Compressor Systems

JFB22203
 A Compressor is a device that used to increase the pressure of gas by reducing its volume.
 As according to Boyl’s law; pressure and volume are inversely proportional to each other. This can
be understand by this relation.

P ∝ 1/V As the pressure increases the volume will decrease and vice
versa.

 The function of compressor and pumps are same.

 Both are used to increase the pressure and transport the fluid through pipes.
 Only the difference is that,
 in compressor the fluid is gas (compressible).
 in pumps the fluid is liquid (relatively incompressible) .

 The main function of compressor is to increase the pressure of the fluid ,

 While, the main function of pumps is to transport the fluid with increased pressure.
 Various compressors are found in almost every industrial facility. Types of gases compressed
include the following:
 Air – for compressed tool and instrument air systems
 Hydrogen, oxygen - for chemical processing
 Light hydrocarbon fractions - in refining

There are two primary classifications of industrial compressors:

 Intermittent flow (positive displacement) : reciprocating and rotary types; and
 Continuous flow : centrifugal and axial flow types.
 These types are further specified by:
 the number of compression stages
 cooling method (air, water, oil)
 drive method (motor, engine, steam, other)
 lubrication (oil, Oil-Free where Oil Free means no lubricating oil contacts the
compressed air)
 packaged or custom-built
 The reciprocating compressor uses a piston, which moves inside a cylinder, to
compress the air.
 When the piston moves down, air is drawn in.
 When the piston moves up, the air is compressed.
 Two sets of valves take care of the air intake and exhaust.
 One-way valves (usually inside the cylinder head) make sure that the sucked-in
air cannot escape and that the compressed air cannot flow back when the
piston moves down again.
 The reciprocating compressor type can range from small (a few HP) to medium
sized.

Power Compressor
source unit

Air receiver

..to system.
In industry, compressed air is widely used that it is often regarded as the fourth utility, after electricity,
natural gas and water. However, compressed air is more expensive than the other three utilities when
evaluated on a per unit energy delivered basis .
 Unlike the other utilities, compressed air is generated on-site, giving users much more control over
usage and air quality. It can be easily stored in purpose- built tanks in places where no other power is
available or practical >>Snow making machines
 Compressed Air is clean, safe, simple and efficient. There are no dangerous exhaust fumes or other
harmful by products when compressed air is used as a utility. It is a non-combustible, non-polluting
utility. High degree of cleanliness, where quality, hygiene and safety are essential >>Manufacture of
food, electronics, dental uses.
 It can be used where other energy types cannot be used due to explosion hazard or fire risk >> Oil rigs,
mines, tunnelling equipment
 Equipment operated by compressed air can function at extreme temperatures >> Air tools used
inside furnaces to remove buildup of coke; & inside industrial freezers to remove frozen food
 It can be stored in bottles and used where no pipe system exists >>Breathing air for scuba
divers
 As a power source, it does not interfere with electrical monitoring equipment >>Operating
theatres in hospitals
Summary of compressor
The main purpose of this topic is to understand the basics
of compressors. What is compressor. How it works and
increased the pressure by reducing the volume of fluid,
means to say what is its basic phenomenon. Where
Compressor are being used.