How does a multi-stage air compressor increase air pressure?

A multi-stage air compressor increases air pressure by utilizing multiple compression stages, where it takes air from the discharge side of previous cylinders. This process allows for more efficient compression of air.

In the first stage, air is drawn in and compressed to a certain pressure. Rather than delivering this air directly for storage or use, the air is directed into a second cylinder or stage. Here, the pressure from the first stage is utilized to further compress the air. This continuous stage-by-stage increase allows for a more controlled and efficient rise in pressure, preventing excessive heating, which is a common issue with single-stage compressors.

By using this method, the compressor can reach higher pressures than would be feasible with a single compression operation, effectively maximizing the output pressure through multiple stages without compromising the efficiency or risking overheating. This staged compression is crucial for applications requiring high pressure and consistent air supply, making it an essential design feature of multi-stage compressors.