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Stages
An air compressor functions by using a motor-powered pump to pull in atmospheric air, compress it to decrease its volume and store it in a tank under high pressure. The stored air is then ready to use on demand to power pneumatic tools, enable certain types of industrial machinery to operate and perform many other essential applications.
An air compressor stage refers to the number of times the air is compressed to reach a higher pressure. Depending on the type of air compressor, it can compress the air one or several times.
What Are Stages in a Compressor?
An air compressor can be a single-stage or multistage unit.
Single-Stage Compressor
A single-stage compressor draws in ambient air and compresses it with one stroke of a piston in a cylinder and pushes it into the storage tank. This compressor design is ideal for moderate-pressure applications ranging from 100 to 135 pounds per square inch (PSI). It works best for light-duty tasks, such as inflating tires in auto repair shops or powering nail guns at remote construction sites.
Two-Stage Compressor
Two-stage units are the most common multistage compressor versions. The process entails compressing the air in a large cylinder, cooling it with an intercooler and compressing it a second time before sending it to the storage tank. The pressure output of up to 175 PSI is well-suited for more demanding tools, such as sandblasting equipment and die grinders.
Three-Stage and Four-Stage Compressors
Designed for specialized applications, these machines force the air through multiple compressions and include moisture separators and intercoolers between stages to remove water and heat. The uses can include any tasks requiring extremely dry, high-pressure air.
As a leading manufacturer of air compressors and related equipment, Quincy Compressor can help you understand stages and how they impact your equipment choice. Contact our team today to request additional information.
FAQs
The owner’s manual for the tools or equipment you intend to use with the air compressor can help you decide the appropriate number of air compressor stages. The manual should indicate the required PSI and cubic feet per minute (CFM) you will need to power the equipment, which will guide your stage selection.
Heat can accumulate during the multistage compression process, leading to lubrication breakdown and increased wear on components. Using intercooling between stages increases the air’s density for the succeeding stage, thereby preventing overheating and improving efficiency.
Single-stage compressors have lower up-front costs, and their simple design makes them easy to operate and maintain. On the downside, they are prone to overheating and are less efficient at higher pressures.
Multistage compressors operate more efficiently and achieve higher pressures, making them the better choice for continuous use or heavy-duty applications. Potential disadvantages include a higher purchasing price, a more complex design and less portability due to their larger size.