Air compressors are of two types:
1. Single Stage
2. Two Stage
Basic Difference: The difference between a single stage vs two stage air compressor is the number of times the air gets compressed. In a single stage, the air is compressed 1 time. While in two stage, the air is compressed 2 times. Two stage air compressors are more reliable and efficient than single stage air compressors.
Single Stage vs Two Stage Air Compressor
In this article, we will cover all the topics related to Single Stage and Two Stage Air Compressor.
- What is the difference between a single stage and a two stage air compressor
- Which is better – A single stage or two stage air compressor
- Is a 2 stage air compressor better than a single stage
- Which air compressor is More Reliable
- Which air compressor is more Expensive
- Which Air Compressor Saves Energy
- What is a 2 Stage Air Compressor
- How does a 2 stage air compressor work
- What is the advantage of a two stage air compressor
- Conclusive Comparison Table
Before we compare single stage vs two stage air compressor in detail, let’s first discuss the primary difference between single stage and two-stage air compressors.
What is the difference between a single stage and a two stage air compressor?
When we run the air compressor, the air gets compressed between the inlet valve and the tool nozzle.
The primary difference between a single stage and two stage air compressor is the number of times the air gets compressed.
In a single stage air compressor, the air is compressed a single time. While in two stage air compressor, air is compressed two times.
Which is better – a single stage or two stage air compressor
Both single stage and two-stage air compressors have some merits and demerits, depending upon the usage and requirements.
Single-stage air compressors are ideal for light-duty air-powered tools that occasionally have to be used.
Two-stage air compressors can handle large pressure requirements such as 100 PSIG, unlike single-stage air compressors.
Two-stage air compressors are more reliable and efficient than single-stage air compressors.
Is a 2 stage air compressor better than a single stage
Two-stage air compressors are recommended for industrial and commercial purposes such as manufacturing, auto repairing, etc.
It has more cylinder stages and pressure, increasing work efficiency as it can handle more air-powered tools with a faster recovery time.
“In larger installations, dual compression is better, but for smaller operations, these compressors may not be as suitable, as the same savings are not translatable.” – www.Caps.com.au
Which is More Reliable: Single Stage vs Two Stage Air Compressor
The reliability of an air compressor depends upon the usage and maintenance of your air compressor.
Two-stage air compressors are reliable for factory or commercial use because it has the required CFM (cubic feet of air moved per minute).
It can handle heavy-duty air-powered tools for professional use, such as painting and sanding, which requires as much as 100 PSIG.
Single-stage air compressors are reliable for light-duty tools you want to occasionally use, such as kitchen equipment or for personal use in home garage.
To summarize, two-stage air compressors are reliable and efficient for heavy-duty and non-stop use, and single-stage air compressors are reliable for home usage for lighter equipment.
Which is More Expensive: Single Stage vs Two Stage Air Compressor
Two stage air compressors are much more expensive than single stage air compressors.
The price of a single-stage or two-stage air compressor depends on your power
requirements.
Two stage small air compressors for residential usage start from $400-$500 and go up to $1400-$1500.
Professional models of two-stage air compressors for commercial purposes starting from 5 HP for $1500 up to 200 HP for $50,000.
The primary reason for a higher price is that two-stage air compressors have more parts.
Which Air Compressor Saves Energy
Two stage air compressors have smaller parts, which requires less maintenance than single stage air compressors.
It has less moisture buildup in its tank and also allows air to cool down in the tank for a more extended period before it is required to be used.
Many large-scale manufacturers confirm the substantial savings with two-stage air compressors, which provide an energy saving of 10% to 12%.
Two stage air compressors also reduce production costs because you can use multiple pneumatic tools together such as impact wrench, nail gun, framing nailer, paint gun, etc.
Thus, for commercial use, your initial investment in a two-stage air compressor could save you money over time.
What is a 2 Stage Air Compressor
As discussed above, in a 2 stage air compressor, the air is compressed two times. As a result, the pressure gets doubled, and the efficiency and power of the air compressor are increased.
In large industrial plants, large air compressors ranging somewhere from 5 HP up to 50,000 HP are used throughout production and maintenance operations.
The running cost of such large units is many times more than the actual cost. The air compression is done in more than one stage to reduce running cost, and between each stage, the intercooler is provided, which allows air to cool down in the tank for a more extended period before it is required to be used.
How does a 2 stage air compressor work
Two-stage air compressors feature two cylinders, each of a different diameter. Between both compression stages, an intercooler cools down the compressed air before it reaches the second cylinder.
Air is then forced into an additional chamber where it is pressurized for industrial usage.
This cooling down of compressed air eases the further compression, resulting in energy saving of 10% to 12% (as shown in the image below).
What is the advantage of a two stage air compressor
Two-stage air compressors have many advantages as compared to single-stage air compressors.
Two-stage air compressors operate at a slow speed. It splits the pressure ratio into two stages, reducing the bearing load and significantly extending the compressor life.
Two-stage air compressors are more reliable as compared to single-stage air compressors.
Two-stage air compressors double the air pressure, increasing work efficiency and being much more reliable than single-stage air compressors.
Two stage air compressors require less maintenance, have less moisture buildup in their tank, and also allow air to cool down in the tank for a more extended period before it is required to be used.
Two-stage air compressors can increase commercial production efficiency and reduce waste in large manufacturing operations.
Two stage air compressors are also handy for painting your car at home.
Single Stage vs Two Stage Air Compressor
| Single Stage | Two Stage | |
| Air Compression | One time | Two times |
| Air Pressure | Less air pressure | Much more air pressure as compared to single stage |
| Recommended Usage | For light-duty air-powered tools for personal use in garage or kitchen | For professional and commercial use on large scale as much as 100 PSIG |
| Reliability | Reliable only if used on low scale | Much more reliable as compared to single stage air compressor |
| Efficiency | Efficient only if used on low scale | Much more efficient as compare to single stage air compressor |
| Cylinder Stages | Single cylinder stage | Multiple cylinders and stages |
| Recovery Time | Low recovery time | Faster recovery time |
| CFM (cubic feet of air moved per minute) | Low CFM | High CFM |
| Pricing | Reasonable price | Much more expensive |
| Maintenance | Requires more and frequent maintenance | Requires less maintenance |
| Energy Consumption | Consumes much more energy | Reduces energy consumption up to 12% |
| Intercooler | No intercooler | Intercooler is included which allows air to cool down |
Conclusion:
Now, as we have compared Single Stage vs Two Stage Air Compressor in detail, we can say both single stage and two-stage air compressors have some merits and demerits, depending upon the usage and requirements.
To summarize, two-stage air compressors are expensive but are reliable and efficient for heavy-duty and non-stop use. Single-stage air compressors are cheaper and more reliable for home usage for lighter equipment only.