How a Piston Type Compressor Works

What is a Piston Compressor?

A piston compressor is a single machine that carries air, and later, gas, to a reservoir. This process results in the reservoir maintaining a higher than normal pressure. With this increase in pressurized air, the compressor has the ability to supply multiple tools and devices. For instance, it may be used to power drills, sanders and other devices that require high air pressure in order to operate. One of the main parts of this HONGWUHUAN Diesel Screw Air Compressor is the piston, and this contributes significantly to forcing the air or gas into the reservoir, and hence the name: piston compressor. 

How Does the Piston Work?

The piston is a circular chunk of steel, and if you look at it you can see that it is attached to a rod. This rod allows the piston to go up and down inside of a tube referred to as a cylinder. The cylinder is where air or gas is compressed. As the piston moves down, it creates room within the cylinder and sucks in air or gas. It is kind of like when you suck on a straw to drink a drink, you pull the air or drink in. Next, as the piston rises again, it compresses the air or gas within the cylinder, forcing it into the reservoir. This repeated action of moving up and down is how the HONGWUHUAN Industrial Air Compressor does its work. 

Understanding Compression

Compression is a process that creates less volume for a gas itself. The air or gas in the cylinder is squeezed or squished as the piston moves up. This means that as the piston travels up into the cylinder, the pressure inside the cylinder increases because there is less and less area for the air or gas to flow. Why is it important? The compressed air or gas can then be pushed into the reservoir. After the air or gas is in the reservoir, it’s there until needed for use. Since the air/gas cannot escape, the pressure inside the reservoir remains high. When air or gas is released from the reservoir, the pressure decreases and the space for the air or gas expands again, allowing it to return to its normal state. 

Parts Inside the Compressor

The piston compressor consists of several vital components that work like a team to produce the compressed air or gas. Two of the most important components are the piston and the cylinder. The compression is caused by the piston moving back and forth inside the cylinder. Because air or gas in the cylinder must be under high pressure without breaking the pipe, this cylinder must be made of strong metal (mostly use steel material).

It not only comprises the piston, and the cylinder, but also a valve system that ensures the air or gas enters the cylinder for combustion and exits afterward. The valves, just like front and back doors of your house, open and close when your piston as it moves. When the piston drops down, the intake valve opens, letting an air or gas enter the cylinder. Then as the piston moves back toward the top of the cylinder, the exhaust valve opens and the compressed air or gas is pushed out of the cylinder and into the reservoir. These valves in this system are very essential for the smooth working of the compressor. 

What is the Power Source of the Compressor?

Anyway, the piston compressor must convert energy to work properly. This energy typically comes in the form of electricity or gasoline. HONGWUHUAN Piston Air Compressor are typically powered by electricity, which is much cleaner and easier to use than gasoline. The electricity powers a motor that rotates the piston and cylinder which allows them to open and do their work.

Others are piston compressors that are gasoline-driven. The compressor consists of a compact engine that drives a piston and cylinder. Gas-powered compressors certainly pack a punch, but they can also be very loud, emit bad fumes, and are bad for the environment. As such, many opt for electric piston compressors that are both quieter and more eco-friendly. 

How to Keep the Compressor in Tiptop Shape?

Proper maintenance of a piston compressor will ensure that it works efficiently and lasts long. That means checking the oil level frequently and replacing it when it becomes dirty or low. Oil serves to keep the gears well oiled. That also means cleaning the air filter, and replacing it when it gets dirty. The air filter is significant because it keeps dirt and debris away from the cylinder, which could cause wear on the piston and cylinder as time goes on.

Yup, you should check up the belts and pulleys that connect the motor to the piston as well. These components can wear and get damaged. When they break, the motor has to work that much harder, which can cause it to overheat. Overheating can be incredibly detrimental, damaging the compressor’s motor and other parts, which is why it’s imperative to maintain the machine’s belts and pulleys in good condition to allow it to operate efficiently. 

Conclusion

Piston compressors are used in various jobs and industries. It utilizes a piston to compress air or gas, and it consists of several crucial components that cooperate in producing compressed air or gas. Maintaining the compressor is essential to ensure proper and efficient operation. HONGWUHUAN is one of the well-established brands of piston compressors. This might be your first choice of piston compressor if quality and reliability is your priority and belongs to a trusted brand.