A compressor compresses air by mechanically forcing it into a smaller space. This process increases the air's pressure.
The Compression Process
The core of air compression relies on reducing the volume that the air occupies. According to the reference, the internal components of a compressor must move or change position to mechanically force the air through the chamber where it is compressed and stored until use. This mechanical action leads to a reduction in volume.
Here's a breakdown:
- Chamber: Compressors have a chamber that opens and closes.
- Volume Reduction: Internal parts reduce the volume of this chamber.
- Compression: As the volume decreases, the air is compressed.
- Storage: Compressed air is then stored for later use.
Essentially, the compressor utilizes a chamber that changes in size. The internal components work to reduce the volume of this chamber, forcing the air molecules closer together and thus increasing the pressure. This high-pressure air can then be used for various applications.