Aspects To Consider When Buying A Reciprocating Air Compressor

Air compressors serve many purposes, and are absolutely necessary for many different types of jobs. One such air compressor that can is often used in industry is a reciprocating air compressor. These are positive displacement compressors where the compressing or displacing element is a piston that has a reciprocating motion within the cylinder. The same volume of air that enters the compression chamber is actually going to leave the chamber, but it will be pressurized to the necessary PSI. These compressors will usually fall on the smaller end of the output scale when it comes to compressors. If you are looking at buying a reciprocating air compressor, there are a few things that you need to consider. There are two different types of cylinders that you should be aware of with reciprocating air compressors.

Lubricated

A lubricated model reciprocating air compressor is going to use oil to maintain the integrity of the internal parts. These parts include; the cylinders, piston, the piston ring, and many more. The best thing about the lubricated model is that it is going to require little maintenance. The main maintenance that you will have to perform is the servicing of the filtration system. With this model, be sure that you are periodically lubricating the internal components. Each model of reciprocating air compressor is going to have a few differences while maintaining the same core components. So, be sure to read your owners manual on how to properly lubricate the internal components.  

Non-Lubricated

If you are going to use a non-lubricated reciprocating air compressor, you will need to use teflon piston rings in place of oil. The teflon piston rings actually replace the need for oil. This type of air compressor is often lighter than lubricated models because it uses aluminum components in place of cast iron components. The teflon piston rings are the integral player in these types of air compressors and they need to be taken care of. With non-lubricated air compressors you will need to replace the teflon piston rings periodically.

You have two great choices to choose from when you are picking a reciprocating air compressor. Each model has pros and cons. If you are going to be moving your air compressor from a job site to a different job sight, you may want to consider using a non-lubricated model since it is lighter. If you are going to be stationary in your use with the compressor, it may be better to use a lubricated model. Talk with a company like Compressor-Pump & Service, Inc. for more information.