Medical Air Compressors

Air compressors for medical uses are fairly common throughout the world. Basically, they’re used to draw air in from the room and push it into a tube to help patients breathe. That said, it’s really a complex piece of equipment that’s tested and studied because it plays such an important role – helping a human being stay alive. There are typically two types of medical air compressors used – large units that plug into an electrical outlet and smaller, portable medical air compressors that are generally run with some type of battery.

Industrial Air Compressors

You may be more familiar with industrial uses for air compressors. From air power tools to other type of air tools, air compressor tools make getting the job done a lot easier for contractors and construction workers all over. Industrial air compressors have a lot of different uses and come in a lot of different styles (and sizes), but there is sure to be one for every job.

Home Air Compressors

Air compressors to use in your garage at your home will most likely not be as advanced or large as medical or industrial air compressors. That doesn’t mean they’re not helpful to have around, though. From filling up tires (whether on a bike or car) to blowing dust from something to powering various air power tools, the uses are many. And that’s what makes them such an important part of any serious home owner’s collection of tools.

Many Uses for Air Compressors

As you can see, there’s a wide array of uses for air compressors – some you may not thought of before. So next time you find yourself wondering about the different types of air compressors available, and what they do, you can rest easy, knowing what you know now. You’re encouraged to keep reading this site, though, for even more information on air compressors and other things directly or indirectly tied to them.

Reciprocating (Piston) Air Compressors

Reciprocating air compressors use positive displacement (the space available for air is made smaller by a piston) to create air to store in a tank for your use. This is very similar to the way an internal combustion piston engine works in a car. Luckily, there’s no combustion, though, as the air is simply compressed by the piston and stored in a tank for your later use.

Rotary Air Compressors

The principle behind this is similar to a piston air compressor, but instead of one piston pushing the air, rotary air compressors usually have two pieces that work like screws – able to twist up and down. As they twist toward each other, the air is compressed and pushed into a storage tank. This type of air compressor can be a little quieter than some of the other types of air compressors.

Centrifugal Air Compressors

Centrifugal air compressors don’t use positive displacement like piston and rotary air compressors. Instead, they use a piece that spins really fast, then slows the air down using the process of dynamic compression. This type of air compressor is generally used when a large amount of air is needed. It may take more energy (electricity) to run this type of air compressor.

Types of Air Compressors and You

So, which type of air compressor is right for you? That’s not an easy question to answer. Well, not without more details about what you’re going to be using the air compressor for – medical uses (centrifugal air compressors are more common) or industrial uses (piston and rotary air compressors are more common here.) With the knowledge you have now, though, you’ll be able to make the right decision on what type of air compressor is best for you.