Moving hydraulic fluid through a system requires either a pump or compressor. Both achieve this goal, but through different operating methods. Pumps have the ability to move liquids or gases. Compressors typically only move gas due to its natural ability to be compressed. Pumps and compressors both have very high pressure rises.
Types of Compressors
There are different types of compressors that move air into a chamber. Most compressors are positive-displacement compressors in which, by forcing air into the chamber, volume is decreased to compress the air. Reciprocating or piston-type air compressors pump air by using pistons and one-way valves to guide air into the cylinder chamber. Most commercially available compressors are either one- or two-stage compressors. Single-stage compressors are used for pressure ranges from 70 to 100 psi. For larger pressure ranges of 100 to 250 psi, two-stage compressors are used. Single-acting compressors use only one side of a piston and double-acting compressors use both sides of the piston. Compressors have a pressure limit that, once reached, will shut off the compressor. The air will remain stored until used for a kinetic energy application.
