Thermodynamic Equations for gas compressor calculations

Adiabatic compression:

Changes of state P2/P1 = (V1/V2) (T2/T1)

Theoretical
Power P, kW
disch.
temperature, T2
C

{( / - 1)* P1*100000*Q1*[ (P2/P1)( - 1//1000

T1*[P2/P1]( - 1/

Isothermal compression:
Changes of state P2/P1 = (V1/V2)
Power P, kW

{P1*100000*Q1*ln(P2/P1)}/1000

ISOTHERMAL COMPRESSION IS FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSE ONLY. CHEMICAL PROCESS INDUSTRY

COMPRESSION APPLICATIONS ARE GENERALLY NOT CONSIDERED AS ISOTHERMAL.
Where:
P1 = Gas pressure before compression (inlet), barA
P2 = Gas pressure after compression (outlet), barA
V1 = Gas volume at pressure P1, m3
V2 = Gas volume at pressure P2, m3
Q1 = Gas volume flow rate at inlet of compressor, m 3/s
T1 = Gas temperature at inlet of compressor, K
T2 = Gas temperature at outlet of compressor (adiabatic process), K
= Ratio of specific heat at constant pressure to specific heat at constant volume, C p/Cv
P = Theoretical power requirement of compressor, kW
Example of adiabatic compression of air:
P1, barA
P2, barA

1.4
1
2
1.4
1
3
1.4
1
4
1.4
1
5

T1, C

T1, K

Q1, m3/s

20
20
20
20

293.15
293.15
293.15
293.15

1
1
1
1

P, kW
76.65
129.06
170.10
204.34

T2, K

T2, C

357.35
401.25
435.62
464.30

84.20
128.10
162.47
191.15

Note: is both a function of temperature and pressure. At highly elevated temperatures & pressures, values
will be different than those given at standard conditions of 15C & 1-atm pressure and require to be computed.
Example of isothermal compression of air:
P1, barA
P2, barA
T1 & T2, C Q1, m3/s
1
1
1
1

2
3
4
5

20
20
20
20

1
1
1
1

P, kW
69.31
109.86
138.63
160.94

Note: Actual power requirement of driver is a function of the efficiency of the type of compressor & the speed
transmission mechanical device.

Pmotor = P/(machine*tr)
Efficiency

machine

Type of compressor
Rotary
Reciprocating
(Lobe,
Centrifugal
(piston)
Vane)
(Dynamic)
0.85-0.9

0.7-0.75

0.7-0.75

Note: Efficiency values are given as a range and as a general guideline and may differ from the values given in
the table. User is cautioned to check from other resources (compressor manufacturer's literature, handbooks
etc.) for the realistic values of efficiency for the given type of compressor.
Efficiency

tr

Type of speed transmission

worm

Hydro

0.7

0.8

Gear

Belt

0.85

0.97

Direct
coupling
1

Where:
Pmotor = rating of the driver, kW
machine = compression efficiency of the compressor
tr = efficiency of the speed transmission device.
Specific heat ratio of various gases @15C and 1-atm pressure:

Prepared by:

Argon
1.668

Helium
1.66

Air
1.4

Methane
1.31

Oxygen
1.4

Nitrogen Hydrogen Ethane

1.4
1.41
1.22

Ankur Srivastava
Chemical Engineer
ankur_2061@hotmail.com
e-mail:

Disclaimer: The information and methods included within this spreadsheet are presented for 'compressor power'
calculations. It is intended to be used by technically skilled persons at their own discretion. I do not warrant the suitability or
accuracy of these methods.

'compressor power'
do not warrant the suitability or