4 Air Compressor Parts You Should Know About 

Anyone who uses an air compressor should be familiar with some of the main parts. When you understand these parts and what they do, you'll be able to better diagnose issues and carry out maintenance and replacement tasks. 

Here are four important air compressor parts you should know about. 

1. Motor 

The motor is what gives your air compressor the power it needs to run. It consists of a pulley system, which uses two belts to move the power generated by the motor to the piston pumps and other parts of the machine. 

On top of being the powerhouse of the air compressor, the motor system is responsible for cooling down the compressor to prevent overheating. 

Your air compressor motor size will depend on the size of your air compressor, so if you ever need to replace it, make sure you know what size you need. 

2. Filters 

Your air compressor likely uses multiple filters to ensure clean air during use. The first one is known as the intake filter. This filter is the first line of defense against contaminants in your compressor. When air is brought into the compressor, it passes through this filter, which removes dust and dirt particles. 

This filtration ensures that the air you output doesn't contain harmful contaminants. For example, if you use your air compressor for auto detailing, dust and dirt in the air could cause harmful scratches on the paint. 

Removing dust from your air compressor also protects your machine from wear and tear and premature replacement. When dust infiltrates your compressor, it can clog up other compressor filters and pumps, leading to reduced output capacity, increased energy needs, and more repairs. 

Another filter you may find in your compressor is a coalescing filter. A coalescing filter goes one step beyond the intake filter to remove liquid contaminants from your air compressor. These contaminants could be in the form of oil, water, and aerosols, depending on where you use your air compressor and what you use it for. 

Finally, if you need to filter for solid, liquid, and gas contaminants, you may want a vapor filter for your air compressor. When used in tandem with an intake and a coalescing filter, this filter removes gaseous chemicals as the final stage of filtration. 

3. Switch 

Since air compressors are often used for long periods of time, the inclusion of the pressure switch ensures that the machine doesn't fill with too much compressed air and stop working or cause damages. 

This switch has sensors that tell when the machine has reached the set level of compressed air or when the level has dropped too low. Depending on the levels, the switch will cause the air compressor to either shut off and stop compressing air or turn back on and begin the process again. 

Depending on the type of air compressor you have, the pressure switch may be a small mechanical device or a separate digital screen. 

4. Unloader 

Once you've finished using the air compressor, all that air that has been compressed and stored inside your machine needs a place to go. That's where the unloader comes in. This small part is responsible for the release of all the leftover air inside your compressor. This way, you don't have to worry about using all the air in your compressor if you've already finished your task. 

Air compressors are made up of numerous small and large parts that help the machine function smoothly and properly. At Compressed Air Systems, we can help you find all the air compressor parts you need to keep your machine in great condition. Contact our experienced team today!