Used Air Compressors

Used air compressors can save the owner a considerable amount of money, without loss of performance. This is because air compressors can be expensive to purchase, but are in many cases relatively simple in terms of operation.

Buying used air compressors can therefore make a lot of sense, particularly in these times of economic difficulty.

Used air compressors are basically machines that increase the air pressure in a given space, in this case a tank, by drawing in more air. It is very much like a sneeze. When you sneeze you draw more ait into your lungs, thus increasing the pressure and turning your lungs into an air compressor tank.

The above example demonstrates the 2 stages of used air compressors. The first stage is the actual compression, where the additional air is drawn into the air compressor tank, and the release of that air under pressure.

The type of used air compressors you choose will depend on the application for which they are required. This in turn more or less determines the method of air compression. For example, someone wanting used air compressors for small scale work around the home, or a keen modeller, will need small used air compressors, which will usually be what is called a “positive displacement” compressor.

These types of used air compressors often use a piston, just like a car engine, to draw extra air into the air compressor tank. The compressor itself will usually have a gauge allowing you to pump in sufficient air to the air compressor tank to the required pressure you need to perform the job in hand. When it reaches the required pressure, or the maximum pressure for the air compressor tank, extra air will simply “bleed away” via a pressure release valve.

Other positive displacement used air compressors use what are called rotary screws. Here the pressure is increased by reducing the volume of the air compressor tank caused by the rotating screws.

Non positive displacement compressors are generally used for industrial applications. In this type of used air compressor, which employs a centrifuge, air is introduced to the tank at speed by an impeller, then slowed down by an internal diffuser, thus increasing the air pressure. The decrease in pressure also results in heat generation, therefore an intercooler is employed in this type of used air compressor.

Used air compressors have many applications, but those we typically see as part of our day to day lives are used to power pneumatic tools for removing wheel nuts or paint spraying for example.

Used air compressors are powered by either electricity or natural gas. Whilst the gas powered models are generally considered more cost effective to run, care must be taken if they are to be used in enclosed areas, as fumes may pose a health hazard.