Compressors Key Terms

Know what you're looking for, and how to pronounce it, before shopping for compressors

Whether you're looking for industrial compressors, an air compressor, a gas compressor or an ac compressor, learn compressors key terms before you begin shopping so you know exactly what to purchase. Learning compressors key terms can also help you choose the right air compressor parts and accessories.

As Sir Francis Bacon said, "Knowledge is power," and the more informed you are about compressors, the better you'll be able to make an educated decision for your business. If you can't tell a spring compressor from a screw compressor, or don't know that PSI stands for "pounds per square inch" and refers to the unit of pressure for compressed air, then it will only benefit you to become familiar with compressors key terms:

1. Learn about the different types of compressors available;

2. Familiarize yourself with compressors key terms to understand a compressor's functions and capabilities;

3. Recognize acronyms used in various functions and parts of compressors.

 

Define the types of compressors to help you understand which might apply to your business

If you're not sure whether you want a gas compressor or an air compressor, learning about the different types of compressors will help you to avoid confusion and choose the best compressor for your type of work. From oil-less compressors to portable compressors, learn what each one does and is used for if you're in the market for a compressor.
Try: Davey Compressor not only explains the types of air compressors such as centrifugal compressors, reciprocating compressors and rotary screw compressors, they also explain advantages and disadvantages to each compressor defined. Air Compressor Resource compares different types of air compressor, electric and fuel compressors and even permanent and portable compressors.

Know an aftercooler from your elbow when you're ready to buy compressors

When you're shopping for compressors, you might hear some terms repeated, such as cycle time, full load, inlet pressure and aftercooler. While it might not be crucial to know all compressors key terms, it will certainly help to at least be familiar with some of the basic compressor jargon when it comes down to comparing certain types of compressors and their functions.
Try: Learn the meaning of common compressor terms such as cycle time, pressure gauge, intercooling and check valves at Ingersoll-Rand's Buy-air-compressor.com. Get the meaning of basic terms relating to compressors, types of compressors and functions at Red Hill Supply.

Get to know what common compressor acronyms stand for and mean

If you're shopping for compressors, you'll soon find out that most compressor manufacturers and vendors use acronyms to refer to some compressor parts or functions. While PSI (pounds per square inch) is a common term, you may run into other unfamiliar acronyms such as MAWP (maximum allowable working pressure), or might learn that P1 through P5 are measuring points for compressor acceptance tests.
Try: Pneumatic-Source.com not only spells out what acronyms such as IBV (inlet butterfly valve) and CPM (cycle per minute) stand for, they define the terms, and more compressors key terms from A-Z. Find an in-depth explanation of common acronyms relating to air flow for air compressors, such as CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute), SCFM (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute) and ACFM (Actual Cubic Feet per Minute) mean for air flow measurement in air compressors at ABOUT-air-compressors.com.

 

• Compressors come with all sorts of accessories and parts that you should be familiar with if you're going to be working with these machines. It will help to know a check valve from a safety relief valve or to be able to differentiate between types of hoses should you need to replace one of these parts on your compressor.

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