Our life is immobile without machines. While looking around we can see a number of complex tools and device that involve movement of gas or liquid within a closed or open system to generate energy or utilize energy for serving a specific purpose at that time or later. All these machines make use of a pump or compressor.
Virtually pumps and compressors are used to 'squeeze' and move fluids. A pump moves fluid that may be liquid or pressurized gas in liquid condition, from one place to the other. A compressor pressurizes on gas to enclose it in a very small volume space and then move to another place. Therefore a compressor always has some function of pump involved with it. Typical examples are air compressors used to inflate car tire at garages, pneumatic drilling machines, various wood working tools etc. Pumps are present inside any machine that involves moving of fluids (starting from simple coffee dispenser, dishwasher to car engines where liquid oil has to be pumped). But the compressors work only with gas (generally) rather than fluids.
Depending on the mode of function, air compressor pumps are of two types, positive displacement and dynamic. Positive displacement pumps again are of three types, namely reciprocating, rotary vane and rotary screw type. Reciprocating air compressors are normal piston type compressors used for inflating bicycle tires. Rotary screw pumps are applied in compressors that are used in construction sites. Rotary vane pumps are old innovations just like the piston type compressors. They are used in power steering and high-pressure-hydraulic pumps, and several vacuum applications. The dynamic ones are also known as 'roto-dynamic', centrifugal compressor pump is one example of this. The centrifugal pumps are extensively used in oil refineries, petrochemical and natural gas plants for obtaining a consistent stationary functioning.
Again air compressor pumps may be oil-lubricated or oil-free type. Oil lubricated pumps are the older type, produce less noise and are long lasting. Oil-free pumps are newer innovations, deliver better quality air, last less and are costly. Both types of compressor pumps have domestic and industrial application but the lubricated compressor pumps need regular maintenance whereas oil-free compressor pumps are low maintenance.
Compressors come with two stage and one stage pump. Two stage air compressor pumps use two cylinders where a piston in the first tank compresses air and sends in the second where they are stored and released on requirement. These are extensively used in large chemical and fertilizer industries.
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