Compressor

A gas compressor is a mechanical device that takes in a gas and increases its pressure by squeezing a volume of it into a smaller volume. Compression of a gas naturally produces Heat.

Some important designs of compressors include:

• Reciprocating compressors - use pistons powered by a shaft
• Centrifugal compressors - a rotating disk in a pressure vessel forces the gas to the rim of the vessel increasing the pressure
• Axial-flow compressor - the compressor fans of a jet engine h=are powered by the turbine
• Turbocharger

Compressors are losely related to pumps: a compressor pumps a gas and pump moves an (incompressible) liquid.

A special type of air compressor is a diving air compressor.