Types of air compressors

1. Reciprocating (Piston) Air Compressors

How they work

Air is compressed by a piston moving up and down inside a cylinder.

Types

• Single-stage

• Two-stage

Pros

• Low initial cost

• Simple structure

• Easy maintenance

• Good for intermittent use

Cons

• Noisy

• Higher vibration

• Not suitable for continuous operation

Typische Anwendungen

• Workshops

• Garages

• Small factories

• Spray painting (low volume)

2. Rotary Screw Air Compressors

How they work

Two rotating screws compress air continuously.

Pros

• Continuous air supply

• Low noise

• High efficiency

• Long service life

Cons

• Higher price than piston compressors

• Professional maintenance required

Typische Anwendungen

• Manufacturing plants

• PET bottle blowing lines

• CNC machines

• Continuous industrial use

3. Scroll Air Compressors

How they work

Two spiral-shaped scrolls compress air smoothly.

Pros

• Very quiet

• Oil-free

• Compact size

• Low vibration

Cons

• Limited capacity

• Higher cost per CFM

Typische Anwendungen

• Medical equipment

• Dental clinics

• Laboratories

• Electronics industry

4. Centrifugal Air Compressors

How they work

High-speed rotating impellers increase air velocity and pressure.

Pros

• Large air volume

• High efficiency at large scale

• Reliable for continuous operation

Cons

• Very expensive

• Large size

• Complex system

Typische Anwendungen

• Steel plants

• Chemical plants

• Power stations

• Large industrial systems

5. Axial Air Compressors

How they work

Air flows parallel to the compressor shaft through multiple rotating blades.

Pros

• Extremely high airflow

• Compact for large volumes

Cons

• Complex design

• Very expensive

• Limited pressure increase per stage

Typische Anwendungen

• Aircraft engines

• Gas turbines

• Power generation

6. Diaphragm Air Compressors

How they work

A flexible diaphragm compresses air without oil contact.

Pros

• Oil-free

• High purity air

• Good for corrosive gases

Cons

• Low capacity

• Higher cost

Typische Anwendungen

• Pharmaceutical industry

• Food processing

• Chemical handling

7. Oil-Free vs Oil-Lubricated (Important Classification)

Oil-Lubricated Compressors

• Longer lifespan

• Higher efficiency

• Requires oil maintenance

• Air contains oil mist

Oil-Free Compressors

• Clean air

• Higher cost

• Shorter service life

• Lower efficiency

8. Portable vs Stationary Compressors

Portable

• Small, movable

• Construction sites

• Field repair

Stationary

• Fixed installation

• Industrial production lines

• Higher capacity

9. Special Application Compressors

• High-pressure compressors (PET bottle blowing)

• Low-pressure blowers (aeration, wastewater)

• Booster compressors (increase existing air pressure)

Quick Selection Guide