We often get asked for recommendations on what kind of air compressor a customer should buy. Although we would always recommend finding a local reputable air compressor dealer, and discussing your specific needs with them, we do know a thing or two about different types of compressors, and their benefits. In this blog I am going to discuss one particular type of air compressor – Single Acting Reciprocating Compressors.

Air compressors can be grouped into a few different categories. The first category would be positive displacement vs dynamic. Positive displacement can then be further subdivided into reciprocating and rotary. Within the reciprocating category, we have our single- and double-acting compressors. This compressor ‘family tree’ can be seen in the image above.

Single-acting reciprocating compressors use positive displacement to increase the air pressure. They do this by reducing the air volume within a confined space. They are called reciprocating (as opposed to rotary) because they use pistons that move back and forth. The single acting is due to only using one end of the piston to pull in and compress the air. In other words, the first stroke of the piston sucks the air inside the compressor while the air compression occurs in the second stroke.

So, why would you choose a single-acting reciprocating compressor over the many other options? The main reason is its simplicity. This leads to several advantages:

1. Price: They can cost less than other similar rated options up to about 5HP sizes. This is a great option for smaller industrial settings or for hobbyists.
2. High Pressure: For single stage, compression pressures of 125PSIG can be achieved. However, with multistage cycles, pressures up to 6,000PSIG are possible.
3. Durability: The construction is necessarily robust and rugged due to the nature of its design
4. Maintenance: Preventative maintenance is typically easier with type of compressor.

Whenever we talk about the advantages, it is always important to note any disadvantages as well:

1. Efficiency: They are less efficient than other compressor types, including the dual acting reciprocating that compresses air on both the up and down stroke.
2. High Temperature: All compressors will generate heat by compressing the air molecules, but due to the friction of the reciprocating parts, more heat is generated by this type.
3. Repair cost: Although preventative maintenance is easy, if something does break the cost of repair can be high. This is partly due to the robust nature of the construction.
4. Noise: These are loud when in operation.

Regardless of which air compressor you have, it is important that your compressed air usage is efficient and safe. EXAIR’s intelligent compressed air products can help with that. If you want to discuss how you can increase safety and save energy, give me a call!

Al Wooffitt
Application Engineer

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