Positive displacement: There is air flow from the low pressure side to the high pressure side and in turn the movement of the displacement element, for example: the piston, is in the form of thrust. In reciprocating air compressors, the air is compressed by the continuous displacement (translation) of the piston moving in the cylinder.

In reciprocating air compressors, if the compression (compression) takes place only during the movement of the piston to one side/direction (upward, opposite to the suction direction), it is effective in one (direction); If compression occurs during its movement in both directions (up and down or right and left), it is called a double (direction) acting reciprocating compressor.

The suction valves open when the pressure in the cylinder (decreased by the suction effect of the piston) is slightly lower than the air intake/inlet pressure. The outlet valves open when the pressure in the cylinder (by increasing the compression effect of the piston) is slightly higher than the compressor outlet pressure.

Reciprocating air compressors can be air-cooled or water-cooled, oiled or oil-free (in the cylinder, around the piston, in terms of oil); It can be made as a package/unit (in a closed case) and has a variety of models to provide a wide selection of pressure and capacity.