What Are The Parts of An Air Compressor

The Pump

The pump is the primary mechanical portion of the compressor, as it will compress the air and send it to another component known as the receiver (more on this later). Pumps can sometimes be adjusted in order to accommodate for different pressures; providing manual adjustment capabilities when needed.

The Condensate Drain

Condensate drains are another important component, as they allow the user to remove any moisture that may have accumulated within the system without causing any air to escape. As opposed to manually draining moisture, a condensate drain will not require the user to re-compress any air that would have otherwise been lost; increasing the overall efficiency of the unit.

The Piston

The piston is the primary mechanism which takes air of a standard pressure and compresses it to a much higher level. Air compressor pistons work in a similar fashion to those found within a typical internal combustion engine. Most units will compress air to a pressure of 50 pounds per square inch (psi).

The Receiver

The receiver is simply a tank used to store the air that has been pressurised. It is connected to pipes and other systems which allow this air to be released on demand. These vessels come in various sizes and depending upon the machine, they will be rated for numerous different pressures.

There are naturally times when one or more of these compressor accessories will need to be replaced due to wear and tear. If so, please contact PMJ International. We stock a wide variety of components manufactured by some of the most trusted brand names in the industry.