When you need to choose an air compressor, one of the major confusion you may face is whether you should go for a single or two-stage compressor.
To remove your confusion, first of all, you need to know about the 2 stage air compressor. So, what is a 2 stage air compressor and how does it work? If you are still unsure about this, I am here today to tell you everything you need to know.
Two-stage air compressors are specially designed to compress the air for more than a single time. The main purpose of these kinds of compressors is to increase the overall efficiency of the machine.
On the other hand, in a single-stage compressor, the air is compressed only for a single time.
If you still have any confusion about it, I will remove all of your confusion in this article. So, stay with me so that you can learn everything about it.
Table of Contents
What Is A 2 Stage Air Compressor?
Typically, the main task of an air compressor is to compress the air. The main air compression occurs between the area where the tool nozzle and the inlet valve are located. As the name suggests, in a 2 stage air compressor, the air is compressed for more than one time.
It will double the total pressure so that the machine can work more effectively and handling more tools at the same time will be easier as well.
Needless to say, the main difference between a 2 stage and a single-stage compressor depends on the number of times the air compression occurs.
Working Method of a 2 Stage Air Compressor
The working method of a 2 stage compressor is not that complex. It also follows the basic air compressing rules to get the job done. In these types of compressors, there are a series of cylinders. The diameter of these cylinders is quite different from each other.
If you are still confused, let me clarify one thing. There is a total of two compression stages in these types of compressors. When air passes from one stage to another, it must pass through a chamber which is also known as the heat exchanger.
The main task of this exchanger is to cool the hot air. Cooled air will work more effectively when it comes to further compression. In these kinds of compressors, most often air is additionally pressurized in another chamber.
Difference between Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Air Compressors
Now that you already know about the basics of single-stage and two-stage air compressors, you most probably want to know about the difference between these two types of common air compressors.
Below we will discuss how a two-stage compressor is different from a single-stage compressor.
- Number of Cylinders: First of all, you need to know about the number of cylinders that are used in an air compressor. Whether you are talking about a single-stage or multi-stage compressor, both types of compressors use two cylinders to make the balancing of air easier.
In most cases, both types of compressors use the same sized cylinder. However, when it comes to the 2 stage compressor, you’ll find the 2nd cylinder quite shorter than the first cylinder.
Both of the cylinders are connected by a tube. This tube is commonly known as the cooling tube whose task is to reduce the air temperature before the 2nd stage compression process begins.
- Pump: You may be already aware of the fact that in a single-stage compressor, you’ll find a single tank. But, when you talk about a 2-stage piston, there are two tanks.
But, the cylinders will come in different shapes and they will be located in different places as well. Besides, in a 2 stage pump, you’ll find high pressure in the large piston.
- Required Energy and CFM: In a general sense, a single-stage piston can run with comparatively less energy. However, when it comes down to the two-stage compressors, the overall energy requirements are quite higher if you compare them with single-stage compressors. Because these types of compressors are used for large applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When is it Good to Use a Two-Stage Air Compressor?
However, there is no denying the fact that a 2 stage compressor will offer you a more efficient and reliable performance. So, for any kind of heavy-duty work like repairing and manufacturing, you should think about a two-stage air compressor.
Q2. How do I know if my air compressor is two-stage?
On the other hand, when the task of the first piston is to suck air which is then transferred to another piston through a cooling pipe, it is called a 2 stage compressor.
Q3. Is it bad to leave an air compressor pressurized?
On the other hand, if you don’t have any plan for using the compressor the next day, you should not leave the air compressor pressurized.
Q4. Why is my compressor so loud?
Final Words
So, what is a 2-stage air compressor? In my opinion, it is the device that will increase the efficiency of my work. I use a 2-stage air compressor for completing heavy-duty projects.
Especially, if the work nature requires frequent repair or maintenance tasks, a 2-stage compressor will give you the best user experience.
Both types of air compressors come with their own merits and demerits. You should choose your option as per your priority. I hope, now you understand the basic difference between these two types of air compressors.
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