Atmiya College of Science & Technology

Elements of Mechanical Engineering

Air Compressors
Roll NO. Name Enrollment no.

56 Bhavya Vasani (GL) 130030117058

33 Meet Patel 130030117036

51 Bhargav Thakur 130030117055

55 Hitesh Vavnotiya 130030117059

56 Chintan Vyas 130030117060

08 Deep Vyas 130030117009

Introduction 4
 The machine which takes in air or any other gas at low pressure
and compresses it to high pressure are called compressors.
 A compressor is used for increasing the pressure of air is called
Air compressor.

Main Components in Compressed Air Systems

• Intake air filters
• Inter-stage coolers
• After coolers
• Air dryers
• Moisture drain traps
• Receivers
Classification of compressor:-

The compressors may be classified according to

1) Method of compression:
a) Reciprocating compressor
b) Rotary compressor
c) Centrifugal compressor
2) Delivery Pressure:
3) Principle of Operation:
a) Positive displacement
b) Rotodynamic or steady flow compressor
4) The number of stages:
a) Single stage
b) Multi stage
5) The number of cylinder:
a) Single cylinder
b) Multi cylinder
6) The pressure limit
7) Volume of air delivered
8) Fluid to be compressed:
 Types of Compressors 6

Two Basic Compressor Types

Type of
compressor

Positive
Dynamic
displacement

Reciprocating Rotary Centrifugal Axial

Types of Compressors
Reciprocating Compressor
• Used for air and refrigerant compression
• Works like a bicycle pump: cylinder volume reduces while pressure increases, with
pulsating output
• Many configurations available
• Single acting when using one side of the piston, and double acting when using both
sides
Types of Compressors 8

Rotary Compressor
• Rotors instead of pistons: continuous
discharge
• Benefits: low cost, compact, low weight,
easy to maintain
• Sizes between 30 – 200 hp
• Types
• Lobe compressor
• Screw compressor
• Rotary vane / Slide vane Screw compressor
Types of Compressors 9

Centrifugal Compressor
• Rotating impeller
transfers energy
to move air
• Continuous duty

• Designed oil
free
• High volume
applications
> 12,000 cfm
Types of Compressors 10

Comparison of Compressors

• Efficiency at full, partial and no load

• Noise level
• Size
• Oil carry-over
• Vibration
• Maintenance
• Capacity
• Pressure
© UNEP 2006
Assessment of Compressors 11

Capacity of a Compressor

• Capacity: full rated volume of flow of

compressed gas
• Actual flow rate: free air delivery (FAD)
• FAD reduced by ageing, poor maintenance,
fouled heat exchanger and altitude
• Energy loss: percentage deviation of FAD
capacity

© UNEP 2006
Assessment of Compressors
12

Compressor Efficiency

• Most practical: specific power consumption (kW / volume flow rate)

• Other methods
• Isothermal
• Volumetric
• Adiabatic
• Mechanical

© UNEP 2006
Assessment of Compressors 13

Compressor Efficiency

Isothermal efficiency

Isothermal efficiency =
Actual measured input power / Isothermal power

Isothermal power (kW) = P1 x Q1 x loger / 36.7

P1 = Absolute intake pressure kg / cm2

Q1 = Free air delivered m3 / hr
r = Pressure ratio P2/P1

© UNEP 2006
Assessment of Compressors
14

Compressor Efficiency

Volumetric efficiency
Volumetric efficiency
= Free air delivered m3/min / Compressor displacement

Compressor displacement = Π x D2/4 x L x S x χ x n

D = Cylinder bore, meter

L = Cylinder stroke, meter
S = Compressor speed rpm
χ = 1 for single acting and 2 for double acting cylinders
n = No. of cylinders

© UNEP 2006
Assessment of Compressors 15

Leaks

• Consequences
• Energy waste: 20 – 30% of output
• Drop in system pressure
• Shorter equipment life

• Common leakage areas

• Couplings, hoses, tubes, fittings
• Pressure regulators
• Open condensate traps, shut-off valves
• Pipe joints, disconnects, thread sealants

© UNEP 2006
Energy Efficiency Opportunities 16

 . Pressure Settings

• Higher pressure
• More power by compressors
• Lower volumetric efficiency
• Operating above operating pressures
• Waste of energy
• Excessive wear

© UNEP 2006
Energy Efficiency Opportunities 17

 . Minimizing Leakage
• Use ultrasonic acoustic detector
• Tighten joints and connections
• Replace faulty equipment

© UNEP 2006
Energy Efficiency Opportunities
18

 . Controlled usage

• Do not use for low-pressure

applications: agitation, combustion air,
pneumatic conveying
• Use blowers instead
 . Compressor controls

• Automatically turns off compressor

when not needed
© UNEP 2006
Energy Efficiency Opportunities
19

 . Maintenance Practices

• Lubrication: Checked regularly

• Air filters: Replaced regularly
• Condensate traps: Ensure drainage
• Air dryers: Inspect and replace filters

© UNEP 2006
 20

Compressors &
Compressed Air
Systems
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION

© UNEP GERIAP