Compressed Air Dictionary

CoolAir Compressor Dictionary

Terms A-C

Air End

The compression unit in a rotary screw compressor.

Air Filter

Filters incoming air to remove dust and contaminants.

Air Receiver (Tank)

Stores air, stabilizes pressure and system demand.

Aftercooler

Cools air after compression to reduce moisture.

Activated Carbon Filter

Removes oil vapor and odors.

Absolute Pressure

Gauge pressure plus atmospheric pressure.

Aftermarket Parts

Third-party parts; may vary in quality.

Alarm / Shutdown Alarm

Indicates compressor shutdown due to fault.

Air Quality

Terms defining moisture, particles, oil, and air purity.

Terms D-F

Dew Point

Temperature at which moisture condenses in air.

Discharge Pressure

Pressure at which air exits the compressor.

Duty Cycle

Percentage of time the compressor is actively running.

Dryer (Refrigerated/Desiccant)

Removes moisture from compressed air.

Displacement (FAD)

Free Air Delivery; actual air volume delivered under standard conditions.

Terms E-H

Emergency Stop

Immediately shuts down compressor in case of hazard.

Filter / Coalescing Filter

Removes oil mist and aerosols from air.

Flow Controller

Manages air volume to end-use tools.

Fixed Speed Compressor

Operates at constant speed; simple, cost-effective option.

Terms I-L

Inlet Valve

Regulates the air entering the compressor.

ISO 8573-1

Defines air purity classes based on contaminants.

Lockout / Tagout (LOTO)

Procedure to isolate energy sources during maintenance.

Terms M-O

Minimum Pressure Valve (MPV)

Maintains minimum pressure for system stability.

Motor (Electric)

Powers the compressor’s air end.

Oil-Free Compressor

No oil is present in the compression chamber; critical for clean air applications.

Oil-Injected Compressor

Oil is injected into the compression chamber for cooling and lubrication.

Oil Filter

Filters impurities from the lubricating oil.

Onload

Compressor is actively compressing air.

Offload

Compressor is running but not compressing.

Terms P-R

Particulate Filter

Removes dust and solid particles.

Pressure Band

Range between cut-in and cut-out pressures.

Pressure Gauge

Pressure above atmospheric pressure.

Pressure Regulator

Maintains desired downstream pressure.

Pressure Relief Valve

Prevents over-pressurization.

Reciprocating Compressor

Uses a piston in a cylinder to compress air; ideal for intermittent, small-scale use.

Terms S-V

Safety Valve

Releases excess pressure to prevent damage.

Service Contract

Agreement for periodic maintenance and support.

Service Kit

Pre-packaged components for scheduled servicing.

Synthetic Compressor Oils

Lubricates compressor; reduces wear and improves performance.

Start/Stop Control

Compressor turns on/off based on pressure limits.

Two-Stage Compressor

Compresses air in two steps, improving efficiency at higher pressures.

Variable Speed Drive (VSD)

Varies motor speed based on demand; improves energy efficiency.

Terms W-Z

Water Separator

Separates bulk water from air using centrifugal action.

Warranty / Extended Warranty

Manufacturer’s coverage against defects or optional prolonged coverage.