Department of Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics

Tutorial 3

Question 1

A single cylinder, single acting compressor with negligible clearance running at 200rpm
compresses 28m3/min of air (measured at 100kPa and 20oC) from 102kPa and 25oC to
400kPa. Calculate the power per stroke.

a) Assuming adiabatic compression

b) Assuming polytropic (n=1.2) compression

For air: Take Cp = 1005J/kgK; Cv = 711J/kgK

Ans: a) 79.4 kW; b) 73 kW

Question 2

A single stage, double acting air compressor has a free air delivery of 14 m3/s measured at
1.013 bar and 15oC. During the induction, the pressure and temperature in the cylinder are
0.95 and 32oC. The delivery pressure is 7 bar and the index of compression and expansion,
n, is equal to 1.3. The clearance volume is 5% of the swept volume. Calculate

a) The indicated power required.

b) The volumetric efficiency.

Ans: a) 0.0635 kW; b) 72.4%

Question 3

A single cylinder, single acting air compressor running at 300rpm is driven by a 23kW electric
motor. The mechanical efficiency of the drive between motor and compressor is 87%. The air
inlet conditions are 101.3kPa and 15oC and the delivery pressure is 800kPa. Assume that the
index of compression and expansion is n = 1.3, that the clearance volume is 7% of the swept
volume and the bore is equal to the stroke, Calculate

a) The free air delivered (m3/min) at 00C and 101.3kPa

b) The volumetric efficiency
c) The bore and the stroke

Ans: a) 4.237 m3/min; b) 73%; c) 297 mm

Tutorial 3, Semester 2: 8th September 2023

Question 4

A two stage, single acting, reciprocating air compressor has a low-pressure cylinder 250 mm
diameter with a 250 mm stroke. The clearance volume of the low-pressure cylinder is 5% of
the stroke volume of the cylinder. The intake pressure and temperature are 100 kPa and 18oC,
respectively. Delivery pressure is 700 kPa and the compressor runs at 5 rev/s. The polytropic
index is 1.3 throughout. The intermediate pressure is ideal, and intercooling is complete. The
overall efficiency of the plant, including the electric driving motor is 70%. Take R = 0.29
kJ/kg.K. Determine

a) The air mass flow rate through the compressor.

b) The energy input to drive the motor.

Question 5

A three-stage, single acting reciprocating air compressor has a low-pressure cylinder of 450
mm and 300 mm stroke. The clearance volume of the low-pressure cylinder is 5% of the
swept volume. Intake pressure and temperature are 100 kPa and 18oC, respectively; the
final delivery pressure is 15 bar. Intermediate pressures are ideal, and intercooling is perfect.
The compression and expansion index can be taken as 1.3 throughout. Determine

a) The intermediate pressures

b) The effective swept volume of the low-pressure cylinder

Ans: a) 246 kPa, 608 kPa; b) 0.04531 m3

Question 6

A two-stage, single acting reciprocating air compressor has a low-pressure cylinder of 300
mm and 150 mm stroke. The clearance volume of the low-pressure cylinder is 5% of the
swept volume. Intake pressure and temperature are 101.325 kPa and 15oC, respectively; the
final delivery pressure is 1200 kPa. Intermediate pressure is ideal, and intercooling is
perfect. The compression and expansion index can be taken as 1.3 throughout. Determine

a) the temperature and volume of the air delivered per stroke at 12 bar
b) the work done per kg of air

Take R = 0.29 kJ/kg.K

NB: Question 4 and Question are due on 18th September 2023

Tutorial 3, Semester 2: 8th September 2023