Understanding Reciprocating Air Compressor
Reciprocating air compressor is a positive displacement machine that reduces the volume of the air to increase its pressure
. The pressurized air is stored in a large steel vessel and discharged at the point-of- use through a steel pipe fitted with a control valve.
Since pressurized air has many uses in modern day industry, reciprocating air compressors are in great demand. Their rugged construction and ability to work non-stop for long hours makes them industrial workhorse. There are two types of reciprocating air compressors.
Single Stage Air Compressor
A single stage air compressor has one, two or three compression cylinders of same bore size, in which piston(s) compress the air against the cylinder head to raise its pressure and discharge it in storage tank. Usually this type of compressor is used where medium pressure air is required like, operating pneumatic tools, spray painting, fuel atomization for boiler, blow molding, filtration process in chemical industry, and drive pneumatic nailers, staplers and other similar types of machines.
Two Stage Air Compressors
In two stage air compressor the air is compressed twice before it is sent to the air receiver tank. The atmospheric air is filtered and sucked into low pressure (LP) cylinder through an inlet valve. The reciprocating movement of piston in the cylinder compresses the air to raise its pressure. Since compression increases temperature of the air, it is passed through an intercooler (heat exchanger) where the water absorbs the heat from the compressed air to cool it before it is sent to high pressure (HP) cylinder to further compression. This is done to reduce air temperature and increase the efficiency of entire compression cycle. The bore of the high-pressure cylinder is less than LP cylinder and this design helps to raise the pressure further, without any increase in power for compression stroke.
There are two types of reciprocating air compressors based on their design. They are:
Reciprocating horizontal balance opposed piston water cooled compressor- In this type of compressor both the cylinders, LP and HP are placed in horizontal position opposite to each other and driven by a same crankshaft powered by an electric motor
Reciprocating vertical balance opposed water cooled compressor- This is also twin cylinder compressor with, HP and LP cylinders placed in vertical direction, opposite to each.
Reciprocating air compressors need a robust foundation made out of reinforced concrete to minimize the vibratory forces that originate because of the reciprocating motion of twin pistons in opposite direction. This type of air compressor is off robust construction and its well oiled moving parts make it easy for operators to run it non-stop for long duration of time at minimum power consumption and with fewer maintenance breaks.
This type of compressors produce pressure up to 17.5 kg/cm2 and more compression stages can be added to boost the final pressure according to individual requirements. BOP compressors are different industrial sectors like Chemical, Forging, Fertilizer, Railway worships, Refinery, Power plants, Shipyards etc.
There are many types of industrial air compressors available in the market under different brand names. However before buying any compressor one should ensure that air compressor manufacturer has incorporated all the safety features during manufacturing process, because compressor works at high pressure and any structural failure can cause a major mishap on the work site.
by: Atcomaart
Trend Setting Styles Are Here Fix All Water Heater Issues With Water Heater Repair Riverside Mobile Device Security Fighting Against Counterfeiting Of Notebook Parts The Process Of Wall Papering Your Room Ford Focus Wagon 1.6 16v Futura (2005) Dissertation Plagiarism Detection Tips Side-effects Of Baycol Choose Birmingham Airport Parking Four Ways To Improve Your Garden On A Budget Robert Lee Hotz Reports: Vehicle Exhaust Linked With Brain-cell Damage The Skinny On Types Of Cpap Masks Verdict Comes In Baxter Heparin Lawsuit