What Are Single Stage And Two Stage Compressors? How Are These Two Different?
Compressors are an important tool for manufacturing and other industries. The compressors come in a variety of types and it becomes crucial to understand everything about them before choosing one.
Compressors manufacturers some air compressors in single and two stages. Some might suggest a single stage and others might suggest two stage compressors according to your needs. But, before going by their advice, you need to know the difference between the two types of compressors.
Single Stage Compressor
Single stage compressors, also known as piston compressors work with the help of a piston and valve. The piston generates force and the valve generates pressure. It has two cylinders and two pistons to pump and store air.
The single stage compressor works by sucking air into a cylinder where it is trapped and compressed with a single stroke of the piston under 120 psi. After completion of the process, the air is sent to the storage tank.
Two Stage Compressor
The two stage compressors have a series of cylinders to perform the process. All the cylinders vary in their diameter. The air compressor works like a single stage compressor, the only difference is the air is not sent to the storage tank after the first stroke.
The two stage compressors have heat exchangers to cool the air after each stroke to make compression easier. The air is compressed at 175 psi in two stage compressors. The air is compressed two times and it is cooled before sending to the storage tank.
Understanding The Two Stages
The most common myth about the stages is that they represent the number of cylinders in an air compressor. The fact is both stage compressors have an equal number of cylinders which is two.
The difference is in the size of cylinders. The cylinders are of the same size in single stage compressors while the diameter of cylinders varies in the two stage compressors.
The stages here represent the number of compression stages. While a single stage compressor compresses only once, the two stage compressor passes air through two stages of strokes.
Difference Between Single Stage Compressor And Two Stage Compressor
The difference between a single stage and two stage compressor lies in both their manufacturing and functioning. The major differences the two are as follows:
- The size of cylinders is the same in a single stage compressor while the size varies in two stage compressors.
- Both the compressors work at different pressures.
- In a single stage compressor, there are two inlets while there is only one inlet in two stage compressors.
- The piston size is different in two stage compressors.
- Two stage compressors have heat exchangers to cool air.
- The single stage compressor compresses air only once, while the two stage compressor applies two strokes and offers better results.
Uses Of Single Stage Compressors
Single stage compressors are quite effective in producing the desired results. Most of the people use them for individual use as the cost is relatively lower as compared to two stage compressors.
Every place where pressure less than 100 psi is required to operate a tool, a single stage compressor is a reasonable choice.
Uses Of Two Stage Compressors
The two stage compressors are highly effective and they definitely produce better results than single stage compressors. The compressor produces higher air power and offers compressed air that can operate compressors that need highly compressed air above 100 psi.
The compressor is best suited for large scale production units. Auto shops, factories, and other large manufacturing units use them. The compressors can power nearly every air-powered machinery and that’s the best thing about them.
These compressors are not preferred for private use because of the high operational cost. The compressors require greater power plus you also need to invest more when buying these compressors.
Everything comes at a price and if you think only a two stage compressor can meet your needs, be wise and go for it. It is better than frustrating yourself with a low single stage compressor and then buying a new one. Consult with the compressor manufacturers in India to get some idea about the cost and how well one of the two types of compressors can fit your needs.
