What type of air compressor uses a piston to compress air?

The type of air compressor that uses a piston to compress air is the reciprocating air compressor. This design utilizes one or more pistons that move up and down within a cylinder, creating a vacuum that draws air into the chamber. As the piston moves back down, it compresses the air, which is then discharged through a valve.

Reciprocating compressors are known for their ability to produce high pressures and are widely used in applications requiring a steady supply of compressed air. They can also be found in various configurations, including single-stage and multi-stage designs, to accommodate different pressure requirements.

The other types of compressors mentioned operate on different principles—rotary screw compressors use two interlocking screws to compress air, centrifugal compressors utilize a rotating impeller to accelerate air and convert that energy into pressure, and diaphragm compressors use a flexible diaphragm to compress the air without any mechanical contact, which is ideal for sensitive applications needing contamination-free air. Each of these systems has its unique advantages but does not involve pistons in the compression process.