Air compressors are durable and last a long time

The are not too many air compressor parts to tinker with. For a device which plays such an important role in our lives, the air compressor surprisingly has very few parts. Air compressor parts operate to force air into a chamber where it is compressed and then release it in spurts. It provides power supplied by electricity, a diesel or gasoline engine into kinetic energy to power anything from airbrushes to factories.

There are two basic types of air compressors: a positive displacement type and a negative displacement compressor. In positive displacement air compressors, air is fed into the chamber by pistons, rotary screws or vanes mounted on slotted rotors. In the negative displacement type of air compressor, a spinning impeller uses centrifugal force to accelerate and decelerate the air which is then pressurized.

An air compressor is either open, hermetically-sealed or semi-hermetically sealed. A hermetically-sealed air compressor has the motor and compressor in a one-piece welded unit, such as those used in air conditioners. It cannot be opened and once it breaks down, it needs to be replaced. However, in semi-hermetically sealed and open type air compressors, parts can be replaced when they are worn out.

Most important of air compressor parts is the pump. From ½ to 5 horsepower air compressors use single-stage pumps while those above 5 horsepower use two-stage pumps. A centrifugal pump is needed for a negative displacement type air compressor.

Another vital part of air compressor parts is the air tank. They come in different sizes and are either horizontal or vertical. Depending upon the size, the air tank may be stationary or portable. Portable air tanks can be made of heavy-duty or industrial grade steel. Some come provided with wheels for easy transport.

The third major component of air compressor parts is the power source. It can either be an electric motor, a gasoline or diesel engine. Electric motors can range from 1/3 to 15 horsepower depending upon the pump requirements.

The other air compressor parts consist of the air filter, manifolds, valves, regulators, switches, pressure gauges, fittings and controls. Other parts are accessories of the tank, pump and engine such as capacitors, belts and a starter.  The simplicity of the air compressor design makes it a very durable machine. It requires little maintenance and replacement of air compressor parts does not happen very often.