A portable air compressor converts energy using a power connection. It forces more and more air into the storage tanks till it reaches its maximum limit.
The common material used in a portable air compressor is plastic. It also comes in cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel, which directly configures the price and functioning of the portable air compressor. It allows remote functions as it contains tires for the support.
A portable air compressor with stainless steel lasts longer than any other type because of its rust-free and non-breakable properties. It can perform the primary function for longer durations.
A portable air compressor made of iron or aluminum is also a good option, but it will erode when it comes in contact with water. The price of a portable air compressor depends on the type of material used in its manufacturing.
The history of air compressors is old and dates back to 3000BC. The concept of human lungs promoted the use of compressed air for different functions like extraction of metals, mining, and fabrication.
Many different methods were used to store the air in cylinders. In 1799, Englishman George Medhurstfirst invented the first successful motorized air compressor primarily used in the mining industry.
Later, the design of the air compressor improved that it could serve many functions. After multiple attempts finally in 1933, the first 2-stage air-cooled portable compressor was invented.
Table of Contents
What is the ideal material for a portable air compressor?
The ideal material for a portable air compressor is stainless steel. Stainless steel portable air compressor is preferred because of its rust-free and long-lasting properties.
Stainless steel-based portable air compressor costs more than any other type. The cheapest type comes in plastic which won’t last long. The longevity and reliability of the portable air compressor depend on the frequency of use. Normally a portable air compressor will outperform its functions when operated correctly. Checking the air pressure frequently is the key to testing the functionality of the air compressor.
People concerned about environmental health might want to consider the sound and pressure of compressed air as it can cause serious hearing damage.
What are the types of portable air compressor?
There are 3 major types of portable air compressors.
Rotary Screw Compressors: They work by trapping the air between two meshed rotors by reducing the air volume.. The reduced volume of air produces compressed air that can be used for several different purposes.
Reciprocating Compressors: It uses piston-driven crankshafts to produce pressurized air by increasing its density and decreasing its volume. Air compression makes the pressurized air easy to store and can be used for normal functions.
Axial Compressors: It is a large-scale air compressor used for big ships and airplanes. In the axial compressor, air flows parallel to the axis of rotation. Some of the rotors are connected to the shaft and rotate at high speed, producing compressed air.
What is the ideal size of the portable air compressor?
The ideal size of the portable air compressor depends on the frequency of use and the tool’s size for which you need an air compressor.
What size portable air compressor do I need? It depends on the tool’s size for which you require a portable air compressor. You need to calculate your tool’s CFM requirements, and you should pick the air compressor accordingly.
Normally a portable air compressor of 10-20 gallons is enough for normal usage. If you need more compressed air, then according to your tool’s CFM, increase the gallons of portable air compressor, and it will be able to meet your current demands.
You might also want to know the price of the portable air compressor. It depends on the frequency of use. The portable air compressor with a big tank will cost more.
What are the use cases of the portable air compressor?
Some of the use cases of portable air compressors are given below:
- Provide compressed air to tools in less time
- Produces quality air for heavy machinery like pressure washers and spray painters
- Used as cleaning machine because of the high pressure
Once you have purchased the portable air compressor, you will get to know more use cases of this machine.
Do portable air compressors use a lot of electricity?
It works on electricity and uses 1500-3000 Watts of electricity. If you use the air compressor daily, then it will use a lot of electricity per month.
What is better gas or electric air compressor?
Both air compressors have different uses. A gas air compressor is best for outdoor use, while an electric air compressor is best for indoor use.
Can you breathe the air from an air compressor?
Yes, compressed air can be used to supply clean breathing air to the protective equipment. But it is only recommended in emergencies.
Can an air compressor give off carbon monoxide?
Only piston-type compressors produce toxic carbon monoxide by overheating.
What are the best portable air compressor brands?
The best portable air compressor brands so far are:
Best value portable air compressor: CRAFTSMAN
Best overall portable air compressor: DEWALT
Best cost-friendly portable air compressor: TEROMAS
Best cost-effective portable air compressor: BOSTITCH
What is the lifespan of a portable air compressor?
The average lifespan of a portable air compressor is somewhere between 10-12 years. It depends on the regular maintenance of the machine. Also, by keeping up the routine checkup, the lifespan of portable air compressors can be increased.
Some other factors on which the life span of a portable air compressor depends:
- Routine checkup
- Build quality
- Frequency of use
- Environment (no moisture)
The average cost of a portable air compressor varies from $30-$300, depending on the storage tank. The air compressor with a large storage tank will cost more than a smaller tank.
How does the culture affect the usage of the portable air compressor?
People started using the portable air compressor right after its invention as they were using alternate ways to generate compressed air. Air compressors are used for several purposes in the region; one of the primary use of air compressors is in manufacturing industries.
People around the world use portable air compressor for different purposes. It is used in pressurized washing and paint spraying. It is also used in inflating and deflating tires.
What are the alternatives for a portable air compressor?
Here are a few alternatives for the portable air compressor.
Canned air: It works almost similar to the portable air compressor. Both are filled with pressurized air. Unlike portable air compressors, canned air is filled with highly compressed gas like tetrafluoroethane. When you press the button on the can, the liquified gas comes out in the form of vapors.
Blower pressure fan: It also works just like a portable air compressor. Both are used to extract harmful gases from a closed space. The blower pressure fan uses centrifugal force to allow the air to enter the fan from one side and exit from the other side at a 90⁰ angle.
What are the features of a superior portable air compressor?
Here are some of the best features of a portable air compressor.
Less environmental impact: Portable air compressor poses less impact on the environment by producing less noise and harmful emissions.
Oil-free pump: The oil-free pump will reduce human involvement, and there is no need for time-consuming maintenance.
Piston compressor: Piston compressor will increase air pressure every time you use it.
CFM measurement: A good portable air compressor has high cubic feet per minute means it possesses high-pressure air in the storage tank.
What are the parts of a portable air compressor?
Here are a few parts of a portable air compressor.
Check valve: It allows the user to check the air pressure inside the storage tank of the air compressor.
Piston: The piston moves inside the cylinder producing the pressure required for functions.
Belt: The belt allows the motor to move at high speed without interruption.
Storage tank: Air is stored in the tank for future use when you don’t have an active power connection.
Tires: Tires allow the air compressor to serve remote functions.
How did portable air compressor get their name?
It is not known how the portable air compressor got its name, but we do know that it was called bellows initially. It was discovered considering the function of human lungs. It also uses the same pressure to store air. Later, it was introduced in industries and factories. Different countries have different names for this machine. It is also called a moveable air compressor, remote air compressor, and mobile air compressor.
What is the history of the portable air compressor?
The history of air compressors dates back to 3000BC when people used the human lungs to use compressed air. It laid the invention of an air compressor that can be used for extracting metal, mining, spray painting, and several other purposes.
Different methods were used to store the compressed air, and in 1799, Englishman George Medhurstfirst invented the first ever motorized air compressor used in mining industries.
Later, the design was improved, and a new/updated air compressor was introduced and patented in 1933. It was a two-stage air-cooled portable air compressor.
Big industries started manufacturing portable air compressors on a large scale and successfully generated the advanced form of air compressor used for several different purposes.
I grew up on a small farm in New Jersey. We had a big family because my parents, my uncles and aunties all were living together on this farm so, you can imagine, it was always over crowded with people. But living in farm was really great because we had to do everything on our own and I learned so many things from my parents and uncles and aunties and that is where I found my passion for fixing things, whether it is renovating or designing, I was always there. Read more