Mapua University

School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Experiment No. 2

Air Compressor

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Date Performed: 3/14/2023

Date Submitted: 3/20/2023

Engr. Teodulo A. Valle

INSTRUCTOR
GRADE
Table of Contents

OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................................................1
THEORY AND PRINCIPLE...................................................................................................................1
LIST OF APPARATUS............................................................................................................................4
PROCEDURE............................................................................................................................................6
SET-UP OF APPARATUS.......................................................................................................................9
FINAL DATA SHEET............................................................................................................................10
SAMPLE COMPUTATIONS.................................................................................................................11
TEST DATA ANALYSIS.......................................................................................................................14
QUESTION AND ANSWER..................................................................................................................15
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................18

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OBJECTIVES
 To be familiar with an air compressor
 To determine the amount of compressed and delivered air
 To determine the indicated power
 To determine the efficiency of the air compressor

THEORY AND PRINCIPLE

An air compressor is a type of pneumatic equipment that converts mechanical power

(obtained from sources such as an gasoline or diesel engine, electric motor, etc.) into the
potential energy that is stored in pressurized air (i.e., compressed air). The pressure in a storage
tank can be increased using an air compressor, which does this by adding additional air to the
tank using one of several different methods. When the pressure in the tank reaches the maximum
limit that was designed for it, the air compressor automatically turns off. After then, the tank is
used to store the compressed air until it is required. The kinetic energy that is created as a result
of the release of pressurized air and the subsequent depressurization of the tank can be put to a
number of different uses, including the operation of pneumatic tools. When the pressure in the
tank drops below a certain threshold, the air compressor activates again and begins to pressurize
the tank. It is important to differentiate an air compressor from a pump, which works on a liquid,
due to the fact that an air compressor can function on any gas or air.

Before the invention of air compressors, many different kinds of tools were dependent on
convoluted systems that comprised belts, wheels, and a variety of other critical elements.
Because of its size, cost, and weight, this equipment was frequently out of reach for a great deal
of smaller enterprises. These days, air compressors are available in a wide range of sizes and
configurations, and you may find them anywhere from the garage of your next-door neighbor to
expansive shop floors and auto repair businesses. This article will describe how air compressors
work, beginning with its fundamental purpose and moving on to the many strategies that
different types of air compressors employ to regulate the amount of air that is displaced.

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 Figure 1: Air Compressor

The performance of a positive-displacement reciprocating piston compressor or rotary-

type equipment is tested in this experiment. With such devices, pressurized air is given
pulsatingly or intermittently. An air compressor test can achieve its primary purpose by
measuring only three quantities:

a. The amount of compressed and supplied air delivered per unit time

b. The pressure difference between the inflow and outflow.

d. The power requirements of the machines

Of course, the fundamental dimensions and speed of the machine would be recorded, as
well as specific data on the operation of the driving element (stream or gas engine or electric
motor). When the goal of the test is to fulfill a guarantee, it may be required to collect particular
supplemental data. Even the three fundamental quantities stated above, however, need two of the
most difficult mechanical measures, namely quantity measurement of a compressible and non-
condensable fluid and power input to a machine. The power required is often measured by
applying an indication to the If the drive is a steam, gas, or oil engine, compressor cylinders and
compressor cylinders are required. A calibrated or cradle-mounted electric motor, as well as a
transmission dynamometer, may be used. The application and use of these gadgets have
previously been discussed, and the student should refer to prior discussions.

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1. Temperature discharge

( )
n−1
T 2 P2 n
Tempdischarge = =
T 1 P1
2. Velocity of air
V air = √ 2 g hair
3. Free Air Delivered
V air∗π 2
FAD= D
4
4. Indicated Power

[( ) ]
1
2n P4 n−
2n
IP= (m2 R T 1) −1
n−1 P1

5. Power Input
Power Input=√ 3 × E × I × cosθ
6. Compressor Shaft Power
Compressor Shaft Power=Transmission Eff .× Motor Shaft Power
7. Compressor Efficiency
Indicated Power
Compressor Efficiency= ×100 %
Compressor Shaft Power
8. Overall Efficiency
Indicated Power
Overall Efficiency= × 100 %
Power Input

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LIST OF APPARATUS

LIST OF APPARATUS

1. Air Compressor

2. Electric Motor

3. Belt and Pulley

4. Water Manometer

4
 5. Pitot Tube

6. Tachometer

7. Amprobe

8. Thermometer

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 9. Steel Tape

10. Stopwatch

PROCEDURE

1. Measure the diameter of the nozzle.

2. Determine the existing barometric pressure.

3. Start the motor of the compressor with the discharge valve closed first so that compressed
air will enter the tank receiver.
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4. Then open the discharge slowly and throttle the valve until desires pressure is maintained.
5. For five minutes duration, start the trial by placing the Pitot tube connector to water
manometer inside the nozzle so that the velocity head can be obtained.

6. Then measure the speed of the air compressor using a tachometer and the current as well
using the amprobe.

7. Before the trial ends, measure the suction and

discharge temperature of air.

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 8. Determine all the requirements needed to complete the data sheet.

SET-UP OF APPARATUS

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FINAL DATA SHEET

Item 1 2
Duration of Run ( min. ) 2 2

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Compressor Pressure Discharge
72 79
( psi )
Temperature of Intake (℉ ) 87.8 89.6
Temperature of Discharge (℉) 40.64 220.48
Speed ( rpm ) 466 453
Size of Nozzle ( in ) 7/8”
Velocity Head ( 𝑖𝑛𝐻2𝑂) 1/8 1/8
Velocity of Air ( ft/sec ) 24.116 24.0786
Current ( amp ) 7.3 7.4

Free Air Delivered (ft3/min) 6.0423 6.0332

Mass flow rate ( lbs/min ) 0.4377 0.435

Indicated Power ( Hp ) 0.7638 0.7984
Compressor Efficiency ( % ) 37.82 34.51%
Overall Efficiency (% ) 28.93 26.40%

SAMPLE COMPUTATIONS
Trial 2

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 Finding the Discharge temperature (All temperature was converted to Rankine)

( )
n−1
T 2 P2 n
Tempdischarge = =
T 1 P1

( )
n−1
P2 n
T 2=T 1
P1

( )
1.3−1

T 2=549.27 ° R
√14.7(93.7) 1.3

14.7
T 2=680.1486 ° R=220.48 ° F

 Velocity of Air
P 14.7(144) lbm
Pair = = =0.00725 3
R T 1 53.4(549.27) ft

h air = (
1 62.4
8 0.0722 )( 121 )=9.0028 ft
ft
V air = √2 g hair =√ 2 ( 32.2 )( 9.0028 ) =24.0786
s
 FAD
V air∗π 2
FAD= D
4

( )( )
2
π 7 1
FAD=24.0786 ×
4 8 12
3
ft
FAD=0.1005
s
 Find IP
P 1 V ' 1 14.7(0.1005)(144) lbm
M f =m' 1= = =0.00725 3
RT 1 53.4 (549.27) ft

lbm 60 sec lbs

M f =0.00725 × =0.435
ft
3
1 min min

[( ) ]
1
2n P4 n−
2n
IP= (m2 R T 1) −1
n−1 P1

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 2 ( 1.3 )
[( ) ]
1
93.7 1.3−
IP= ( 0.00725× 53.4 ×549.27) 2(1.3)
−1
1.3−1 14.7

ft−lb
IP=439.1371
s
Conversion

( )
ft−lb 1
IP=439.1371 =0.7984 hp
s ft −lb
550
s−hp

For Checking:

[( ) ]
n−1
n Pi n
IP LP = (mf R T 1 ) −1
n−1 P1

[( ) ]
1.3−1
1.3 37.11
IP LP = ( 0.00725× 53.4 ×549.27) 1.3
−1
1.3−1 14.7

( )
ft−lb 1
IP LP =219.5458 =0.3992 hp
s ft −lb
550
s−hp

[( ) ]
n−1
n P4 n
IP HP= (mf R T 1) −1
n−1 Pi

[( ) ]
1.3−1
1.3 93.7
IP HP= (0.00725 ×53.4 × 549.27) 1.3
−1
1.3−1 37.11

( )
ft−lb 1
IP LP =219.5913 =0.3993 hp
s ft −lb
550
s−hp

 Power Input
Power Input=√ 3 × E × I × cosθ
Power Input=√ 3 ×220 ×7.4 × 0.8=2255.8230 W

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 1 hp
Power Input=2.2558 kW × =3.0239 hp
0.746 kW
 Compressor Efficiency (%)
Montor Power=3.0239 ×0.85=2.5703 hp
Compressor Shaft Power=3.0239× 0.85 ×0.9=2.3133 hp
Indicated Power
Compressor Efficiency= ×100 %
Compressor Shaft Power
0.7984
Compressor Efficiency= × 100 %=34.51%
2.3133
 Power Input

Indicated Power
Overall Efficiency= × 100 %
Power Input

0.7984
Overall Efficiency= × 100 %=26.40 %
3.0239

TEST DATA ANALYSIS

When it came time to analyze the data from the experiment, our instructor gave us
formulas to use so that we could determine the values that were absent from the table we were
given. We were able to determine what data was necessary for each trial by making use of the
information that we gathered all throughout the experiment. Before attempting to calculate the
recommended power and efficiency, our team carried out a number of measurements, which
allowed them to make the following observations. All of the following parameters were
evaluated: intake temperature, discharge pressure, nozzle size, velocity head, and current.

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 As the experiment progressed, it was demonstrated that the relationship between
temperature T and pressure P is linear, provided that the volume V was kept at the same level
throughout. As air is compressed, the outcome is an increase in pressure, which in turn leads to
an increase in temperature. When air is compressed, the temperature and pressure both go up
while the volume goes down.

QUESTION AND ANSWER

1. What are Air Compressors? 

A pneumatic air compressor transfers power (from an electric motor, diesel
engine, or other engine, for instance) into potential energy stored in pressurized air
(i.e., compressed air). Using a variety of methods, an air compressor boosts the
pressure in a storage tank by continually forcing additional air into the container.
When the pressure in the tank exceeds the predetermined maximum, the air
compressor shuts off.

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 The compressed air is then kept until it is required in the tank. Using the kinetic
energy of the air when it is released, and the tank depressurizes allows for several
applications of the stored energy in compressed air.

When the pressure in the tank drops below a specified threshold, the air
compressor restarts and pressurizes the tank. Since it functions on any gas or air, an air
compressor must be distinguished from a pump, which operates on a liquid.

2. Enumerate the types of air compressors.

 axial compressor
 Reciprocating air compressor
 Rotary screw compressor
 Centrifugal air compressor
3. Who was the first person to invent the air compressor for equipment?
Wilkinson is credited with inventing the first working air compressor in the late
1700s, so laying the groundwork for subsequent generations of compressor engineers.
George Medhurst was the first person to create an air compressor, which is used to
provide mines with air by motorized compression. Mine shafts have very little
available air.

4. How do air compressors function?

A container is made more pressurized by using an air compressor, which works

by forcing air into the container. As the pressure increases, air is compelled to escape
the tank through one of its openings. Picture it as an open balloon, into which
pressurized air can be expelled in order to produce energy.

They are able to move because they are powered by a motor that converts
electrical energy into kinetic energy. The use of a crankshaft, piston, valve, head, and
connecting rod are all present, just as they are in an internal combustion engine. After
being compressed, the air can be used to power a wide variety of different devices.
Sanders, paint sprayers, impact wrenches, and nailers are some of the most common
and widely used power tools.

5. What is the most common type of air compressor used?

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 The reciprocating compressor, which is also known as a piston compressor, is
the type of air compressor that is used the most frequently nowadays. In order to
compress air, reciprocating compressors make use of pistons, and they are most
commonly seen in applications on a smaller scale, such as in auto repair shops and for
do-it-yourself projects.

A reciprocating compressor is a type of compressor that works by having one

or more pistons travel back and forth inside of a cylinder. As the pistons move, they
compress the air that is contained in the cylinder. After that, the air that has been
compressed is either released into a storage tank or fed straight into a pneumatic tool
or another device.

CONCLUSION

In the end, the experiment was successful in accomplishing its objectives, which were to
be familiar with an air compressor, determine the amount of compressed and delivered air,
indicated power, the efficiency of the air compressor. We were given access to the real air
compressor that was being used in the laboratory, and we were given the chance to operate it so
that we could become familiar with it. We were able to calculate the total volume of compressed
and delivered air by making use of the actual air compressor and the appropriate mathematical
procedure. Because we were able to calculate the suggested power consumption of the
compressor, we can now determine the amount of energy that the compressor is capable of
producing as a result of the combustion that it undergoes. In conclusion, we were able to figure

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out the efficiency of the air compressors by employing the formula that we developed based on
laboratory data and the data itself. This allowed us to determine the efficiency of the air
compressors.

REFERENCES

Wikipedia contributors. (2023, February 23). Air compressor. Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_compressor
Dey, A. K. (n.d.). Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger Piping | Online Course on
Drums/Exchanger Layout & Stress Analysis. https://whatispiping.com/shell-tube-
heat-exchanger-piping/

Ronquillo, R. (n.d.). Understanding Heat Exchangers.

https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/process-equipment/understanding-heat-
exchangers/

Borgan, R. J. (2011). Heat Exchanger. https://www.thermopedia.com/content/832/

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Quincy (2011). How Do Air Compressors Work? https://www.quincycompressor.com/how-
do-air-compressors-work/

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PRELIMINARY DATA SHEE

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