Oil Free Piston Air Compressors

OIL FREE
PISTON COMPRESSORS

ELGi’s oil-free piston air compressors are the backbone of various industrial applications, offering customers a reliable solution for sensitive operations with zero oil tolerance and minimal environmental impact. Ensure clean air, reduce maintenance, and lower your environmental footprint. These high-pressure air compressors find application in various technical processes, ensuring precision and efficiency in critical industrial operations. Choose ELGi for high-pressure compressor solutions prioritising performance, reliability, and environmental responsibility.

WHAT IS A RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR?

A reciprocating compressor, also known as a piston compressor, is a type of positive displacement compressor that operates on the principle of a piston-cylinder arrangement to compress gases. The fundamental mechanism involves a piston’s reciprocating (back-and-forth) motion within a cylinder, creating a cycle of intake, compression, and discharge to elevate the gas pressure. A reciprocating compressor comprises essential components, including a cylinder, piston, crankshaft, connecting rod, intake and outlet valves, and a cylinder head. An oil-lubricated reciprocating compressor relies on oil to lubricate various moving parts, including the piston and cylinder. An oil-free reciprocating compressor operates without oil in the compression chamber, ensuring the compressed air remains oil-free.

HOW DOES A RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR WORK?

A reciprocating compressor converts rotational motion into reciprocating motion through a crankshaft.

Piston and Cylinder

The reciprocating compressor consists of a piston that moves inside a cylindrical chamber. The cylinder is a sealed space within which the piston travels back and forth.

Intake Stroke

The cycle begins with the intake stroke. During this phase, the piston moves away from the cylinder head, creating a vacuum within the cylinder. This pressure drop opens an intake valve, permitting the gas (often air) to flow into the cylinder.

Compression Stroke

After the gas is drawn into the cylinder, the piston reverses direction and moves towards the cylinder head. As the piston compresses the gas, the pressure within the cylinder increases.

Outlet Valve Closure

An outlet valve remains closed during the compression stroke to prevent backflow. This valve opens once the gas reaches the desired pressure.

Discharge of Compressed Gas

The outlet valve opens during the discharge stroke, allowing the high-pressure, compressed gas to exit the cylinder and flow into the discharge line.

Repetition of the Cycle

The reciprocating motion of the piston continues in a repetitive cycle, maintaining a continuous flow of gas into the cylinder, compression, and discharge of the compressed gas.

PNEUMATIC TOOLS

Reciprocating compressors power many pneumatic tools, such as drills, impact wrenches, and nail guns, in construction and manufacturing.

SPRAY PAINTING

These piston-type compressors provide air pressure for spray painting applications, ensuring even coating.

AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE

In garages and auto repair shops, reciprocating compressors are used for tire inflation, air-powered wrenches, and cleaning.

MATERIAL HANDLING

Industries use reciprocating compressors for material handling applications like conveying powders and granules through pneumatic systems.

MINING OPERATIONS

Reciprocating compressors play a crucial role in mining for rock drilling, powering pneumatic machinery, and providing ventilation.

OIL REFINERIES

High-pressure air compressors are utilised for vapour recovery, where gases must be compressed and recovered for further use.

CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING

Reciprocating air compressors contribute to chemical processing operations, facilitating reactions and providing power for various equipment.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Piston compressors in the food industry are used for tasks like bottling, canning, and maintaining controlled environments.

MEDICAL

Reciprocating compressors are employed in medical equipment like dental chairs and respiratory devices that require compressed air. Piston compressors in the pharmaceutical industry play a vital role in tablet coating, powder handling, packaging, instrumentation & control, cleanroom environment, and more.

POWER GENERATION

They play a role in power plants for tasks such as pneumatic control systems and starting gas turbines.

TYPES OF RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS

Single Acting Reciprocating Air Compressor

Only one side of the piston is used for air compression, and the other side is connected to the crankshaft and is not used for compression.

Double Acting Reciprocating Air Compressor

Both sides of the piston are used for the compression of the air. As the piston moves, one side compresses the air while the other side sucks in more air from the atmosphere.

Single-Stage Reciprocating Air Compressor

In this air compressor, air compression occurs in a single cylinder.

Double Stage Reciprocating Air Compressor

In this type of compressor, the compression of the air takes place in two stages, i.e., the air is first compressed to some extent in one cylinder and is then transferred to the second cylinder for further compression.

Important Considerations When Upgrading Your Air Compressors

Upgrading your air compressor is a critical decision that can significantly impact your productivity, energy efficiency, and overall operational costs.