What Is a Pneumatic Compressor?

Pneumatic compressors are also known as compressors. Compressors compress air drawn in from the atmosphere to the desired operating pressure. A filter mounted at the front separates out dust or other solid matter from the air.

There are different types of compressors depending on their operating method, including piston, screw, rotary, and turbo types.

piston compressor and its symbol — Piston compressor and its symbol in a pneumatic circuit diagram

For detailed information on compressor types, see: Types of Compressors

What Does a Compressor Do?

A pneumatic air compressor is a machine used to increase air pressure, so that air or gas can operate pneumatic tools, machines, or equipment. These compressors can be used whenever air needs to be conditioned to perform heavy or repetitive physical tasks.

Compressors can, for example, be used for applications such as automatic screwdriving machines, paint guns, pneumatic hand tools, industrial robots, or air-powered vehicles.

Piston Compressor Pressure

Industrial piston compressors generally produce an operating pressure in the range of 7-10 bar.

Screw Compressor Efficiency

Screw compressors offer higher efficiency and less vibration than piston compressors on industrial lines that require continuous operation.

Air Tank Capacity

A compressor’s air tank volume can range from 50 to 500 liters, to balance sudden fluctuations in air demand in the system.

How Does a Compressor Work?

A compressor works to compress air or another gas. Generally, a piston, driven by a motor, moves inside a cylinder, increasing the air’s pressure. Air enters the cylinder through an intake valve and is pressurized during the piston’s stroke. The air then exits through an outlet valve into a reservoir where it’s stored under pressure. This process repeats over and over, and the compressor keeps running until the air reaches the desired pressure level.

Compressors can be used to supply the pressure needed to use air in a wide range of applications.

Related Questions

Raw air drawn from the atmosphere contains dust and solid particles. Without a filter, this contamination would enter the system and, over time, erode or clog valves and sensitive components.

Piston compressors can produce higher pressure, while screw compressors are better suited for industrial lines that require continuous, uninterrupted operation. The choice is made based on the system’s required pressure and duty cycle.