Compressor
Compressor Models & Varieties
In order to increase the pressure in a variety of different fluids, we use compressors. Across all industries, the most commonly filtered and pressurized element is air. Find all the information about our high-performing compressors below.
Application
Compressors are often utilized in an array of industries to provide air, power air tools, paint sprayers and abrasive blast equipment, phase shift refrigerants for air conditioning and refrigeration, propel gas through pipelines as well as being used in a lab.
Compressors are also used in the oil and gas industry to compress natural gas for storage, transport, and use.
Size & Types
The size of the compressor can range from a small unit that inflates car tires to giant machines found at the end of oil pipelines. The positive-displacement compressors are further broken up into reciprocating types, where the piston style is most popular, and rotary types, such as helices screws and rotary vanes.
Available Types of Air Compressor
We offer several compressors that can be classified according to their function.
- Piston compressors
- Diaphragm compressors
- Helical Screw compressors
- Sliding vane compressors
- Scroll compressors
- Rotary Lobe compressors
- Centrifugal compressors
- Axial compressors
1. Piston Compressors
Our piston compressors are designed to compress gas and release the compressed gas into a tank.
Plant-air systems provide compressed air in the 90-110 psi range and are generally attainable through commercial off-the-shelf units. Plant-air systems can be sized around a single unit or can be based on multiple smaller units which are spaced throughout the plant.
2. Diaphragm Compressors
A diaphragm compressor is an air compression mechanism that creates a reciprocating cycle by using, a motor-mounted concentric that oscillates a flexible disc. This event expands and contracts the volume of the compression chamber.
Diaphragm air compressors are relatively low capacity machines that have applications where very clean air is required. These are often used in medical and more precise lab settings.
3. Helical Screw Compressors
Our rotary compressors are known for their capacity to operate on 100% duty cycle. These machines have geared, meshing male and female rotors that pull gas in at the drive end and compress it while traveling axially.
They make less noise, the air is always free of pulsations and they are quieter than reciprocating compressors. Rotary screw compressors can be Oil- or water- lubricated, or designed to make oil-free air.
4. Sliding Vane Compressors
A sliding-vane compressor relies on a series of vanes mounted on a rotor that sweeps the inside wall of an eccentric cavity. As the vanes rotate from the suction side to the discharge side, they compress gas trapped in the space by reducing volume. The seal is provided by an oil film that forms on the eccentric cavity’s wall.
Rotary vane compressors are reliable and can operate at 100% duty cycles. They are used in the oil and gas industry, as well as other process-based industries.
5. Scroll Compressors
Scroll compressors use a design that contains no lubricating oil. The device has an intrinsic oil-free design. The mechanics of scroll air compressors is that one spiral move and another stays still, which changes the space between them. Scroll compressors are most often used in air conditioning and home air-conditioning compressor machines because they can handle smaller amounts of pressure.
6. Rotary Lobe Compressors
Rotary-lobe compressors are used in cases of high-volume, low-pressure systems. See all available models below.
7. Centrifugal Compressors
Centrifugal compressors increase the pressure by throwing gas outwards. Use them for high-volume refrigeration or large-scale industrial processing. Centrifugal compressors are very similar to their sister, centrifugal pumps.
8. Axial Compressors
This type of compressor used in industrial machines delivers the widest range of volumes. They are used in jet engines to produce large amounts of air over a variety of their specifications. They are designed in multi-stage form, which allows them to manage low compression ratios more effectively.
9. Compressors with different power and fuel options
Air compressors may be powered electrically, including 12 volt DC air compressors or 24 volt DC air compressors.
There are a few different ways you can generate alternative power for your air compressors. If you want to eliminate exhaust fumes, you might pick an electrically powered option. Generally, these are beneficial in settings where the presence or use of combustible fuels is not desired.
Oil vs. Oil less Compressors
Oil Compressors
Our Oil Compressors is utilized for heat removal, as a sealant, and to lubricate the various parts of any given design. As seen in the case of piston compressors, the oil is thrown onto bearings and sidewalls.
In rotary compressors, the vane tips are covered with oil sealant to keep inefficiency-causing air leaks at bay. Centrifugal compressors don’t need any oil due to their simpler makeup.
Oil-Free Compressors
Piston-compressor makers can employ one-piece piston-crank assemblies that ride the crankshaft on eccentric bearings. As these pistons reciprocate in cylinders, they rock within them. This design eliminates a wrist-pin bearing on the piston. Piston-compressor makers also employ a variety of self-lubricating materials for the sealing rings and cylinder liners. Rotary screw compressor makers tighten up the clearances between the screws, eliminating the need for oil sealant.
The drawbacks of oil-less air compressors are just simply undesirable for some industries, but the benefits outweigh the downsides for others. Therefore, oil-free air is important for specific industries and where it makes sense to eliminate the risk of Oil.
Air Quality of Our Compressors
Our Air compressors can use air to add heat and oil to a mix of materials. When the intake air is humid, it produces an output with high moisture levels. In many cases, this does not affect the end-use and the process runs as intended. With more complicated or critical operations, though, it’s important to ensure the quality of the outputs.
Performance Specifications:
You should consider three main parameters when selecting compressor machinery, namely the size, features and certifications.
- volumetric capacity
- pressure capability
- the power of the machine
Although compressors can be rated by horsepower, you may not necessarily know what it will cost to operate the equipment since its efficiency is dependent on duty cycle and more.
Additional selection factors are as follows:
- Oil vs. Oil-free compressor
- Size of the compressor
- Air quality and filter sensitivity
- Controls & functions
- Pest Control
Discover our chemical-free bird repellent with the latest laser technology with zero environmental impact. Discover more here.
- Step Stools
Buy on qualified step stools, aluminum work platforms, and adjustable platform ladder products for residential, industrial, or construction work.
- Flags
Whether for drawing attention to different zones with marking flags, or national flags, McMaster-Carr offers a wide range of flags for different purposes. Check out all our flag categories here.
- Matting
Our matting products provide complete exterior and interior surface carpets. They offer thorough protection from mud, dirt, snow, and more. Shop Floor Liners here.
Order Now
Here at RAAH International, we offer Air treatment products, as well as complete compressed air solutions. Get in touch to place an order today.