Reciprocating air compressors are positive displacement compression systems, so they increase the pressure of the air by reducing its volume basically. They take in successive volumes of air and confine it within a closed space elevating this air to a higher pressure. The reciprocating air compressor accomplishes this by a piston within a cylinder as the compressing and displacing element pressuring the air within.
Single-stage and two-stage reciprocating compressors are commercially available.
Single-stage air compressors are generally used for pressures in the range of 70 psig up to 100 psig.
Two-stage air compressors are generally used for higher pressures in the range of 100 psig up to 250 psig.
Important to Note that: 1 HP ~ 4 CFM @ 100 psi as well as 1 to 50 HP are typically for reciprocating units. Air Compressors 100 hp and above are typically Rotary Screw or Centrifugal Air Compressors.
The reciprocating air compressor is considered single acting when the compression is accomplished using only one side of the piston. However, when it uses both sides of the piston to accomplish the compression then it is considered double acting.
Known as Load reduction is achieved by unloading individual cylinders and this gets accomplished by throttling the suction pressure to the cylinder or bypassing air. Capacity control is achieved by varying speed in engine-driven units through fuel flow control. Reciprocating air compressors are available either as air-cooled or water-cooled in lubricated and non-lubricated models and provide a wide range of pressure and capacity outputs.
A reciprocating air compressor brings added speed and efficiency to your operations. When you buy a reciprocating compressor from NPS Compressed Air Parts, you'll receive quality machines from the industry's leading manufacturers, like Ingersoll Rand, Atlas Copco, Holman, Elmo Reischle, Gardner Denver, Compair, and Kaeser.
Our extensive selection of reciprocating air compressors includes:
Oil-less and oil free models
Single stage and two stage models
Electric, gasoline, and diesel driven models
High pressure & Low Pressure models
Industrial models
Vertical and horizontal machines
We have a wide inventory of air compressor parts for the top manufacturers, like Ingersoll Rand, Atlas Copco, Compair, Elmo Reischle, Gardner Denver, Holman, and Kaeser to keep your reciprocating air compressor running smoothly.
