Were you under the impression that there is only one type of air compressor available? If you were, you’re wrong. That’s ok, though. Air compressors can be a little overwhelming with everything that’s available. To help out, here’s a list of some different types of air compressors and briefly, how they work.

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.