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Reciprocating compressor
A reciprocating compressor is a type of positive displacement compressor that uses a compressing element in a reciprocating motion to compress air. Also known as a piston compressor, this device has a rotating crankshaft connected to one or more pistons that move down inside a cylinder, drawing air in. As the pistons move up, air is compressed and pushed into a storage tank or system.
Because the piston’s reciprocating motion is the defining characteristic of this compressor type, the terms “reciprocating compressor” and “piston compressor” are often used interchangeably.
Reciprocating compressors are among the most common compressor types, especially in automotive shops, home garages and smaller industrial environments, due to their high-pressure capabilities, reliability and ease of maintenance.
FAQs
A reciprocating compressor provides a reliable source of compressed air through a relatively simple compression process:
- Intake stroke: As the piston moves down, it increases the cylinder’s volume and creates a vacuum, opening an inlet valve that draws air into the cylinder.
- Compression stroke: The piston moves up, closing the intake valve and compressing the air within the cylinder, reducing its volume and increasing the pressure.
- Discharge stroke: Once the air reaches a sufficient pressure, the discharge valve opens, and the air moves into the system or a storage tank.
- Repeat: The cycle repeats as the crankshaft’s rotation drives the piston’s up-and-down, reciprocating motion.
There are numerous advantages of choosing a reciprocating compressor:
- High-pressure generation: It can achieve higher pressures than many other compressor types for demanding applications.
- Reliable performance: A proven design offers dependable performance, even in harsh environments.
- Simple maintenance: The simple construction makes these compressors easier to maintain and repair.
- Versatile applications: Reciprocating compressors are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations to suit numerous applications.
- Suitability for intermittent use: They are particularly well-suited to jobs that require frequent starting and stopping, such as auto repair or woodworking.
Reciprocating piston air compressors come in two types — single-stage and two-stage. The main difference between the two compressors is the number of times that air gets compressed for lower or higher pressure output.
As the name suggests, a single-stage unit compresses air to its final pressure in a single stroke. This compressor type is often used for lower-pressure applications, such as home garages and small workshops.
Two-stage piston compressors pressurize the air in stages. First, air is compressed by the first piston. Then, it gets drawn into a second cylinder, where a smaller piston further compresses it. Two-stage designs are usually found in industrial or heavy-duty environments.
Reciprocating compressors are part of a broader category called positive displacement compressors. These draw in and capture air in a chamber, then reduce the chamber’s volume to compress the air.
Reciprocating or piston air compressors are the most common type of displacement compressor, but there are other notable options in this category, including:
- Rotary screw compressors
- Rotary vane compressors
- Scroll compressors
Yes — Quincy Compressor sells a full line of reciprocating compressors designed to deliver a lifetime of high-performance service. We invite you to explore our single- and two-stage designs. Popular models include the QT and QR-25 series.
If you need help purchasing the right reciprocating compressor for your jobsite, use our online locator to find a Quincy Compressor dealer near you.
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