This section provides an overview for piston compressor as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 42 piston compressor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked piston compressor companies as of November, 2024: 1.Fornovo Gas S.p.A., 2.Xiamen HighQ Compressor Co., Ltd, 3.Eaton Compressor & Fabrication.
Table of Contents
A piston compressor is a type of compressor that uses the reciprocating motion of a piston to compress fluid. These compressors, also known as reciprocating compressors, fall under the category of positive displacement compressors. They are widely used in both air compressors and gas compressors for various gases, including nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, oxygen, refrigerants, and more.
Piston compressors are known for their large torque fluctuations during rotation, which can lead to increased noise and vibration. However, this issue can be mitigated by employing multiple cylinders.
Piston compressors for air compression are commonly used in small to medium-sized applications. These range from single to multi-cylinder models and are often integrated with an air tank, pressure gauge, regulating valve, and controller. Examples include bicycle inflators and large-scale installations in factories as compressed air sources. They are also used in train doors and brakes, bus and truck brakes, construction tools, spray painting, dental applications, and food production. For high-pressure applications, multi-stage compressors are used to avoid excessive temperature rise by sequentially compressing the air in different cylinders.
These compressors are designed for various gases other than air, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, LPG, LNG, ammonia, ethylene, hydrocarbons, and refrigerants. Their design includes considerations for specific gas characteristics, and compression ratios, and may range from one to six cylinders. Special types include multi-stage, oil-free, and oil-lubricated compressors. For gases like LPG and LNG, which are extremely cold at suction, oil-free compressors with special materials and structures are used for sliding parts.
Piston compressors are also utilized in air conditioners and refrigeration units. Hermetically sealed compressors are commonly found in electric refrigerators, small to medium air conditioners, and commercial refrigeration units, where the compressor and motor are enclosed in a welded container.
The key components of a piston compressor include the piston seal, crankshaft, cylinder, inlet and discharge valves, cylinder head, drive unit, valves in the gas passage, oil supply unit, and control unit. During the intake process, the descending piston creates negative pressure, drawing gas into the cylinder. After reaching the bottom dead center, the piston begins the compression process, and once the pressure exceeds the discharge pressure, the discharge valve opens. Compressors may be driven by electric motors (induction, DC brushless, commutator, or reluctance types), hydraulic motors, or engines. DC brushless motors, in particular, are energy-efficient and easily controlled when paired with an inverter.
Generation of Heat: Compression of gas generates heat due to the increased velocity and reduced distance between gas molecules. The extent of heat generation depends on the specific heat ratio and the compression ratio. Cooling systems may be necessary for certain applications.
Generation of Water: In air compressors, the atmospheric water vapor condenses into water in the compressed air tank due to increased saturation. This water must be regularly drained to prevent negative impacts on the equipment.
Piston compressors come in oil-fed and oil-less varieties. Oil-fed compressors have an integrated oil supply system, while oil-less compressors contain no oil in the discharge gas, making them suitable for applications where oil contamination is a concern. However, oil-less compressors may have slightly less durability compared to their oil-fed counterparts.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Eaton Compressor & Fabrication, established in 1977 and headquartered in Boston, Indiana, is a manufacturer and distributor of air compressors. The company’s products include rotary screw air compressors, piston air compressors, gas air compressors, and maintenance services. It offers a range of compressor pumps, air dryers, and tools for various applications. It utilizes patented technologies like smart air, silent air, and pressure lube to ensure efficient and dependable operation across multiple industries. The company’s industrial series encompasses drain valves, belt tensioner systems, and water-cooled solutions.
Viktec is a professional specialty tool manufacturer of mechanic specialty tools, with its headquarters located in Zhejiang, China. The company manufactures over 800 types of mechanic specialty tools and export to over 100 counties. Some of its key products include engine specialty tools, suspension tools, steering tools, brake tools, bearing tools, as well as glow plug tools, and ball joint tools. These tools are primarily used in the automotive industry for various purposes such as maintenance and repair. Its tools have passed the CE, Reach, TUV certification, and its factory has passed the ISO9001:2008 audit.
BAC Compressor, established in 1979, based in Coimbatore, has been a manufacturer of air compressors. Since its establishment, the company has consistently provided an extensive range of cost-effective air compressors. BAC Compressor's products are distributed across India through a network of numerous air compressor dealers. The company is known for its manufacturing air compressors that cater to various industrial needs. With a specialization in reciprocating and screw air compressors, BAC Compressor has gained customers for its products and services.
ZHEJIANG SALI ABRASIVE TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD (ZSALI) is a Chinese ISO 9001 certified manufacturer and exporter of industrial abrasives established in 2003 in Yiwu City, Zhejiang. The company produces various abrasive products for industrial applications, such as standard and diamond grinding wheels, cutting discs, wire brushes, and saw blades. It also offers contract manufacturing, import, and export services for unique customer projects. ZSALI maintains a global distribution network that operates in over 160 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America.
Ateliers François S.A. (AF Compressors), established in 1870, is a manufacturer headquartered in Liège, Belgium, specializing in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) compressors. The company offers a range of oil-free piston compressors suitable for both low- and high-pressure applications in the PET bottling industry. It also provides related products, such as single- and multi-compressor management systems, smart inverter starters (SISs), and adsorption and refrigerant dryers. The company serves customers in over 185 countries, catering to spring and drinking water providers, beverage producers, and engineering companies.
Xiamen HighQ Compressor Co. Ltd., established in 2014 and based in Xiamen, Fujian, China, is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of compressors for the industrial sector. The company offers piston compressors for small-scale standard applications, screw air compressors for high-efficiency applications, and oil-free scroll compressors for applications requiring clean compressed air. It also offers air dryers for improving compressed air quality by removing moisture from it. The company serves clients in the industrial, healthcare, and construction sectors.
C.A.P. Srl, established in 1974 and located in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, is a manufacturer of industrial and automotive equipment. The company serves the industrial and automotive sectors with a diverse range of bolting, air and energy, lifting products, and accessories. Its product line encompasses pneumatic and hydraulic impact wrenches, motor-driver compressors, floor jacks, trolleys, and impact sockets crafted from Swedish steel. Using advanced in-house design processes aided by cutting-edge IT systems, 3D graphics software, and FEA/FEM analysis, the company ensures quality across all phases of development.
Founded in 1999, and located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Ever-Power group is a manufacturer and supplier of mechanical transmission parts, accessories, and hydraulic transmission parts. The company produces Chain Sprocket, Pulleys, Worm Reducer, Agricultural Gearbox, and, Planetary Gearbox along with Chain, Vacuum Pumps, Coupling, Gear and Rack, and, Electric Motors that have applications in various industries. They also provide PTO Drive Shaft, Screw Jack, Shaft Collar, Power Lock, and Air Compressors that are required by the machinists working in transmission sectors.
Maruti Air Compressor Pvt. Ltd. is an Indian manufacturer of various industrial compressors established in 1972 and based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The company's product lineup includes diesel and petrol-driven reciprocating lubricated piston compressors, vertical and horizontal air receiver tanks, microfine filter sets, and high-pressure washer pumps for automobile service stations or industrial facilities. The company is certified to CE and ISO 9001:2015 standards, and its products are used in the pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, automobile, and metal fabrication industries.
GS Machinery, founded in 2001 and based in New Delhi, India, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in Pet Stretch Blowing Machines. The company’s product portfolio includes semi-automatic pet blowing machines, semi-automatic auto drop pet blowing machines, compressors, chiller and air dryers, and mold, among others. These products find applications in diverse industries such as pharmaceuticals, beverages packaging, liquid packaging, juices and soft drinks, and other sectors. The company is an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization that has installed over 2,000 machines in India and abroad.
Frank Technologies Pvt Ltd, established in 2015, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial equipment and machinery. The company offers a diversified range of industrial compressors, water chillers, gas generators, air dryers, and other products. The company maintains the ISO 9001:2015 standard and has an R&D facility for advanced system development. Its approach involves comprehensive market research to inform component design and development, ensuring its products remain relevant in the industry.
Huade Mechanical & Equipment Co. Ltd., founded in 1985 and headquartered in Hong Kong, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of air compressor systems and equipment. The company produces more than 300 types of air compressors, including screw, scroll, and belt-driven units. The majority of its compressor units are available in both oil-free and oil-lubricated models. These products are used in manufacturing plants, on construction sites, and in medical facilities. The company's services include the manufacture of custom air compressors, maintenance, and the supply of spare parts.
Atlas Copco UK Holdings Limited, established in 1974 in the UK, is a distributor and supplier of a wide range of industrial tools and machinery used in the aerospace, mobile construction, air motors, and electric motor industries. The company's product portfolio includes air compressors, N2 and O2 generators, tools, and industrial assembly solutions. Atlas Copco UK Holdings Limited also offers a range of products for mobile construction, including power generators, as well as providing clients with 24/7 tool and equipment rental solutions.
CompAir, a company founded in 1801 and headquartered in Worcestershire, England, is a manufacturer and supplier of air compressors and compressed air equipment. The company's product portfolio includes oil-lubricated compressors, oil-free compressors, portable compressors, vane compressors, and compressed air dryers. These products are utilized by various industries, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, industrial manufacturing, chemicals, and food and beverage. The company provides services including warranties, service expertise, installation, leak detection surveys, and testing of pressure equipment. The company has offices and distributors in various countries, including Spain, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
Bauer Comp Holding GmbH is a manufacturer and distributor of compressors for the industrial sector founded in 1946 and located in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The company primarily offers screw and high-pressure compressors for standard industrial applications, as well as specialized models for breathable air and energy production processes. It also offers technical support and product consultation services for customers requiring additional assistance. The company chiefly serves customers in the petrochemical, energy, and mining industries.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Fornovo Gas S.p.A. |
16.7%
|
2 | Xiamen HighQ Compressor Co., Ltd |
12.5%
|
3 | Eaton Compressor & Fabrication |
12.5%
|
4 | Huade Mechanical & Equipment Co., Ltd |
12.5%
|
5 | CAP |
8.3%
|
6 | AF Compressors |
8.3%
|
7 | Sunrise Instruments Private Limited |
8.3%
|
8 | Atlas Copco UK Holdings Ltd |
8.3%
|
9 | Pioneer Refrigeration Engineering Company |
4.2%
|
10 | Roteck Equipment Limited |
4.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the piston compressor page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
China | 6 | 46.2% |
India | 3 | 23.1% |
United States of America | 1 | 7.7% |
Belgium | 1 | 7.7% |
Italy | 1 | 7.7% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 7.7% |