An air compressor fills with air by drawing in atmospheric air, compressing it into a smaller volume, and storing it in a tank.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Air Intake: The air compressor starts by drawing in air from the surrounding atmosphere through an inlet valve. This is similar to how your lungs fill with air when you breathe in.
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Compression: Inside the compressor unit, a piston (in piston compressors) or rotating screws (in screw compressors) reduce the volume of the air. This compression increases the air pressure. Think of squeezing a balloon – you're reducing the volume and increasing the pressure inside.
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Pressure Regulation: The compressed air passes through a pressure control line to a regulator valve. This valve sets the maximum air pressure that the system will maintain.
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Storage: The compressed air is then forced into a storage tank. The tank holds a reservoir of pressurized air, ready for use in various applications.
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Optional Oil Injection (Oil-Lubricated Compressors): In some compressors, oil is injected into the compression chamber. This oil mixes with the air, creating a mist that helps to seal the components and dissipate heat.
In short, an air compressor uses mechanical force to reduce the volume of air, thereby increasing its pressure, and then stores that pressurized air for later use.
