ACS and Gardner Denver Reciprocating Compressor

A single-acting reciprocating air compressor is the most common, most cost-efficient, and simplest type of reciprocating compressor available. Completing one compression cycle for every revolution, these systems have fewer moving parts, making them easy to operate and relatively easy to maintain.

While a diaphragm reciprocating compressor acts similarly to a single-acting system, these compressors are typically used to pump water instead of compress air. Rather than a cylinder, this system has a diaphragm that contracts and expands whenever the piston moves.

Even though diaphragm compressors are more frequently used for water, there are systems that can be used to compress air, although they are rare and their applications are niche, such as working with explosive, toxic, or high-purity gases.

• Single-stage: These compressors use one piston and cylinder to compress air and have a maximum pressure of roughly 125–150 PSI. Single-stage compressors are commonly used for general-purpose compressed air, such as inflating tires or powering small pneumatic tools. They are also more cost-effective and tend to have lower maintenance costs.
• Multistage: These compressors compress air in several stages and require intercooling between each stage, making them ideal for applications needing 175 PSI or more. Because of the inherent efficiencies of multistage compression and the air-density benefits of intercooling, these systems are more energy efficient. However, they do require higher upfront costs and tend to need more maintenance than their single-stage counterparts.

• Tank-mounted: A tank-mounted reciprocating compressor is a compressor mounted to a storage tank, supplying compressed air on demand. Tank-mounted compressors produce a consistent pressure and air supply in both low- and high-demand applications. Many tank-mounted systems allow for portability and are a more space-saving solution.
• Base-mounted: A base-mounted reciprocating compressor is a standalone unit installed in one location, remaining stationary until replacement or uninstallation. They can be single-stage or multistage and oil-free or oil-lubricated. These units can produce a consistent air supply in high-demand settings.