Compressors are mechanical devices used to increase pressure in a variety of compressible fluids, or gases, the most common of these being air.

Compressors may be characterized in several different ways, but are commonly divided into types based on the functional method used to generate the compressed air or gas. In the sections below, we outline and present the common compressor types. The types covered include:

Axial compressor / Piston Compressors / Diaphragm Compressors / Helical Screw Compressors

A rotary-screw compressor / Sliding Vane Compressors / Scroll Compressors

Rotary Lobe Compressors / Centrifugal Compressors