An air compressor is a device that converts power (usually from an electric motor, a diesel engine or a gasoline engine) into kinetic energy by compressing and pressurizing air, which, on a command, can be released in immediate bursts.

There are numerous methods of air compression and types of air compressors.

Typical compressors come in 1- or 2-cylinder versions to suit the requirements of the tools they power. On the homeowner/contractor level, most of the 2-cylinder models operate just like single-cylinder versions, except that there are two strokes per revolution instead of one. Some commercial 2-cylinder compressors are 2-stage compressors, one piston pumps air into a second cylinder that further increases pressure.

About compressor power
One of the factors used to designate compressor power is motor horsepower. However, this isn’t the best indicator. You really need to know the amount of air the compressor can deliver at a specific pressure. The rate at which a compressor can deliver a volume of air is noted in cubic feet per minute (cfm). Because the atmospheric pressure plays a role in how fast air moves inside the cylinder, cfm will vary with atmospheric pressure. It also varies with the temperature and humidity of the air. To set an even playing field, makers calculate standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) as cfm at sea level with 68 degrees F air at 36% relative humidity. Scfm ratings are given at a specific pressure 3.0 scfm at 90 psi, for example. If you reduce pressure, scfm goes up, and vice versa. You also may run across a rating called displacement cfm. This figure is the product of cylinder displacement and motor rpm. In comparison with scfm, it provides an index of compressor pump efficiency.

The cfm and psi ratings are important because they indicate the tools that a particular compressor can drive. When choosing a compressor, make sure it can supply the amount of air and the pressure that your tools need.

This guide will accurately direct you to the correct cfm and compressor output. Specifications below are of brands found in Southern Africa and surrounding countries such as Botswana, Namibia and others. Although compressors vary from country to country, the below-bolded outputs would be similar to brands in your country the below specifications will help you.

Suitable compressor outputs, varieties and their specifications are catalogued from smallest to biggest below.  Choosing the right air compressor to power your pie machine is key to pie production reliability.

Single Phase Domestic 220V Compressors