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. Heat is generated in the gas due to the ineffeciency of the compressor.
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.