Are you looking for the differences between air pumps and air compressors? Use this article as your guide!
What Are The Differences Between Air Pump And Air Compressor?
Here are the main differences between these two applications.
1. Operation
Even though pumps and compressors do the same thing, the operational process is far different. While pumps are used to move gases and liquids through a system, compressors are used only to move gases. Air pumps will simply move the gases or liquids from one place to another. The way the air compressor works, though, is a bit different. Compressors are capable of squeezing the volume of the gases, which makes the transfer much easier than the pump’s process. When the gas’ volume is lessened, the gas can be transferred to its desired location.
2. Structure
Structure is another thing that differs between air pumps and compressors.
Here are the parts of an air compressor:
- Motor
- Valves
- Intake Filter
- Storage Tanks
- Drain
- Casing
An air pump contains the following parts:
- Motor
- Impeller
- Casing
- Shaft
- Volute
3. Application
Air compressors are more suited for transferring gas from one place to another, often used as specialized gas plants in pneumatic devices. Pumps can be used for multiple reasons, often utilized by large manufacturing plants or even residential buildings. Pumps can be used for aeration purposes, bringing oxygen to aquariums. Air pumps come in handy for everyday purposes, yet compressors can be used for those needs as well, more specifically pumping up a flat tire.
4. Maintenance Needs
Air pumps are generally considered to be easier to maintain than compressors. Air pumps feature little to no maintenance requirements at all. Air compressors are either powered by electricity or gas, meaning maintenance needs will differ by type.
5. Output
Different types of pumps and compressors will offer different output capacities. For starters, the air pressure output is much higher in compressors compared to pumps. The maximum amount of air pressure output created by compressors tops out at 200 PSI.
6. Cost
While both applications come with high maintenance costs, the overall expense of the air compressor is larger than an air pump. The difference in price is due to the air compressors structure that is far more complex. A digital air pump is still less extravagant than a compressor.
Here is a look at typical industrial air compressor costs, according to CostOwl:
- 5HP Reciprocating Air Compressor: $1,000 to $2,500.
- 5HP Rotary Air Compressor: $2,5000 to $5,000.
- 10HP Air Compressor: $3,5000 to $7,000.
- 25HP Reciprocating Industrial Air Compressor: $8,000 to $12,000.
- 50HP Rotary Air Compressor: $12,000 to $18,000.
- 100HP Industrial Air Compressor: $20,000 to $35,000.
- 200HP Air Compressor: $40,000 to $70,000
- Nationwide prices can vary for industrial air compressors. For example, a reciprocating machine may be had for $2,000 to $2,500 and a rotary machine may be purchased from 43,000 to $30,000. Used air compressors tend to run from $5,000 to $7,500.
Willing Service Corporation offers a full range of Air Compressors for sale nationwide!
Willing Service is proud to sell air compressors nationwide. You can choose the brand, model, and size you need for your purposes and we will ship it straight to your shop or business. Shop industrial air compressors online and get it touch with us today by giving us a call at (602) 246-6940.