Compressor formula

Parameter Formula Application / Significance

It provides relationship of density with pressure,
× temperature and molecular weight.
Gas density = It helps to estimate impact of operating parameter
×
on power. Power ∝ Gas density
Equipment is categorized as compressor, blower or
Fan based on its pressure ration. As per ASME…
Pressure ratio = Pressure ration > 1.2 → Compressor,
1.11 < Pressure ration < 1.2 → Blower
1.11 > Pressure ration → Fan
Energy required to move unit mass of gas from one
Adiabatic (Isentropic) Head point to another, it is work of compressor
= −1
−1 performed on unit mass of gas.
It is applicable when there is no heat transfer
Estimate temperature increase of gas due to
Discharge Temperature ≅ compression process

−1 1 −1 Polytrophic exponents is required to estimate

Polytropic exponent ≅
Head for polytrophic compression.
Energy required to move unit mass of gas from one
point to another, it is work of compressor
Polytropic Head = −1 performed on unit mass of gas.
−1 It is applicable when heat transfer takes place
during the compression process.
Estimate temperature increase of gas due to
Discharge Temperature ≅ compression process
Mass flow rate = ×
× It is required to select suitable driver and evaluate
Power Gas required =
3.6 × 10 × system efficiency.

Symbols, descriptions and units

Symbol What it stands for Unit

Gas density at given temperature and pressure ⁄
Absolutes Suction pressure KPa
Molecular weight
Gas constant Its value is 8.3145 Kg-m/Kg-mole-K
Absolute Suction temperature Kelvin, K = °C + 273.15
Absolutes Discharge pressure KPa
, Head /
k Specific heat ratio ⁄
z Compressibility factor
Absolute discharge temperature Kelvin, K = °C + 273.15
Volumetric flow rate A /Hour
Mass flow rate ⁄
Power Gas required KW
Adiabatic or Polytropic efficiency

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