ELGi’s range of reciprocating air compressors offers long-lasting compressed air solutions with industry-leading safety features, making them the best piston compressor for light to heavy-duty industrial applications.

WORKING PRINCIPLE OF A RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR
The reciprocating air compressor operates on the principle of reciprocation, where a piston inside a cylinder moves back and forth to compress the air. During the intake stroke, the piston moves downward, creating a low-pressure environment within the cylinder, which draws air through the intake valve. As the piston ascends, the air is compressed, reducing its volume and dramatically increasing its pressure. Once the desired pressure is reached, the discharge valve opens, and the compressed air is forced out of the cylinder into an air receiver or storage tank. The piston then completes the cycle by moving downward again to expel any remaining air. This process continues repetitively, allowing the piston compressor to provide a steady supply of compressed air for a wide range of applications, from powering pneumatic tools to supporting various industrial processes.