Types of Compressors Compressors are available in a variety of types, models and sizes, each of which fulfills a given need.

The selection should represent the best available config uration to meet specified requirements. The two basic categories of compressors are: Dynamic (centrifugal and axial) Positive displacement (reciprocating and rotary types). Dynamic Compressors These compressors function by imparting velocity to a gas, and subsequently conv erting the kinetic energy of the moving gas to an increase in static pressure. T wo primary types of dynamic compressors are centrifugal and axial. A combination of the two types may be used to satisfy a given set of process requirements. Centrifugal Compressors These compressors use an impeller (similar to the centrifugal water pump) which rotates at very high speed into a volute casing (diffuser). Axial Compressors Gas moves axially along the compressor shaft (parallel to the machine axis) thro ugh alternating rows of rotating and stationary blades. Each set of blades (one rotating row followed by one stationary row) represents a stage of compression. Positive Displacement Compressors Positive displacement compressors function by enclosing an initial volume of gas and reducing that volume mechanically thereby increasing its pressure. Positive displacement compressors include reciprocating (piston and diaphragm) and rotar y (screw, lobe, sliding vane and liquid ring) compressors.

2 Reciprocating Compressors They have a piston cylinder or a diaphragm operating in a shaped cavity to compr ess the gas. They are equipped with suction and discharge valves that control th e gas flow. They require special process and piping design considerations becaus e of the pulsating nature of the flow. Piston and Diaphragm compressors fall int o this category.

Rotary Rotary compressors generally have no suction or discharge valves, and use suctio n and discharge ports that are alternately exposed and covered by the rotating e lements or sliding elements. Screw, rotary lobe, liquid-ring and vane-type compr essors fall into this category.