What is the difference between a compressor and a blower?

The primary difference between a compressor and a blower lies in their pressure ratios. Compressors operate at high pressure ratios, significantly increasing air pressure, while blowers operate at lower pressure ratios, providing a moderate increase in air pressure. In simpler terms, a compressor packs air into a small space, creating high pressure, whereas a blower moves a large volume of air with a less dramatic pressure increase.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Compressor:

High-pressure ratio:
Compressors are designed to significantly increase the pressure of a gas (like air) by reducing its volume.
High-pressure output:
The high pressure generated by a compressor is often used to power tools, cylinders, and other equipment.
Examples:
Reciprocating piston compressors, screw compressors, and centrifugal compressors.

Blower:

Low-pressure ratio: Blowers move large volumes of air or gas with only a moderate increase in pressure.
High-volume output: Blowers are used to circulate large amounts of air, often for ventilation or material handling.
Examples: Centrifugal blowers, axial flow blowers, and regenerative blowers.

Key Differences Summarized:

Feature	Compressor	Blower
Pressure Ratio	High	Low
Pressure Output	High	Moderate
Volume Output	Lower	High
Typical Applications	Powering tools, pneumatic systems, high-pressure processes	Ventilation, material handling, cooling