The function of a compressor control system is to regulate the amount of air moving out of the tank. In the past, this control was supplied by an electro-pneumatic valve that cut off airflow when electric current was discontinued. Modern control is provided by a microprocessor and software. Whichever type of control system present they can be placed into one of two categories: fixed speed or variable-speed control...
While the technology we use today has not always been implemented, the concept of the air compressor has been in use for – believe it or not – thousands of years. During this time it has developed from primitive tools to modern sophisticated systems as, for example, central pneumatic air compressor. Primitive cultures realized the benefit of isolating air and using its stored potential to fuel growth. The basic difference between ancient models and today’s versions is that we now have the technology to make machinery do all the work.
Inside the metal and mechanics of modern central pneumatic air compressor is a bellowing balloon – much like the old bellows ancient craftsmen would make to deliver steam to production lines – as we would now call them. These efforts are responsible for the mass production of ancient tools and weapons, as well as supplies for building great empires.
Blacksmiths discovered the effect of air on not only using its expansion and power to deliver sufficient steam from a furnace, but also to ignite the fire that would provide the necessary energy. The principles of air compressor and its pneumatic power were used to ignite embers and create a powerful flame suitable to their needs.
There are items in existence today that would resemble an ancient pneumatic air compressor. An accordion is an excellent example. You may see the bellow of an organ, also, that is much like the original compressor. Another classic version is a blood pressure machine or breathing machine you find in a hospital setting.
This primitive form of hand powering a pneumatic air compressor remained the only option until America’s industrial revolution. Engines that were powered by steam were the first form of a mechanically powered central air compressor. The earliest uses of this motorized air compressor were used for deep sea diving. The modern central pneumatic air compressor could deliver a flow of oxygen consistent enough for the diver to remain under water for more extended periods of time.
Central air compressors were also used to power earlier versions of pneumatic tools and drills. The early rock drill was one of the first field uses of the compressor. The drills were powered by steam, and were not as safe as they are today. Today, the technology consists of compressed air (the pneumatic technology), which – in case of a rupture – is hardly hazardous. Steam, however, is capable of causing severe injury or death to a worker.
Over time, the internal combustible engine found many more uses, and steam was replaced by compressed air. Using central pneumatic air compressor technology to build small engines, engineers were then able to use the engines to power more efficient pneumatic air compressors. Gas powered engines are still used in piston type air compressors that you may find in a garage. These are smaller actions in which a crankshaft and piston moves upward and downward delivering air from a low pressure point to a high pressure point.
Industrial applications require more profound power, and rely more heavily on rotary air compressors, which are powered by a rotor turning in a protective chamber. The spin of the rotor draws air into the chamber from which the air is distributed through a series of veins through which the air gains in pressure and speeds out the opposite end. These are highly effective for production plants, as they produce a high amount of pressure for extended periods of time.