How does a Breathing Air Compressor work?

The basic mechanism of a breathing air compressor is similar to that of a standard air compressor. It consists of a motor that drives a piston or a set of pistons in a cylinder. As the pistons move back and forth, they compress air and force it into a high-pressure storage tank.

However, unlike a standard air compressor, a breathing air compressor has a series of filtration and purification stages that ensure that the air produced is clean and safe for breathing. These stages typically include:

1. Intake filter: This removes any large particles, such as dust and dirt, from the air before it enters the compressor.
2. Compression stage: The air is compressed and heated as it moves through the compressor. This can cause any remaining particles to become more concentrated, so the air is often cooled before it moves to the next stage.
3. Aftercooler: This cools the compressed air and removes any moisture that has formed during the compression process.
4. Moisture separator: This removes any remaining moisture from the air before it enters the next purification stage.
5. Activated carbon filter: This removes any remaining contaminants, such as odors, hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
6. Final filter: This removes any remaining particles and ensures that the air is clean and safe for breathing.

Once the air has gone through all of these stages, it is stored in a high-pressure tank for use in breathing apparatus. Overall, a breathing air compressor is a critical component in ensuring the safety of anyone who relies on compressed air for breathing.  

If you still have questions about how does a breathing air compressor work, our team has extensive knowledge in working with, servicing and repairing a range of different types of compressors. Please get in touch with us on +44 (0)1772 687775 or email us at [email protected].