CHAPTER 5

GAS COMPRESSORS

1. A reciprocating compressor handles 1000 cfm of air measured at

intake where p1= 14 psia and t1= 80°F. The discharge pressure is 84 psia.
Calculate the work if the process of compression is (a) isothermal, (b)
polytropic with n= 1.25, and (c)isentropic.

Answer:

(a) -109.5 hp

(b) -131.7 hp

(c) 143 hp

2. A twin-cylinder, double- acting, compressor with a clearance of

5%draws in oxygen at 450 kPa, 17°C, and discharges it at 1800 kPa. The
mass flow rate is 20kg/min, compression and expansion are polytropic
with n= 1.25. Find (a) the work, (b) the heat transferred, and (c) the
bore and stroke for 100 rpm and L/D= 1.20.

Answer:

(a) -40.23 kW

(b) -829 kJ/min

(c) 21.71 x 25.76 cm

3. A double-acting compressor with c= 7% draws 40 lb per minute of air

at 14.7 psia and 80°F and discharges it at 90 psia. Compression and
expansion are polytropic with n= 1.28. Find (a) the work, (b) the heat
rejected, (c)the bore and stroke for 90 rpm and L/D= 1.25.

Answer:

(a) 77.68 hp

(b) -1057 Btu/min

(c) 18.96 x 23.70 in.

4. A 14 x 12-in., single-cylinder, double-acting air compressor with 5.5%

clearance operates at 12 rpm. The suction pressure and temperature
are 14 psia and 100°F, respectively. The discharge pressure is 42 psia.
Compression and expansion processes are polytropic, with n= 1.30.
Determine (a) the volumetric efficiency, (b) mass and volume at suction
conditions handled each minute, (c) the work, (d) the heat rejected, (e)
the indicated air hp developed if the polytropic compression efficiency
is 75%, and (f) the compression efficiency.

Answer:

(a) 92.7%

(b) 247.8 cfm, 16.72 lb/min

(c) -18.93 hp

(d) -175.7 Btu/min

(e) -25.24 hp

(f) 77.42%
5. From a test of an air compressor driven directly by a steam engine,
the following data and results were obtained: capacity, 800 cfm;
suction at 14.7 psia; discharge at 110 psia; indicated work of the
compressor, 155 hp; indicated work of steam engine, 172 hp. Calculate
(a) the compression efficiency and (b) the overall efficiency.

Answer

(a) 90.06%

(b) 81.16%