Air Compressors
With the advancement of science and technology, compressors and its types have played myriad roles inthe construction of refrigerators, pumping machines and in many other construction projects too. But, what is actually a compressor and how does it work, is still a questions in the minds of thousand illiterates as well as few literates. A compressor is basically a device which increases the pressure of a gas (generally air) by reducing the volume of the respective gas or fluid inside it. Among the different types of compressors we see commonly, the air compressor is of prime importance. An air compressor is a mechanical tool that sucks in air at atmospheric pressure level and supplies it at a higher pressure level by internally compressing the air. This machine aims to convert power that is usually drawn from an electric motor or a gasoline engine to kinetic energy.
Methods of air compression
There are several methods to compress the air. Two basic categories of air compressors are involved for the purpose of the same. These are the:
- POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT AIR COMPRESSOR: the positive displacement air compressor works by forcefully putting in air into a chamber which already has a reduced volume to accelerate the process of compression. The compressor which uses a piston to compress the air, works on the basis of pumping air in the chamber via the continuous motion of piston. The rotary screw compressors work by matching two helical shaped screws, which once turned pushes air into the chamber and finally the volume of the air is reduced with the help of these screws.
- NEGATIVE DISPLACEMENT AIR COMPRESSORS: these are typically centrifugal compressors. They use the centrifugal force which is produced by a spinning impeller to speed up and then eventually speed down the captured air, that in turn pressurizes it.
Types of air compressors
The variety of air compressorscan be classified under the following broad heads:
- BASED ON THE OPERATION PRINCIPLE: These are the
- POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT COMPRESSORS
- ROTO-DYNAMIC COMPRESSORS
- NEGATIVE DISPLACEMENT COMPRESSORS
The positive displacement compressors can be further subdivided into rotary compressors and reciprocating compressors.
The reciprocating compressors again can be divided into:
- In-line reciprocating compressors
- V-shaped compressors
- Tandem piston compressors
- Single acting compressors
- Double acting Compressors
- Diaphragm compressors
The rotary screw air compressors can be classified into:
- Screw compressors
- Vane type compressors
- Lobe and scroll compressors
The roto-dynamic compressors have:
- Centrifugal compressors
- Axial flow compressors
- BASED ON THE ASPECTS OF:
- The number of stages; such as the single, multi staged compressors.
- The cooling technique and medium used; like the oil, water and air-cooled compressors.
- Types of drives; such as the engine driven ones.
- Lubrication methods
- Service pressure viz; the low, medium, high.
The various air compressor manufacturing companies not only have served mankind from the very time these were invented, but have also employed millions of young unemployed men to help them secure their future.
Sullair's World class line of portable rotary screw air compressors, 125 to 1600 cfm, in standard and high pressure, are designed for accessibility and reliability. 
Our portable compressors are built forlong-term use and maximum productivity. IR compressors have thelowest total cost of ownership when compared to other units on themarket.
Atlas Copco is the leading manufacturer of portable air compressors in the world. Used in a wide array of industries, Atlas Copco has created a machine successfully walking the line between output, size and capacity. 
Sullivan Diesel Driven Portable Air Compressors range from 185-1800 CFM, pressures from 100-150 PSI are available in most models. John Deere &Caterpillar diesel engines.
