Piston air compressor. A reciprocating air compressor is a positive displacement compressor that uses a crankshaft-driven piston and cylinder to compress the air. A piston compressor works using a valve system and two stainless steel valve discs. The piston moves downward and draws air into the cylinder, then the largest disc flexes to fold downward, allowing the air to pass. As the piston then moves upward, the large disc flexes again to seal against the valve seat. The compressed air is then forced through the hole in the valve seat and delivered to the end process. A two-stage compressor includes an additional step where the air is compressed by a second. Piston air compressors generally are used throughout industry to provide workshop or instrument air; to power air tools, paint sprayers, and abrasive blast equipment; to phase shift refrigerants for air conditioning and refrigeration; to propel gas through pipelines.
During the intake phase the piston descends, sucking the air through the filter. The air then passes through the inlet valves, into the cylinder. At this point, the discharge valves are closed. When the piston ascends again, the air in the cylinder gets compressed.
