How to identify a quality air compressor

An air compressor is a machine designed to take air from the environment or gas – depending on the use we want to give it – store it and compress it inside a tank, and with that air, power other pneumatic tools or perform other tasks such as inflating car and bicycle tires, cleaning, spraying paint, and, of course, lowering the temperature in a refrigerator.

Technical characteristics of an air compressor to consider before purchase

Before choosing an air compressor, we must consider some aspects of its operation. Above all, these aspects should meet certain criteria, according to the use we are going to give it. If we know this information, we can maximize its use.

Air compressor power

This factor is important to consider. The power of an air compressor can range between 1 and 6 horsepower (HP) or CV. Compressors with less horsepower are used for activities such as inflating mattresses. Professional or industrial range models have a power of 5 or 6 HP.

It is important to note that the higher the power, the greater the pressure capacity, and therefore, the greater its working capacity. For activities that require 350 or 400 liters of output, compressors up to 2 HP are recommended. If approximately 1000 liters of output are required, a 4 or 5 HP compressor will be suitable for us.

Understanding the airflow capacity of an air compressor

One of the main aspects to identify a good air compressor is to know its airflow capacity at a certain pressure. Tools or devices that can be activated with a compressor can consume an airflow of up to 6.6 liters per second (l/s).

Air compressor portability

This characteristic will depend on whether the compressor will be used in a fixed location or if it needs to be used in different places. It is very important to have the ease of transport of the compressor if it needs to be used in various locations.

How the air compression refrigeration process works

The compression refrigeration process works by evaporating a refrigerant fluid, in the internal evaporator, which is injected in a liquid state through an expansion device.

The compressor then draws in the refrigerant vapors, forcing their evaporation, and in this change of physical state, the fluid absorbs heat from inside the refrigeration compartment. The compressed refrigerant in a gaseous state then condenses again in a heat exchanger, releasing heat into the ambient air, and the cycle begins once more.

The compressor needs to compress the vapor coming from the evaporator and increase its pressure. This increase in pressure helps the refrigerant return to its liquid state inside the condenser. It is interesting to know how refrigerators with compressors work and distinguish the best ones.

Types of air compressors for refrigeration systems

Air compressors for refrigeration are divided into hermetic, semi-hermetic, scroll, and open.

Below, we show you the three most important and well-known:

• Reciprocating. It is called this because it is a component that has a piston inside and a crankshaft that makes it rotate through the motor, which means it works with the displacement of a plunger inside a cylinder driven by a crankshaft that makes the piston go up and down to obtain high-pressure gases.
• Scroll. This type of compressor does not have pistons; it has a mechanism consisting of two spirals (one fixed and one mobile) that compresses the refrigerant from the outside at two suction points, to then take it to the center and discharge the refrigerant.
• Rotary. This air compressor uses a rotating plunger to pump and compress the refrigerant in the gaseous phase. The operation of the rotary compressor allows for more compact and quieter compressor designs.

In refrigeration equipment, the compressor is the most important element, as it ensures that the system works properly. Among all the range of refrigerators offered by Inuitz, it will now be easier for you to distinguish which type of compressor is right for you.

Criteria to follow to identify the best air compressor

Now that we know the general and fundamental aspects of air compressors, we should consider the following characteristics for an accurate choice:

• Minimum condensing temperature: would affect compressor lubrication.
• Maximum evaporating temperature: would affect high mass flow rate.
• Maximum condensing temperature: would affect the maximum pressure of the air compressor.
• Minimum evaporating temperature: would affect insufficient motor cooling due to low gas density.
• Thermal limit: would affect excessively high discharge temperature.

Do you think you are now able to identify the right air compressor for you?

If the answer is yes, you will surely look at the characteristics of your next refrigerator with different eyes.