Compressors are machines used to obtain compressed air. If a certain volume of gas is compressed to a smaller volume, the pressure of the gas begins to increase. The potential energy of the compressed gas affects the container in which the gas is contained in all directions as pressure. Compressed air flowing in a pipe converts some of its pressure energy into motion in one direction. In other words, the potential energy of the air is transformed into kinetic energy. If the velocity of the flowing air increases, the pressure decreases and if the velocity decreases, the pressure increases. This feature of compressed air is the basis of compressor systems. Compressor provides energy to air with this work on air.

The volume of air driven by the compressor over a certain period of time indicates the capacity of the compressor. The flow rate in the outlet pipe of the compressor is equal to the compressor capacity. If the speed of the air flowing in the compressor increases, the capacity of the compressor increases. Since the compressors compress the air, the volume of the air entering the compressor is always greater than the volume of the exiting air.

According to the characteristics of the work, compressors are divided into two main groups as piston or turbo. There are many varieties in itself. However, due to the pressure characteristics of the compressors, necessary precautions must be taken and their regular controls should be done in a timely manner in order to prevent them from being dangerous and to work safely.

The Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment describes the minimum requirements for the health and safety of all work machines and equipment used in the workplace. In accordance with the regulations, the compressors must be checked and inspected regularly by authorized mechanical engineers, machine technicians or high technicians at least once a year.

Periodic control and inspection of compressorsis in compliance with the standards and test methods published by the domestic and foreign institutions. Here are a few standards that are based on this:

• TS 9531 ISO 3857-3 Compressors, pneumatic tools and machines - Terms - Part 3: Pneumatic tools and machines

• TS ISO 5389 Turbocompressors - Performance test principles
• TS EN 1012-2 + A1 Compressors and vacuum pumps - Safety rules - Part 2: Vacuum pumps
• TS EN 13771-2 Compressors and condensing units for refrigeration - Performance testing and test methods - Part 2: Condensing units