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AIR COMPRESSOR •
EQUIPMENT

4 Types of Air
Compressors: Which is
Right for Your Project?
By: BigRentz on June 15, 2022

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Air compressors are some of the most necessary appliances

found at construction sites, as they can be used as a power
source for electric tools. There are many different types of air
compressors, each with its own unique capabilities and
drawbacks.

Air compressors are categorized as either positive

displacement or dynamic displacement, based on their
internal mechanisms. The four most common types of air
compressors are:

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1. Rotary Screw Compressors

2. Reciprocating Air Compressors

3. Axial Compressors

4. Centrifugal Compressors

To help you make an informed decision for your project, we’ll

cover the key features of each type and explain how each one
works below.

Positive Displacement
Compressors
Positive displacement compressors encompass a variety of
different air compressors that generate power via air
displacement. Air compressors in this category work with
different internal mechanisms, but the principle for each is
the same. A cavity inside the machine stores the air brought
from outside, then slowly compresses the cavity to increase
the air pressure and potential energy.

Rotary Screw Compressors

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A common type of displacement compressor, rotary screws are

some of the easiest types of air compressors to take care of,
as they are equipped with an internal cooling system that
doesn’t require much maintenance. They are typically large
industrial-sized machines that can be either lubricated with
oil or run oil-free.

Rotary screw air compressors generate energy via two internal

rotors that turn in opposite directions. The air gets trapped
between the two opposing rotors and builds up pressure
within the housing. Because of the internal cooling system,
these air compressors are designed for continuous use, and
range in power from 5 horsepower up to 350 horsepower.

Best For: Large-scale jobs and industrial settings that require

continuous airflow

Reciprocating Compressors

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Reciprocating compressors are another popular type of

displacement compressor. They are typically found at smaller
work sites such as garages and home construction projects.
Unlike the rotary screw compressor, the reciprocating
compressor is not designed for continuous use. A reciprocating
air compressor also has more moving parts, which are
lubricated with oil for smoother movement.

Reciprocating compressors work via a piston inside a cylinder,

which compresses and displaces the air to build pressure.
Reciprocating compressors can come in single- or multi-stage
variations, which affects the pressure ranges they can achieve.

When you need more power, the multi-stage compressor is

the way to go. While single-stage compressors will get the job
done for smaller projects such as woodworking and
metalworking, multi-stage compressors provide the power
needed for intense construction, such as automobile assembly
and maintenance.

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Best For: Home and small-scale construction projects

Dynamic Compressors
Dynamic air compressors generate horsepower by bringing in
air with rapidly rotating blades and restricting it to create
pressure. The kinetic energy is then stored as static within the
compressor. Axial and centrifugal compressors are the two
most common types of dynamic compressors.

Axial Compressors

Axial air compressors are not typically used in construction

projects. Instead, they are commonly found in high-speed
engines on ships and planes. Axial compressors have a high
efficiency rate but are much more expensive than other types
of air compressors, making them best suited for aerospace
applications requiring high horsepower.

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Best For: Aerospace applications and high-speed engines for

ships

Centrifugal Compressors

Centrifugal air compressors slow and cool incoming air

through a diffuser in order to build up potential energy.
Because of their multi-phase compression process, centrifugal
compressors are able to produce a high amount of energy in a
relatively small machine.

These compressors require less maintenance than rotary screw

or reciprocating compressors, and some types can produce
oil-free air. Because they can reach around 1,000 horsepower,
centrifugal compressors are typically used for more demanding
construction sites like chemical plants and steel
manufacturing centers.

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Best For: Large-scale steel and chemical manufacturing

plants

How Do I Choose the Right

Type of Air Compressor?

In addition to the power-generating mechanisms and energy

output levels discussed above, there are several other factors
to consider when choosing the air compressor that is best for
your job.

Consider Air Quality

In clean manufacturing environments, using oil-powered air
compressors can create a problem. Most air compressors rely
on oil to lubricate the inside mechanisms, and the fumes may
contaminate the air, resulting in damage to products or
manufacturing processes. With an oil-free air compressor, this
risk is greatly reduced.

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Though oil-free compressors are generally more expensive,

they are the only option for facilities that guarantee clean
manufacturing. Oil may still be necessary to lubricate the
machine, but the inner workings of oil-free compressors
contain a different sealing mechanism to ensure that no oil
gets into the actual compressor.

In addition to clean air, oil-free compressors often have lower

running costs, as parts do not need to be changed as
frequently.

Prioritize Energy Efficiency

If you’re working on a long construction project, getting a
high-efficiency air compressor can be worth the extra cost in
the long run. If you’re looking for an energy-efficient air
compressor, consider one of the following options:

Variable speed: Variable speed-driven (VSD) compressors

save energy and money by allowing you to increase or
decrease output on demand. In comparison, the motors in
fixed-speed compressors are constantly churning at the
same rate and require a cool-down period that uses extra
energy.

Natural gas: Natural gas air compressors run on natural gas

instead of diesel or electricity. They often operate more
efficiently than other options and have better heat recovery
capabilities than electric compressors. If efficiency and

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energy savings are your main goals, a natural gas unit may
be a good fit.

Consider Portability Limitations

If you transport your air compressor between sites, a portable
unit is a good option. Small, lightweight units can still deliver
energy, but in a compact package. Though they won’t be as
powerful as larger units, portable compressors can be ideal for
smaller construction projects. Certain units can even be
plugged into a car’s power adapter to fuel small airbrush
painting or tire inflation tools!

Determine the Need for

Additional Features
There are a variety of add-ons and additional features you can
use with different types of air compressors. For example,
couplers or air hose splitters allow you to hook up multiple
tools to your air compressor so you don’t have to disconnect
when you’re changing tasks. Air compressors with thermal
protection add-ons keep track of internal heating and stop
motor damage if the machine is overloaded.

Some air compressors have belt drive systems rather than

direct drives, which allow for quieter operation. If you think
you will need any of these additional features, you’ll want to

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make sure that the type of air compressor you choose is

compatible.

If you don’t want the commitment of purchasing an air

compressor for your construction job, BigRentz has several
types of air compressors for you to rent for your next job.
From small and portable to industrial-scale, you have all the
information you need to make the best choice for you.

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