Understanding Industrial Air Compressor Parts & Models
Businesses need industrial air compressor parts for repairs and regular maintenance. Air compressors undergo periodic maintenance work to function optimally. With a proper understanding of the necessary parts, companies can reduce maintenance and repair costs, ensure efficient operations, and comply with industry regulations.
Fitz Equipment is a leading industrial air compressor parts supplier for routine maintenance. We carry components from major brands such as Gardner Denver, FS Curtis, etc. Reach out to our specialists to get a quote anytime at 1.888.220.3489.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the necessary industrial air compressor parts to keep your machine running smoothly, the different models available, and why you should only use original replacement parts.
Industrial Air Compressor Parts
Air compressors are essential machines in certain industries. They are used in various applications, ensuring efficient operations. Understanding the various parts of an air compressor is essential for proper maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure the optimal performance of your machine.
Air Compressor Motor
The motor provides power to your machine, creating the mechanical energy required to run your unit. It drives the machine and powers the compression process. Air compressors either have a motor that runs on electricity or a combustion engine. The motor comes in various sizes delivering different horsepower.
Pump
This part is responsible for physically compressing the gas, reducing its volume, thereby increasing its pressure. The gas is drawn through an intake valve and pushed through a discharge valve.
Actuators
This component creates a linear or rotary movement and outputs the compressed air into the tool that you will use that requires pressurized air. It converts the energy from the compressor into mechanical motion for operations.
Bearings
Bearings facilitate the smooth rotation of mechanical components, reducing friction, wear, and tear. Thrust bearings are used for axial loads, while radial bearings support radial loads.
Intercooler
This component can be found in large multi-stage compressors and cools compressed gas. It reduces the temperature and volume between stages, preparing the gas for further compression.
Pressure Switch
This part monitors the pressure levels in your machine and automatically stops or starts the motor as needed to maintain a specified pressure range.
Discharge Valve
This valve releases compressed gas into the discharge line from the cylinder. It prevents backflow during the compression stroke and maintains unidirectional flow.
Intake Valve
Allows gas into the compressor cylinder during the intake stroke, creating a continuous airflow into the chamber.
Springs
Many components of an air compressor use springs, which plays a part in the system’s mechanics.
Shims
Metal shims act as supporting spacers, eliminating gaps and spaces between components. They properly align cylinder heads, pump housings, and other essential components. They are also used for clearance adjustments and damping vibrations, reducing wear and tear.
Rotors
Rotors can be found in rotary screw air compressors, usually of two helical rotors that interlock. They compress the air from the inlet valve, delivering it at a higher pressure.
Piston Rods and Rings
These are essential components for reciprocating compressors that are equipped with piston cylinders. Piston rings are outfitted around a piston to create a seal between the cylinder and the piston. Piston rods, on the other hand, help to convert the reciprocating motion that drives the crankshaft.
Gaskets and Seals
These parts are used to create airtight barriers between various components. Gaskets are used to seal gaps between valve plates and cylinder heads. Seals, however, are used in shafts and pistons to contain oil, which helps maintain pressure and lubrication.
Couplings
These parts are used in internal components to prevent any leaks due to increased pressure.
Desiccant Dryers
This part is an air dryer that removes moisture from compressed air. It uses activated alumina, silica gel, or other desiccant material to absorb moisture as air passes.
Connecting Rods
These rods link the piston to the crankshaft, transferring the power from one component to another.
Bushings
This part creates space between various moving parts, minimizing side-to-side play and protecting components from breaking down.
Bumpers
These parts surround the valves, adding protection from any accidental contact.
Regularly Replaced Parts
Some parts of an industrial air compressor will require regular repair and maintenance more than others. You must check these parts regularly and ensure you have spares on hand for immediate replacement.
Air Filter
Inlet air filters clean the air as they enter the compressor’s chamber, preventing debris and other contaminants from entering.
Oil Filter
You can find these filters in oil-lubricated compressors. They remove particles and impurities from the oil, promoting the smooth operation of your machine.
Air/Oil Separator
During operation, some oil may get mixed with compressed air, harming parts and components located downstream. Air/oil separators remove the oil as air passes, ensuring clean air and preventing damage to pneumatic tools and other machinery using compressed air.
Belts and Pulleys
These components aid in transferring power from the motor to the compressor pump. They can get worn out through regular operation and will require replacement to maintain the optimal performance of your industrial air compressor.
Types of Air Compressors
There are several types of industrial air compressors used in various applications. Each one will have unique features compatible with various industry needs.
Reciprocating Compressors
These are the most common type of compressors and have quite mobile models. They are best suited for low-duty operations and can be easily serviced on-site using basic tools and common industrial air compressor parts.
Rotary Screw Compressors
These compressors are meant for stationary applications. They have fewer wearing parts, which makes them compatible with continuous duty cycles. They’re easy to maintain and deliver high airflow. However, they require routine maintenance and have a higher initial cost.
Rotary Vane Compressors
These are the least common industrial compressors, so finding replacement parts may be challenging. These units are compact with low pulsation, which makes them useful for continuous-duty applications. Since they have fewer moving parts, they’re easy to maintain and durable. However, since parts are hard to find, they may be costly to maintain.
Why You Should Purchase Only from Authorized Distributors
When your industrial air compressor requires repairs, or it’s time for regular maintenance, it is important to purchase parts from authorized distributors and OEM manufacturers:
Prolong Your Machine’s Lifespan
Using original or OEM replacement parts is crucial to reduce the risk of your machine breaking down. Using quality parts designed for your compressor will never compromise the system’s integrity, and it can improve your compressor’s performance.
Preserve Warranty
Using counterfeit parts will void your warranty, which can become a substantial cost to your investment. Always use genuine parts so you can enjoy protection for your machine.
Enhanced Efficiency
You’re not saving money when using non-genuine industrial air compressor parts. The cost of repairs, reduced machine performance, and multiple downtimes will cost you and reduce production.
Reliable Operation
Using genuine air compressor replacement parts ensures that your machine performs reliably. These parts have passed rigorous testing, ensuring their reliability.
Ensures the Workplace Safety
When you purchase genuine parts for your industrial air compressor, you can be sure you comply with industry safety standards. Doing so improves workplace occupational safety, reducing the risk of injury to your staff and personnel.
Work with Authorized and Reliable Compressor Parts Suppliers
Fitz Equipment supplies genuine industrial compressor parts and supplies. We carry a large inventory from various models and brands, including Champion, Gardner Denver, Kaeser, Joy, and FS Curtis. Contact us today for more information and to get a quote.
