All About Air Compressor Pumps

 Before you begin to consider a purchase know the different air compressor pumps and air compressor ratings for your job

•  Reciprocating air compressor: increase the pressure of the air by reducing its volume. The more air taken in the more air is compressed  within  a closed space thus increasing air pressure. The process of compressing air is accomplished by a piston operating within a cylinder (much like a car engine) . The compressed air is distributed to the storage medium usually an air tank. Single-stage and two-stage reciprocating compressors are very common.    
   Single Stage : A pump that compresses air once before sending it to the tank. Can be more than one piston. Lower CFM than a 2 stage pump. The  most common type of pump as found in hobby shops or bench work, small volume air tools with short run times of the air tool.
• Two Stage: Compresses air twice before sending it to the tank. This produces a higher SCFM output and higher maximum PSI. The unit of choice for multiple air tool operation and especially with higher CFM air tool reqiurements. 
• Duty cycle: Describes the amount of time the motor and the pump can both run safely without doing serious damage to the motor. As a percentage the compressor shouldn’t run more than 50% in any ten minute cylce, a very important condieration in rating air compressor pumps to match the job.  
• SCFM: Standardized cubic feet per minute. This is volume of compressed air delivered by the compressor.
• PSI: Pounds per square inch. This is the measure of air flow the pump is able to supply eg 135 lbs. usually stated as a maximum. 
• RPM: Revolutions per minute. A high RPM unit will compress air faster, but wears out more quickly, designed for smaller units. A lower RPM unit runs quieter and will usually have a longer life 
• Aluminum  Pump:  Aluminum block with a cast iron piston sleeve to help extend service life.
• Cast iron Pump: Solid cast-iron block pumps last longer and are up to 35% quieter than an aluminum block direct drive air compressor. 
• Belt-Drive : A belt driven pump runs at lower RPM which reduces noise levels and yields longer service life of the unit. The best unit to have if in a confined space. For information about sump pumps be sure to visit Zoeller Sump Pump.org  for the latest information onn how to choose the reight sumppump. 
• Oil Free: No oil splash or oil pump, air cooled units that offer maintainence free operation. 
• Oil Lubricated Pump : Lubed from the splash of the crankshaft or oil pressure pump. A type of compressor that lasts longer than an oil-free model but is usually higher priced. Combined with a belt drive air pump these units offer the highest service life with the quietest opeartion.
• Pancake Compressor : Just as the name suggests, a small oval low height tank a great hobby unit or even portable for small jobs around the house. A versatile air compressor. Designed to deliver high SCFM for short spurts.
• Dual Tank: A heavy-duty air compressor capable of running several finishing, framing or roofing guns at one time.
• Tank size: Measured in gallons. The larger the tank, the longer a job can be done at the air tool’s required pressure before pausing to rebuild pressure in the tank. An important consideration for sizing air compressor pumps as measured by horsepower ratings for any operation that requires multiple operators with different air reqirements along with the type of work being performed.