What are air compressor components?

The air compressor comprises of four basic components, namely:

• Electric motor, which powers the compressor pump by driving a pulley and two belts. The power is transferred from the motor to the pump via a crankshaft and a flywheel. A magnetic starter is also installed here to prevent damage to motor due to thermal overload.
• Compressor pump, which compresses the incoming air, and then discharges it into the receiver. In case of two stage compressors, the air usually needs to pass through two cylinders. First, a low-pressure, larger cylinder, and then a higher pressure smaller cylinder.
• Receiver tank, which stores the compressed air, and the receiver valve which prevents the air from flowing back into the air compressor pump.
• Pressure switch, which shuts down the motor when the compressed air reaches the receiver tank’s factory-set limit.

However, air compressors require installing a few more components for effective and efficient operation. They include:

• Air dryers and after-coolers, to cool the hot compressed air, and prevent the system from overheating and consequent damage.
• Air filtration and moisture removal pipelines, which need to be installed for draining out the condensed moisture from the air compressor system before it reaches the tool.
• Air lubricator for use in tools that require lubrication. Be careful not to use them for those that don’t, since you can risk contamination.
• Pressure gauge, which measures and regulates the air pressure to tools. They require being installed in drop lines for each tool.
• Shut-off valves need to be installed in each drop line so as to isolate the accessories from the air compressor for servicing purposes.

Edited November 21, 20178 yr by Ron Dudelston
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