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Compressor Overview

A compressor is a mechanical device that increases gas pressure by reducing its volume, commonly used in air compression and various industries. There are two main types: positive displacement compressors, which mechanically reduce gas volume, and dynamic compressors, which use high-speed impellers to add velocity. Key components include air inlet filters, compression elements, cooling systems, and lubrication types, with applications spanning manufacturing, construction, automotive, and healthcare.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
13 views4 pages

Compressor Overview

A compressor is a mechanical device that increases gas pressure by reducing its volume, commonly used in air compression and various industries. There are two main types: positive displacement compressors, which mechanically reduce gas volume, and dynamic compressors, which use high-speed impellers to add velocity. Key components include air inlet filters, compression elements, cooling systems, and lubrication types, with applications spanning manufacturing, construction, automotive, and healthcare.

Uploaded by

anitajohn123789
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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WHAT IS A COMPRESSOR?

A compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume. The
most common use is to compress air (hence “air compressor”), but it also applies to other gases in
industries like refrigeration, oil & gas, and HVAC.

⚙️BASIC WORKING PRINCIPLE


Suction stroke: Gas enters the compressor at low pressure.

Compression: Volume is reduced, increasing pressure.

Discharge stroke: Compressed gas is expelled at high pressure.

Based on how this is achieved, compressors are classified into positive displacement and dynamic
types.

🧩 TYPES OF COMPRESSORS
1. Positive Displacement Compressors
These compress gas by trapping a volume and mechanically reducing its size.

a. Reciprocating (Piston) Compressor


Works like an engine piston.

Can be single-stage or multi-stage.

Used for high-pressure, low flow.

b. Rotary Screw Compressor


Uses helical screws to compress air.

Continuous operation, low vibration.

Best for medium to high flow, medium pressure.

c. Rotary Vane Compressor


Uses vanes on a rotor inside a cavity.

Compact and good for light-duty work.

d. Scroll Compressor
Two spiral-shaped scrolls compress air.

Quiet and efficient—common in HVAC and refrigeration.

2. Dynamic Compressors
These use high-speed rotating impellers to add velocity to the gas, then convert that into pressure.

a. Centrifugal Compressor
Impeller throws gas outward into a diffuser.

Suitable for high flow, moderate pressure.

b. Axial Compressor
Gas flows parallel to shaft; high flow and pressure.

Used in jet engines, gas turbines.

🔩 MAJOR COMPONENTS
Component Function
Air inlet filter Cleans incoming air
Compression element Piston, screw, vane, or impeller
Cooling system Cools air and parts (air-cooled or water-cooled)
Drive system Motor (electric/diesel)
Lubrication system Reduces friction, removes heat
Receiver tank Stores compressed air
Control system Manages operation & safety (pressure switch, VFD, etc.)

🧮 PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS
Parameter Description
Pressure Final pressure output (e.g., 8 bar, 100 psi)
Flow rate Amount of air delivered (e.g., CFM, m³/min)
Power Motor rating (kW or HP)
Duty cyclePercentage of time the compressor runs
Discharge temperature Temperature of air leaving compressor
Noise level Typically in dB(A)
Efficiency Energy consumed per unit air produced

COOLING METHODS
Air-cooled – Uses fans and fins to remove heat

Water-cooled – Circulates water; used in high-power compressors

🧽 LUBRICATION TYPES
Oil-lubricated – Requires regular oil checks

Oil-free – Cleaner output; used in food, pharma, electronics

🧰 COMMON APPLICATIONS
Industry Use
Manufacturing Pneumatic tools, automation
Construction Jackhammers, paint spraying
Oil & Gas Gas compression, flare recovery
Automotive Tire inflation, air tools
HVAC Refrigerant compression
Healthcare Dental tools, ventilators
Food & Pharma Oil-free compressed air

🧠 COMPRESSOR CONTROL METHODS


Start/Stop – Basic on/off control

Load/Unload – Maintains pressure by loading/unloading

Variable Speed Drive (VSD) – Adjusts motor speed to demand

Modulating Control – Adjusts inlet valve to control capacity

⚠️COMMON PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS


Problem Likely Cause Solution
Overheating Poor ventilation or dirty filters Improve cooling or clean filters
Low pressure Leak, worn piston rings Leak test, replace parts
Excessive noise Bearing failure or loose parts Inspect and repair
Water in air lines No moisture trap Install aftercooler or dryer
Oil carryover Seal failure Check and replace seals

MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
✅ Check oil level and quality

✅ Clean/replace air intake filter

✅ Inspect belts and couplings

✅ Drain moisture from air receiver tank

✅ Clean coolers

✅ Test safety valves

✅ Inspect for leaks and vibrations

🏭 POPULAR BRANDS
Atlas Copco

Ingersoll Rand

Kaeser

Sullair

ELGI

Gardner Denver

FS-Curtis

Boge

📐 HOW TO SELECT A COMPRESSOR


Know your pressure and flow requirements

Check power source (electric/diesel)

Consider duty cycle (intermittent or continuous?)

Decide on oil-lubricated vs oil-free

Check noise level if working indoors

Plan for air treatment (dryers, filters)

Think about future scalability

📘 RELATED TERMS
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) – Flow rate

PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) – Pressure unit

Bar – Metric pressure unit

Aftercooler – Cools compressed air before use

Air dryer – Removes moisture from air


Receiver tank – Air storage tank

Check valve – Prevents backflow

Drain valve – Removes condensed water

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