This text is machine translated.
About air compressors
Air compressors are air compressors used, for example, for filling air in car tires. There are electric compressors and simple models that are operated with muscle strength.
Air compressors generate compressed air with different pressures hohem. Stationary air compressors as well as mobile models with battery operation are available for the automotive sector. Some of the air compressors have different attachments, so they can also be used to pump up bicycle tires, for air mattresses and similar blow-up utensils.
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How do air compressors work?
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Which air compressors are available?
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This is important when selecting air compressors
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Safety instructions for the operation of electric air compressors
How do air compressors work?
By the way: Technically correct, there is no air pump at all. Because machines that compress air are hot compressors. However, if the pressure of liquids is increased, these are pumps. Nevertheless, the term air pump has become commonplace and we talk about bicycle air pumps and similar ones that are actually compressors.
Air compressors provide even more air to an enclosed gas, for example in a car tire, by mechanical work. This compressed air mixes with the already existing air. Because more air particles are in the same volume of the trapped gas, the density and thus the pressure increases.
The supply quantity of an air compressor indicates how much air is added to the compressor per time unit. The higher the volume flow from the compressor, the faster the pressure increases if the volume cannot change because it is located in a restricted area in tires, air mattresses, etc. Compressed air pressure is greater than the atmospheric pressure outside the car tire (overpressure).
The maximum operating pressure that a compressor can generate is specified in bar. 1 bar corresponds roughly to the regular air pressure on the earth's surface or the pressure generated by a water column of ten meters. Values above 1 bar are therefore overpressure which is generated.
Which air compressors are available?
Air compressors
In terms of operation, the compressed air technology differs from compressors in:
- Air compressors driven by an electric motor
- Air compressors driven with muscle power, for example via a foot pedal
Both types use mechanical energy to supply compressed air. However, electrical energy is used in the electric air compressors to generate this mechanical energy. In the case of simple air compressors, however, the mechanical energy must be applied by the user.
The power of electric air compressors is expressed in kW. An electric motor takes over the drive, which presses the air flow in one direction.
Tip: Electrically driven air compressors are more powerful and can generate a higher pressure. For this purpose, purely mechanical models do not rely on a power supply, more robust design and operate more quietly.
Volume pumps
Volume pumps differ from pure air compressors in that they can change the direction of the air flow being carried. They are therefore also suitable as pressure regulators for the discharge of air.
Anyone who has ever struggled with emptying a full blown air mattress knows the importance of the drain function. Automatic draining with an electric volume pump saves a lot of time, power and nerves.
Note: It is not always the manufacturers who directly name the distinction between the compressor and the volume pump. Take a look at the documents for a compressor if you want to know whether an article not only supports blowing up, but also reverse draining of air.
This is important when selecting air compressors
The maximum working pressure that an air compressor can generate is crucial for practical use. If you already have a specific application goal, research how high the optimal operating pressure should be for it. For example, for the tire pressure of your car. The air compressor should be suitable for at least this operating pressure.
In addition, you need suitable attachments for connecting the air compressor to fill a concrete blow-up utensile. In many compressor models, several attachments are included in the delivery, such as car tires, bicycle tires, guest beds and balls.
If you want to choose an electric compressor, the electrical parameters for operating voltage, connections and possible battery operating times are relevant in addition to the operating pressure. Normally, compressors are supplied from normal outlets at 230 to 250 V, and some models also support power supply via the 12-volt cigarette lighter connector in the car. Models with rechargeable battery are available for the mobile operation of air compressors.
The current pressure is usually indicated by a pressure gauge on the compressor. This is usually an analogue display. Some electric air compressors use one or more displays as digital displays instead.
Tip: Plan the frequent transport of the air compressor, pay attention to the weight and dimensions of the device. In addition, a model with carrying case is recommended as an accessory for mobile applications.
Safety instructions for the operation of electric air compressors
Read the operating instructions thoroughly before use.
Always use a suitable attachment so that the connection between the compressor and the blow-up utensil closes firmly and does not dissolve spontaneously. Otherwise, the object to be inflated could be repelled by the high air pressure and fly away abruptly, or the hose on the air compressor also carries a risk of injury if it suddenly swirls around uncontrollably.
Always pay attention to the pressure gauge on the compressor when you fill air. Observe the process for the entire duration and never leave the compressor unattended while it is working. In particular, if the compressed air compressor can produce a higher pressure than the object to be inflated can withstand. For example, if an air mattress bursts due to excessive overpressure.
Compressed air compressors for applications other than cars can be found here.
Bicycle compressors for the refilling of tires can be found here.