Reciprocating air compressors are positive displacement machines, meaning that they increase the pressure of the air by reducing its volume. This means they are taking in successive volumes of air which is confined within a closed space and elevating this air to a higher pressure. The reciprocating air compressor accomplishes this by a piston within a cylinder as the compressing and displacing element.

Single-stage and two-stage reciprocating compressors are commercially available.

Single-stage compressors are generally used for pressures in the range of 70 psig to 100 psig.
Two-stage compressors are generally used for higher pressures in the range of 100 psig to 250 psig.

Please Note that: 1 HP ~ 4 CFM at 100 psi and also that 1 to 50 HP are typically for reciprocating units. Compressors 100 hp and above are typically Rotary Screw or Centrifugal Compressors.

The reciprocating air compressor is single acting when the compressing is accomplished using only one side of the piston. A compressor using both sides of the piston is considered double acting.

Load reduction is achieved by unloading individual cylinders. Typically this is accomplished by throttling the suction pressure to the cylinder or bypassing air either within or outside the compressor. Capacity control is achieved by varying speed in engine-driven units through fuel flow control. Reciprocating air compressors are available either as air-cooled or water-cooled in lubricated and non-lubricated configurations and provide a wide range of pressure and capacity selections.

A reciprocating air compressor in your automotive shop or industrial plant brings added speed and efficiency to your operations. And, when you buy a reciprocating compressor from NPS Compressed Air Solutions, you’ll receive quality-made machines from the industry’s leading manufacturers, like Ingersoll-Rand, Atlas-Copco, Compair, Elmo Reischle, Gardner Denver, Holman, and Kaeser for added reliability and long-life.

The staff at NPS Compressed Air Solutions also understand that not all companies that need the power and productivity of a reciprocating air compressor have the budgets to buy the latest models, which is why we also offer reconditioned and used reciprocating compressors as well.


Our extensive selection of reciprocating compressors includes:
Oil-less and oil free designs
Industrial models
Electric, gasoline, and diesel driven models
High pressure models
Single stage and two stage designs
Vertical and horizontal models
And more


Plus, we have a wide inventory of parts and accessories from top manufacturers, like Ingersoll-Rand, Atlas-Copco, Compair, Elmo Reischle, Gardner Denver, Holman, and Kaeser
to keep your reciprocating compressor running smoothly.

Call or e-mail us today to find out why we have been one of the world's most trusted companies since 1994.

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