Rotary Vane Air Compressors

Rotary vane air compressors have a rotor with blades set into radial slots along the perimeter of the rotor. The rotor sits in an offset position in the housing so that part of the rotor is always in contact with the inside wall of the cylinder. This creates two sealed areas where the volume changes continuously. At the point where the intake portion of the rotor is exposed, the gas is sucked into the housing and fills one of the sealed areas. As the motion continues, the area the gas occupies is reduced, which compresses the gas. When the exhaust valve is then exposed, the compressed gas forces it open and releases the gas. This method of compression is highly efficient because the intake and compression actions occur simultaneously. Compressors can be stationary or portable and are quieter than piston compressors. They are commonly used in transportation and refrigeration applications.