ISHAN
Member • Jul 29, 2011
Compressor: Discussion and problem solving.
Starting from basic: A compressor is a device used to compress anything feasible. In our case those feasible things are gases or air.
A compressor is an important building block in any power generating cycle which basically consists of four building blocks
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So a compressor (I will restrict my discussion to reciprocating one) is generally comprised of stages. A single stage compressor does have some problem associated with it. A single cylinder will be subjected to very high pressure, this is associated with a danger of leakage past piston and the cooling is also rendered ineffective. The cylinder will have to be robust enough for sustaining such extreme conditions.
On the other hand, a multi stage compressor will have effective cooling in between the suction and delivery pressure and suction pressure. However it should be noticed that efficiency increase obtained by adding each stage decreases with each addition of stage. A compromise must hence be made between efficiency and cost incurred for adding each stage. To give you an example, for adding one stage, you require $100 which will promise you 5% efficiency rise, however the next stage though require $100, will only promise you 2.5% efficiency. So the investment should be worth it. A wise man will always be ready to make a compromise.
Another important component here is intercooler, nothing but a heat exchanger is provided, which cools the compressed air/ gas. It is generally provided between two stages.
A compressor is an important building block in any power generating cycle which basically consists of four building blocks
- Evaporator
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Turbine
So a compressor (I will restrict my discussion to reciprocating one) is generally comprised of stages. A single stage compressor does have some problem associated with it. A single cylinder will be subjected to very high pressure, this is associated with a danger of leakage past piston and the cooling is also rendered ineffective. The cylinder will have to be robust enough for sustaining such extreme conditions.On the other hand, a multi stage compressor will have effective cooling in between the suction and delivery pressure and suction pressure. However it should be noticed that efficiency increase obtained by adding each stage decreases with each addition of stage. A compromise must hence be made between efficiency and cost incurred for adding each stage. To give you an example, for adding one stage, you require $100 which will promise you 5% efficiency rise, however the next stage though require $100, will only promise you 2.5% efficiency. So the investment should be worth it. A wise man will always be ready to make a compromise.
Another important component here is intercooler, nothing but a heat exchanger is provided, which cools the compressed air/ gas. It is generally provided between two stages.