Electric air compressors make many jobs a lot easier, but if you are in the market for one, sometimes the terms can be rather confusing. Here is a look at the meanings of some of the more common air compressor terms.
But sometimes the lingo around electric air compressors can be rather confusing if you do not use one often, or if you are not very mechanically inclined. Here are just a few of the common terms you may come across when you are shopping around and looking at different electric air compressors.
After Cooler - a heat exchanger used for cooling air discharged from a compressor. The condensation that results from the cooling may be removed by a moisture separator following the after cooler.
Air Dryer - the device that removes the moisture from the compressed air after it has been cooled.
Capacity -the amount of air flow that electric air compressors deliver, usually expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM). When purchasing an air compressor, make sure its capacity is enough to operate the tools you will use.
Check Valve - a valve which permits air flow in only one direction.
Compression Ratio - the ratio of the discharge pressure to the inlet pressure.
Constant Speed Control - a system in which the compressor is run continuously and matches air supply to air demand.
Cycle - the series of steps that a compressor with unloading performs: 1) fully loaded, 2) modulating (for compressors with modulating control), 3) unloaded, 4) idle. The amount of time for a compressor to complete one cycle is the cycle time.
Discharge Temperature - the temperature at the discharge flange of the compressor.
Full-Load - when electric air compressors operate at full speed with a fully open inlet and discharge, it is delivering maximum air flow.
Inlet Pressure - The actual pressure at the inlet flange of the compressor typically measure in pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG).
Load Time - the time period from when a compressor loads until it unloads.
Load / Unload Control - a control method which allows the compressor to run at a constant speed (while at full load or no load).
Pneumatic Tools - tools that are run using an air compressor.
Pressure Range - the difference between minimum and maximum pressures for electric air compressors.
Speed - the rpm of the electric air compressors drive or rotor shaft.
Unload (or no load) - compressor operation when no air is delivered because the intake is closed or modified to not allow inlet air to be trapped.
Valves - devices with passages for directing flow into alternate paths, or used to prevent flow.
These are just a few of the terms that may be helpful for you to understand when choosing which one of the many electric air compressors may be best for you. Also, make sure the tank size will support the type of jobs you will be doing. My husband is disappointed (yea,right!) that his 4 gallon tank, that he has owned for years, is not large enough to operate a sprayer, so he may have to purchase a larger one to get the job done right!
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