How to Learn About Air Compressors

Air compressors, commonly used to power pneumatic tools, come in a variety of models with distinct advantages and disadvantages. To know which air compressor is right for you, you need to learn about air compressor functions, specifications and sizing. Fortunately, learning about air compressors is not overly difficult if you use the right educational resources and follow some specific learning steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Air compressor manual
• "Compressed Air Operations Manual," by Brian Elliot

1. Visit Air Compressor Exchange's "Compressor Types" page (see Resources) for basic information about air compressors. The article explains the four major types of compressors so you can better focus future study on the compressor that works best for your situation. According to the article, Oil-Flooded Rotary Screw Compressors are the best type for most situations, offering the moderate power, maintenance and pricing needed for home-based jobs. The low horsepower Rotary Vane Compressor is more useful for inflating tires than powering pneumatic tools, but this small machine comes at a low price and requires very little maintenance. Reciprocating Compressors are ever smaller and less powerful than Rotary Vane Compressors, but they are typically priced comparably; however, this type of compressor has the advantage of easy portability. Centrifugal Compressors offer the highest horsepower ratings, useful for large pneumatic devices or multiple smaller devices, making them ideal for construction crews; they are, however, expensive, bulky and costly to maintain.

2. Visit about-air-compressors.com to learn the about air compressor technology and functionality. On the site, you'll find articles explaining how air compressors work and how to use basic air compressors. This site is an excellent follow-up to the basic informative primer provided at AirCompressorExchange.com.

3. Read the Briggs and Stratton guide to air compressors (see References). The Briggs and Stratton guide is primarily geared toward purchasing a new compressor, explaining what the reader should look for in a unit. The focus is on Briggs and Stratton brand products, but the tenets can be broadly applied to any brand of air compressor. The guide will teach you about air compressor product specifications and sizing.

4. Read your air compressor's manual. The official manual is your go-to source for the most detailed informative learning about your specific brand of air compressor. If you do not have a manual, or you do not care for such specialized information, consider reading Brian Elliot's book "Compressed Air Operations Manual." Elliot's manual is designed for usage with virtually any type of air compressor. Elliot's writing provides a more generalized, yet thorough explanation of air compressor usage and maintenance.

References

• Briggs and Stratton: "Air Compressors"
• Compressed Air Operations Manual; Brian Elliot; 2006

Resources

• Air Compressor Exchange -- "Compressor Types"
• About-Air-Compressors.com -- "Understanding and Using Compressed Air"

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