Types of Compressor

Types of Commonly Purchased Air Compressors

Piston-Type Compressors use tanks to store the compressed air. The motor shuts off automatically when the tank pressure reaches a specified level. As air is used, the pressure inside the tank drops and the motor then restarts to build the pressure back up. No doubt you will have noticed the ‘cutting in’ and ‘cutting out’ of the compressor’s motor when around one in operation. The pressure settings are adjustable and there are two kinds of piston compressors:

Single-Stage Compressors and Two Stage Compressors

Single-Stage Compressors use a single piston to compress the air and send it to the storage tank. The single-stage system is designed for light-duty compressors with a maximum rating of less than 150 pounds of pressure per square inch (psi). Single-stage compressors are ideal for most home users.
Two Stage Compressors have two pistons to compress the air and send it to the storage tank. The first piston compresses the air, pushing it through a check valve to the second piston. The second piston compresses the air even more and delivers it to the storage tank. Two-stage systems are commonly found on commercial heavy-duty compressors with maximum ratings greater than 150 psi. Two-stage compressors are good choices for continuous use such as in mechanical repair shop and light fabrication factory environments.

Compact Air Compressors are small, light duty compressors. These compressors are not fitted with storage tanks, so they run continuously and as such need to be rested regularly to prevent overheating. Compact compressors power caulk guns, glue guns, small spray guns, and can inflate sports equipment and tires. They often run off the car cigarette lighter socket or attach to the car battery with crocodile clips.

Single-Stage Compressors and Two Stage Compressors

Two Stage Compressors have two pistons to compress the air and send it to the storage tank. The first piston compresses the air, pushing it through a check valve to the second piston. The second piston compresses the air even more and delivers it to the storage tank. Two-stage systems are commonly found on commercial heavy-duty compressors with maximum ratings greater than 150 psi. Two-stage compressors are good choices for continuous use such as in mechanical repair shop and light fabrication factory environments.

Compact Air Compressors are the smallest and lightest compressors available. These compressors don’t have storage tanks, so they must run continuously to supply air. Compact compressors power caulk guns, glue guns, small spray guns, and can inflate sports equipment and tires.