Air and Gas Compressors Chapter.
14
RAYNER JOEL, 5TH EDITION
DEFINITION
An air compressor is a device that converts power (usually from an electric motor, a diesel engine or a gasoline engine) into kinetic energy by compressing and pressurizing air.
Type of compressor
Positive displacement
Dynamic
Reciprocating
Rotary
Centrifugal
Axial
Positive-displacement type, a given quantity of air or gas is trapped in a compression chamber and the volume it occupies is mechanically reduced, causing a corresponding rise in pressure
prior to discharge. At constant speed, the air flow remains
essentially constant with variations in discharge pressure.
Dynamic compressors impart velocity energy to continuously flowing air or gas by means of impellers rotating at very high
speeds. The velocity energy is changed into pressure energy both
by the impellers and the discharge volutes or diffusers.
Reciprocating Compressor
Used for air and refrigerant compression Works like a bicycle pump: cylinder volume reduces while pressure increases, with pulsating output Many configurations available Single acting when using one side of the piston, and double acting when using both sides
Rotary Compressor
Rotors instead of pistons: continuous discharge Benefits: low cost, compact, low weight, easy to maintain Sizes between 30 200 hp Lobe compressor Screw compressor
Types
Rotary vane / Slide vane
Centrifugal Compressor
Rotating impeller transfers energy to move air Continuous duty Designed oil free High volume applications > 12,000 cfm
Axial Compressor
Used in gas turbine
Comparison of Compressors
Efficiency at full, partial and no load
Noise level
Size Oil carry-over Vibration Maintenance Capacity Pressure
Compressor Efficiency
Most practical: specific power consumption (kW / volume flow rate)
Other methods
Isothermal Volumetric
Adiabatic
Mechanical
Reciprocating Air Compressor (Theoretical Background)
4-1 1-2 2-3
Gas induced at inlet pressure Air compressed from pressure P1 to P2 Compressed air of volume V2 delivered from compressor
Ideal compression is isothermal, due to less work input Due to friction, actual process is polytropic process
Higher the isothermal efficiency, more nearly has the actual compression approached isothermal compression
Work input for a Reciprocating Compressor