Air Compressor

An air compressor is a machine that takes in ambient air and discharges it at higher pressure, converting mechanical power from a source such as an electric motor or a diesel or gasoline engine into potential energy stored in compressed air. A common application compresses air into a storage tank for immediate or later use: the compressor shuts off once the tank reaches its set upper pressure and restarts once pressure falls to its lower limit. The stored pressure energy can then power a variety of applications, including pneumatic tools, as the air is released. An air compressor differs from a pump in that it works on a gas rather than a liquid.