17th Century: Origin of Air Compressors
In the year 1640, the first mechanical vacuum pump was developed in Germany, laying the foundation for modern air compressor technology.
19th Century: Early Development
Around 1800, the first single-stage (reciprocating piston-type) air compressor was manufactured in England, with an exhaust pressure of 1.38 MPa (gauge pressure).
In 1829, the first two-stage reciprocating air compressor with intermediate cooling was designed in England, significantly improving compression efficiency.
In 1878, the Swiss company Burckhardt Maschinenfabrik AG produced its first air compressor equipped with control slide valves for distribution.
In the same year, German engineer H. Krihar proposed the concept of internal-free compression for air compressors, laying the groundwork for the future development of screw-type air compressors.
20th Century: Technological Innovations and Popularization
In 1902, the American company Ingersoll-Rand Co. manufactured the first mobile reciprocating air compressor.
In 1904, Sweden's Atlas developed the first piston-type air compressor, and in 1907, the company produced the first mobile reciprocating air compressor, which was a globally pioneering integral motor compressor.
In 1930, the Monodloc mobile air compressor was introduced, further promoting the mobility and practicality of air compressors.
In 1931, the Worthington Corporation of the United States produced the first opposed air compressor, which later evolved into today's BDC symmetrical balanced air and gas compressor series.
In 1934, Professor Alf Lysholm of the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden designed the first screw air compressor and its rotor profile, laying the foundation for the practical application of screw-type air compressors.
In 1946, the British company James Howden obtained a production license for screw-type air compressors from SRM in Sweden, leading to the production and sale of screw-type air compressors in Europe, the United States, and Japan.
In 1957, oil-injected screw-type air compressors were introduced, addressing previous technical deficiencies and gaining widespread use.
In 1960, Sweden's Atlas introduced the renowned DT4 short-stroke air compressor and the ER8 low-power consumption air compressor.
In 1962, B. Zimmern of France proposed the concept of a single-screw compressor, which was officially produced and marketed in the early 1970s.
21st Century: High Efficiency and Intelligence
In the past two decades, especially since the beginning of the 21st century, air compressor technology has continued to innovate, with improved precision and auxiliary equipment. New technologies have made screw-type air compressors more superior in performance and expanded their range of applications.
Modern air compressors focus on high efficiency, energy conservation, and environmental protection. The application of variable frequency technology, permanent magnet motors, and intelligent control systems has significantly improved compressor efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
Future Outlook
With ongoing technological advancements, screw-type air compressors are expected to replace reciprocating compressors in the future, becoming the most widely used type of air compressor. New materials, processes, and intelligent controls will further enhance compressor performance and application scope, providing robust support for various industries.
From simple designs to modern efficient equipment, the development of air compressors has spanned several hundred years. Each stage of technological progress has driven industrial productivity and safety. In the future, air compressor technology will continue to evolve towards high efficiency, intelligence, and environmental friendliness, offering powerful support for diverse industries.