compressor
This compressor uses arrays of fan-like airfoils to compress progressively. They have high efficiencies. However, they are relatively expensive, requiring many components, tight tolerance, and high-quality materials, making them less available for use in Kenya.
Conclusion
Air compressors are essential mechanical machines with multiple services from households to large industrial sites and companies. One should consider each type, its features,and advantages and disadvantages,among other factors,beforechoosing which to buy.