Most Types of Air Compressors Are Available in as 'Oil lubed' and 'Oil-less' Variants

Most types of air compressors are available in as 'Oil lubed' and 'Oil-less' variants. Oil lubed means these air compressors have their internal mechanical system that create the vacuum and pressure have a synthetic or semi-synthetic lubricants greasing the components, etc. Whereas, Oil-less models have seen more technical development over the years. However, these are relatively expensive, much louder and last for a shorter span of time as compared to Oil-lubed models. Notwithstanding, the Oil-less models are known for delivering significantly better quality air and higher compression rates measured as against the amount of energy required for operating them. Uses of Air Compressors Air compressors can be used for anything and everything. In fact, you may even invent something or some idea, which requires their use. For e. g., scuba divers, now use these for breathing underwater. They carry air tanks (for oxygen) along with them when diving into deep ends of the oceans or even while diving for longer periods when they do not intend to come up to the surface frequently for air. Even researchers, science enthusiasts or environmentalists heading out to the seas or oceans require them for filling up their air tanks for use underwater. It may be noted that such models are usually oil-lubed as they need to last longer and only small amounts of air is needed while filling air tanks. Another range of equipment - air conditioners - is based on this mechanism. In an Air Conditioner, the cooling agent (usually an inert gas) that absorbs heat from the air drawn in is pumped through a fine mesh of pipes. A dedicated compressor, typically runs this gas through these cooling fins. Without compressing and forcing this cooling agent, there would be no loss of heat and therefore, the cooling effect of the room or area would not take place. It is the absorption of heat and blowing it away from the room, which results in a cooler place. Several other industries have adopted and, in fact, designed several hand tools, machinery and even robotics tools aided by air compressors. For e.g.: - Nail guns for securing planks of wood or even affixing objects to walls etc. - Jackhammers or pneumatic hammers for breaking up hard materials like roads walls or any other structure created by brick and cement, etc. - An engine may require compressors for heating and cooling its high-performance systems - Specially designed models are also used in large power plants for delivering energy to huge machinery Before choosing an air compressor, determine the kind of application for which is it intended. Whether it is going to be used intermittently or be kept running continuously at a time? A two-stage air compressor model first draws in air, then compresses it. This results in improved air flow and pressure. This also provides storing greater amount of air, whilst reducing the amount of heat generated by the air compressor. Two stage models, thus, are known to have a far greater shelf life than other models. Moreover, a reciprocating mechanism model is best suited for intermittent use and rotary screw compressors for continuous use. Centrifugal compressors are large engines, designed for power plants and heavy industrial units and hence, are not suited for or financially feasible for small-scale tasks. Source: ezinearticles.com