Thermo Lecture 4 - Air Compressor

Applied Thermodynamics ME504,
BME II/I
Lecture 4
Air Compressor
Iswor Bajracharya, PhD
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Pulchowk Engineering Campus
Contents
Chapter 2: Air Compressor
1. Introduction & classification of air compressor
2. Primary components of reciprocating air
compressor
3. Processes of a reciprocating compression on p-v
diagram
4. Volumetric, adiabatic & isothermal efficiency
5. Multistage compression and its advantages
6. Other types of air compressor: Centrifugal, Axial,
Roots Blower, Rotary, Screw
7. Comparison among type of compressor
2 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

2.1 Introduction and Classification of Compressor
A compressor is a work absorbing mechanical equipment which
is used to increase the pressure of air, gas or vapor at the expense
of work done on fluid.
Prime mover like electric motor or diesel engine is used to
drive the compressor to provide the work required for increasing
the pressure of air.
Compressors which are used for compressing air is called air
compressor.

Compressed air is used for many applications in industry as
well as in commercial equipments. It is used for the operation of
pneumatic control system, pneumatic tools and air operated
equipments, spray painting, compressed air engine, surface
cleaning and in refrigeration and air conditioning system.
Compressor is the heart of refrigeration system.
Compressors are used in oil and gas industry for various
purposes.

Classification of Air Compressor
Compressors
Principle of Number of Capacity of Highest

Operation Stages Compressor Pressure
Developed
Positive Single Stage Low Capacity
Displacement Low Pressure
Medium
Reciprocating Multi Stage Capacity Medium
Pressure
Rotary High Capacity
Non-Positive Displacement High Pressure
(Dynamic)
Axial Flow Type Super High
Centrifugal Type Pressure

1. Based on principle of operation
Based on the principle of operation, compressors can be
classified as:
a. Positive displacement compressors
b. Non-positive displacement compressors
Positive Displacement Compressor

Air is trapped within a closed chamber and is displaced by
some moving solid element within the chamber and compression
is realized. Due to solid wall displacement, these are capable of
producing quite large pressure.

Positive displacement pumps can be further classified based
upon the type of mechanism used for compression.
a. Reciprocating type compressor
b. Rotary type compressor

Reciprocating compressor
Reciprocating compressors employs piston-cylinder

arrangement where displacement of piston in cylinder causes rise
in pressure.
Reciprocating compressors are capable of producing large
pressure ratios but the mass handling capacity is limited or small.
Reciprocating compressors may also be single acting
compressor or double acting compressor. Single acting
compressor has one delivery stroke per revolution while in double
acting there are two delivery strokes per revolution of crank shaft.

Fig: Single acting single-stage reciprocating air compressor
Intake Filter Intake Filter
Crankcase
Compressed air to Receiver
Fig: Double acting single-stage Fig: Single acting multi-stage

reciprocating air compressor reciprocating air compressor
Rotary compressors
Rotary compressors employing positive displacement have a
rotary part whose boundary causes positive displacement of fluid
and thereby causes compression. Rotary compressors are of
following types:
1. Screw compressor
2. Vane type compressor
3. Lobe type compressor
4. Scroll type compressor

Fig: Vane type compressor
Fig: Screw type air compressor

Fig: Rotary Lobe Compressor
Fig: Scroll type air compressor

Non-positive Displacement Compressor
These are also called as steady flow compressors and use dynamic
action of solid boundary for realizing pressure rise. Rather than
physically reducing the volume of a captured pocket of air,
dynamic compressors speed up the air to high velocity, and then
restrict the air flow so that the reduction in velocity causes
pressure to increase. They are oil-free by nature, and some are
oil-less. Non-positive displacement compressor may be of
a) Axial flow type
b) Centrifugal type depending upon type of flow in
compressor.

2. Based on Number of Stages
Based upon the number of stages, compressors may be classified
as
a. Single stage compressor
b. Multistage stage compressor
In single stage compressor, maximum compression ratio of 5 can
be realized. For compression ratio more than 5 the multi-stage
compressors are used.
Two stage compressor, delivery pressure between 5 and 35 bar
can be realized.
Three stage compressor, delivery pressure between 35 and 85
bar and Four stage compressor, delivery pressure more than 85 bar

3. Based on Capacity of Compressor
Compressors are also classified based on the capacity of

compressor or air delivered per unit time. Typical values of
capacity for different compressors are given as:
a. Low capacity compressors, having air delivery capacity of
0.15 m3/s or less
b. Medium capacity compressors, having air delivery capacity
between 0.15 and 5 m3/s.
c. High capacity compressors, having air delivery capacity
more than 5 m3/s.

4. Based on the Pressure Developed
Depending on the maximum pressure available from compressor, they
can be classified as low pressure, medium pressure, high pressure and
super high pressure compressors. Typical values of maximum pressure
developed for different compressors are:
a. Low pressure compressor with maximum pressure up to 1 bar
b. Medium pressure compressor, having maximum pressure from 1
to 8 bar
c. High pressure compressor, having maximum pressure from 8 to
10 bar
d. Super high pressure compressor, having maximum pressure
more than 10 bar.

There are three types of air compressors that are in common
use:
1. Reciprocating compressor
2. Rotary Compressor
3. Centrifugal Compressor

2.2 Primary Components of Reciprocating Air
Compressor
A machine which sucks the low pressure and low temperature
air , vapor or gas during its suction stroke and then compresses it
to high pressure in a piston-cylinder arrangement is known as
reciprocating air compressor.
External work must be done to achieve the required pressure
and temperature.
Part of the work supplied to compressor is lost in friction, heat
radiation and the coolant used to cool the compressor and the
remaining is used to compress the air or gases.

Working of Reciprocating Compressor
A reciprocating compressor consists of a cylinder, piston, connecting rod,

crank, inlet and out let valves.
Fig: Single stage compressor

During the downward motion of piston, the pressure inside the
cylinder falls below the atmospheric pressure and the inlet valve is
opened due to the pressure difference.
Air is drawn inside the cylinder until the piston bottom dead
center (BDC).
As the piston starts moving upwards, the inlet valve closes and
the pressure starts increasing due the compression of air.
At the end of the compression, delivery opens and the
compressed air is delivered to the receiver.
The cycle repeats in the next downward movement of piston.

Inlet Valve Exit Valve Inlet Valve Exit Valve
Fig: Working of reciprocating air compressor

Air Compressor Terminology
Single Acting Compressor:

A single cylinder is connected through a connecting rod to a
crankshaft and therefore has only one delivery stroke per
revolution of the crankshaft.
Double Acting Compressor:
Two cylinders that are 180° apart are connected through two
connecting rods to the same crank. This compressor has two
delivery strokes in one revolution of the crankshaft.
Single Stage Compressor:
Compression takes place in only one cylinder.

Multi Stage Compressor
Air is compressed in more than one cylinder to increase the
pressure.
Pressure or Compression Ratio
It is the ratio of discharge pressure to the inlet pressure.
Free Air Delivered (FAD)
It is the actual quantity of compressed air converted back to the
inlet conditions of the compressor. It is a standardized measure of
the capacity of an air compressor. To calculate the free air delivery
of a compressor firstly the pressure and temperature of air at the
inlet of the compressor are measured.

Then the pressure, temperature and volume of the outlet air are
measured. The output volume of the air is referenced back to
inlet conditions using the Ideal Gas Law.
Displacement of Compressor
The swept volume of the piston in the cylinder is known as
displacement of compressor. It is given by πR2L for single acting
compressor.

Volumetric Efficiency
The ratio of actual free air delivered by the compressor per stroke to
the displacement of the piston is known as the volumetric efficiency of
the compressor.
Swept Volume
The volume displaced by the air when the piston moves from BDC to
TDC position is known as swept volume. It is same as compressor
displacement.
Clearance Volume
The volume contained in the cylinder above the top of piston when the
piston is at TDC is called clearance volume,Vc.
2.3 Processes of Reciprocating Compressor on p-v
Diagram
Without Clearance
Compression of air in compressor may be carried out by
isothermal compression, polytropic compression or adiabatic
compression process.
The p-v diagram for a single stage and single acting air-
compressor neglecting clearance volume is shown in the figure but
in actual cycle clearance volume can not be negligible.
Clearance volume is necessary in order to prevent collision of
piston with cylinder head, accommodating valve mechanism etc.

4-1 : Suction of air at pressure p1
1-2 : Adiabatic Compression of air
1-2’ : Polytropic Compression of air
1-2” : Isothermal Compression of air
2-3 : Discharge of air at pressure p2
Fig: P-V diagram for single stage & single acting compressor without
clearance volume
Compression Work
Air enters compressor at pressure p1 and is compressed up to p2.
Compression work requirement can be estimated from the area
below the each compression process.
Area on p–v diagram shows that work requirement shall be
minimum with isothermal process 1–2.
Work requirement is maximum with adiabatic process 1–2.
We are interested in a compressor having minimum compression
work requirement. Therefore, ideal compression should occur
isothermal compression for minimum work input

Compression Work
In actual practice it is not possible to have isothermal
compression because constant temperature cannot be realized
during compression.
Generally, compressors run at substantially high speed while
isothermal compression requires compressor to run at very slow
speed so that heat evolved during compression is dissipated out
and temperature remains constant.
Due to high speed of Compressor, the compression process
may be assumed to be near adiabatic because the index of
compression ‘n’ in polytropic equation pvn = C varies between
1.25 to 1.35 which is near to Ƴ.

Compression Work
Mathematically for the polytropic process, the compression work for the negligible
clearance volume is given by the area 4-1-2’-3-4 per cycle.

Compression Work
For polytropic process
Where m is the mass of

the air delivered per
cycle.
……………(1)
( n = 1)……………(2)
(R = 287 J/kg-K )

……………(3a)
For 1 kg of air delivered,
……………(3b)

Isothermal Compression
For isothermal compression process, n = 1
……………(4)

Adiabatic Compression
For adiabatic compression process,
……………(5)
…………(6)
Isothermal Efficiency
From the above derivation, the isothermal efficiency is given by
Isothermal efficiency is
defined by the ratio of
Isothermal work and
actual indicated work in
reciprocating compressor.
……………(7)
……………(8)

With Clearance Volume
The p-v diagram for a single stage and single acting air-compressor with a
clearance volume is shown in the figure.
4-1 : Suction of air at pressure p1

1-2 : Adiabatic Compression of air
1-2’ : Polytropic Compression of air
1-2” : Isentropic Compression of air
2-3 : Discharge of air at pressure p2
3-4 : Polytropic Expansion of air
Figure: Theoretical p-v diagram for single stage compressor with clearance volume
Assuming the compression and expansion of the air follow the polytropic
law, the work done per cycle is given by the area 1-2’-3-4-1 on p-v diagram.
Where,
……(9)

…………(10)
OR
…………(11)

If air is considered to behave as perfect gas then pressure,
temperature, volume and mass can be inter related using perfect gas
equation.
The mass at state 1 may be given as m1, mass at state 2 shall be m1, but at
state 3 after delivery mass reduces to m2 and at state 4 it shall be m2.
Ideally there shall be no change in temperature during suction and
delivery i.e., T4 = T1 and T2 = T3.
Therefore,

For polytropic process, the temperature and pressure are related as
……………(12)

Here, (m1 – m2) denotes the mass of air sucked or delivered.
For unit mass of air delivered, the work done per kg of air
can be given by,
…………(13)
From expression (3b) and (13), it is clear that the clearance

volume reduces the mass of air delivered but does not affect the
work of compression per kg of air delivered.

Power required for running the compressor
If compressor is running at N revolution per minute (RPM), the power
required for running the compressor with clearance volume is given by
For Single Acting Compressor
(Watt)….…(14)
For Double Acting Compressor
(Watt)..…..(15)

2.4 Volumetric, Adiabatic and Isothermal Efficiencies
Volumetric Efficiency
The volumetric efficiency of a compressor is the ratio of the
actual free air delivered (FAD) to the displacement of the
compressor. In the figure, the actual volume of air delivered by
compressor (v1-v4) having clearance volume vc, is less than the
swept volume of the compressor (v1-v3). Practically the volumetric
efficiency lies between 60 and 90%. The volumetric efficiency or
clearance factor is given by

……………(16)
The clearance volume of the compressor is given in terms of

percentage swept volume and is denoted by K.

But

……………(17
)
Where,
This relation shows that the volumetric efficiency depends on

the clearance ratio(K) and pressure ratio p2/p1. As the pressure
ratio & clearance ratio increases, efficiency decreases. Actual
volumetric efficiency is lower than the theoretical due to
pressure losses in valves and cylinder wall friction- Effect of
clearance volume on performance of compressor.

80
Volumetric Efficiency ((ηv)
70
ηv
ηvn
60
50
40 3 4 5 6 7
2
Pressure Ratio (p2/p1)
Fig: Effect of compression ratio on volumetric efficiency with constant Vc
Isothermal Efficiency of Reciprocating Compressor
The efficiency of a compressor increases if the compression follows a
isothermal process. The actual compression process & the isothermal
compression process are shown in the figure.
2’ 2 p2
3
pvn = c
p2 p1
p 2
pv = c T
2’
p1 1
4 1
v s
Fig: Isothermal and polytropic process of a compressor on p-v and T-s diagram

Isothermal Efficiency of Reciprocating Compressor
The efficiency of a compressor increases if the compression follows a
isothermal process. The actual compression process & the isothermal
compression process are shown in the figure.
3 2’ 2
pvn = c
p2
p
pv = c
4
p1
1
v
Fig: Isothermal and polytropic process of a compressor on p-v diagram
The work done per kg of air delivered when the compression follows a
polytropic process with no clearance volume is given by the equation (2)
The work done per cycle when the compression follows the isothermal
process is given by an area 1-2’-3-4-1 on the p-v diagram.
…………(18)
…………(19)
The saving in the work per cycle is given by an area 1-2’-2-1 and per kg air
delivered is given by

…………(20)
The isothermal efficiency of a compressor is the ratio of isothermal work to

the actual work done.
…………(21)
The work supplied per kg of air can be reduced by decreasing the value of n
(compression index). The reduction in work supplied per cycle due to
reduction in compression index from n1 to n2 is given by the area 1-2-3-1 on
p-v diagram.
Where n1>n2
Fig: Isothermal and different polytropic compression

Methods for Increasing of Compressor Efficiency
The following practical methods are used to achieve nearly
isothermal compression (n is little above 1) for high speed
compressors. All the methods employ cooling system to reduce the
final temperature T2 so that actual work approaches close to the
isothermal compression.
1. Spray Injection
Water is injected into the compressor cylinder towards the end
of compression stroke. This method was used some years ago.
The demerits of this system is that it requires special gear for
injection, washes out cylinder lubrication and damages valves.

2. Water Jacket Cooling
This is the method nowadays used for all types of reciprocating
air-compressors. The water is circulated around the cylinder
through the water jacket which cools the rise in temperature
during compression.
3. Inter-Cooling
Water jacket cooling is effective only for single stage compression.
In multistage compression operating in series, the air leaving from
one compressor may be cooled up to ambient state before passing
into subsequent compressor. This cooling of air between two
consecutive compressors is called inter-cooling and is frequently
used.

4. External Fins
Fins are used on the external surface of the compressor for
faster heat dissipation from inside of compressor to outside.
Fins facilitate quick heat transfer from air being compressed to
atmosphere so that temperature rise during compression can
be minimized. This method is used for small capacity air
compressor.

2.5 Multi-Stage Compression and Its Advantages
Limitation of Single Stage Compression
Volumetric efficiency of a reciprocating compressor is a function of
clearance volume ratio (K), pressure ratio (p2/p1) and index of
compression. The volumetric efficiency of a compressor with a fixed
clearance volume decreases with increase in pressure ratio. A stage is
reached when the volumetric efficiency becomes zero as shown in the
figure. At this stage, compression and re- expansion of the same air take
place without any delivery of high pressure air. So, the max pressure ratio
attainable with a single stage reciprocating compressor is limited by
clearance volume.

2.5 Multi-Stage Compression and Its Advantages
2”-3”
p4
3’ 2’
p3
3 2
p2
p1 1
4 4’
vc (v1-v’4 )
(v1-v’4 )
Fig: Effect of increased pressure ratio on actual air delivered with the fixed clearance volume

Other limitations of single stage compression are :
1. The frictional losses are high.
2. Leakage problem increases due to high pressure potential.
3. Running cost is high.
4. High torque fluctuation
5. Increased balancing problem
6. Requires heavy working parts
Owing to the above limitations of single stage compression,

multistage compression with inter-cooling is employed to obtain
high pressure ratio in commercial application.

Working Principle of Multistage Compression
The figure shows the two-stage air compressor with inter-

cooler.
Water Out
Air from Air to

atmosphere p1 p2 p2 p3 receiver
Inter-cooler
L.P H.P
Water In
D d
Fig: Two-stage compression with inter-cooler

The air is first drawn into the low pressure (L.P.) compressor.
After compression to some desired intermediate pressure
(p2), the air from L.P. compressor is passed through the inter-
cooler.
The condition of air leaving the inter-cooler is shown by the
point 3 where its temperature is reduced from T2 to T3 ( T3<
T2).
It is possible to cool the air in the inter-cooler up to initial
temperatureT1 by proper supply of cooling water.
From the inter-cooler, the air is passed to the high pressure
(H.P.) compressor and is compressed from condition 3 to the
required pressure level (p3) and is discharged to the receiver.
The total work requirement for running this multistage
compressor shall be algebraic summation of work required for
low pressure (LP) and high pressure (HP) stages.
The size of HP cylinder is smaller than LP cylinder as HP
cylinder handles high pressure air having smaller specific
volume.

Worked shaved due
5 4’ 4 6
p3 to inter-cooling
pvn = c Work saved due to

H.P. inter-cooling is shown
pvn = c
by the area 2-3-4-6
p2 2
3 pv = c Both LP cylinder and
L.P
HP cylinder are
mounted on the same
shaft & driven by a
p1 1
prime mover.
v
Fig: p-v diagram of two stage compression with perfect inter-cooling effect
Fig: T-s diagram of two stage compression with perfect inter-cooling effect

Advantages of Multistage Compression
1. The work done per kg of air can be reduced by introducing an inter-

cooler between the two stages compared with the single stage
compressor for the same delivery pressure.
2. Better mechanical balance can be achieved with multi stage
compressors.
3. The pressure and hence temperature range in each stage is reduced
which results in:
a) Loss of air due to leakage is less.
b) Higher volumetric efficiency can be achieved as the pressure of
each stage is less than the overall pressure ratio.
c) Effective lubrication is possible due to lower temperature range.
d) Reduces the cost of compressor.

Work Requirement for Multistage Compression
Assumptions:
1. Compression in all the stages follows same index of
compression.
2. No pressure drop in suction and delivery pipes in each stage.
Suction and delivery pressure remains constant in the stages.
3. Perfect inter-cooling between compression stages.
4. Mass handled in different stages is same .
5. Air behaves as perfect gas during compression.

Compression Work Requirement in 2-Stage Compressor
From the combined p-v diagram for two stage compression, the compression
work requirement is calculated as follows:
Work requirement in LP cylinder [from equation (1)]
Work requirement in HP cylinder
For the perfect inter-cooling, T1=T2 and therefore,

…………(22)
Total work requirement is given by
…………(23)

Condition for Minimum Work for Compression
Consider a two stage compressor with imperfect inter-cooling for different
compression index as shown in the figure. In imperfect inter-cooling, the
temperature T3 is greater than temperature T1. The perfect inter-cooler cools
the air from temperature T2 to T1 . So T3 becomes equal to T1
5 4 pvn2 = c
p3
H.P.
pvn1 = c
2
p2 3 pv = c
L.P.
p1 1
v
The total work done per kg of air delivered is the addition of work done by L.P.
cylinder and H.P. cylinder and is given by following equation for imperfect
cooling:
…………(24)
Assume,
…………(25)

As pressure p1 (atmospheric pressure) and pressure p3 (required
pressure) are constant, intermediate pressure p2 must be determined to
obtain the minimum work per kg of air delivered.
Work done will be minimum when

…………(26)
If n1 = n2 = n (say), then x = y and above equation becomes

…………(27)
If the inter-cooling is perfect, then T1 = T3

…………(28)
…………(29)
Therefore, it is clear that the compression work requirement for perfect

inter-cooling will be minimum when the pressure ratio in each stage is equal.

If there are N stages in the multi-stage compressor, then the required
condition for the minimum compression work will be
…………(30)
From the above equation

Therefore, for ‘N’ stage compressor, the optimum pressure ratio is
…………(31)
If T3 = T1 and n1 = n2 = n and substituting the condition of minimum work

requirement for compression ( p2/p1= p3/p2) at equation (24)

…………(32)
Or
…………(33)

Similarly, for N stages compressor, the minimum work of compression per
kg of air delivered is given by
…………(34)
As
Minimum work of compression can be written as
…………(35)

If the inter-cooling is not perfect, the minimum work of compression is
given by substituting the condition given by equation (27) into equation (24)
and assuming n1 = n2 .

…………(36)
When T1 = T3, above equation will reduces to
…………(37)
This equation is similar to equation (35) if N=2.

Cylinder Dimensions of Multistage Compressor
The dimensions of multistage compressor cylinder can be
estimated based upon the fact that mass of air passing through
each cylinder per stroke must be same for steady state flow.
Where va1, va2, va3…. are the actual volume of air sucked during
the suction stroke in respective cylinders and ρ1, ρ2, ρ3 are the
corresponding densities.
Assuming perfect gas,

If perfect inter-cooling is used, then
…………(38)
Let ηv1, ηv2, ηv3… be the volumetric efficiencies of respective

cylinders, then the theoretical volume of each cylinder can be
calculates as follows:
Theoretical volume of cylinder 1

Substituting these values in equation (38), we get following equation.
Let D1,D2, D3 .. be the cylinder diameters and L1, L2, L3.. the stroke length
of the cylinders.

If the stroke length is same for all cylinders, then above equation can be
written as
…………(39)
If the volumetric efficiency is same for all the cylinders, then
…………(40)

Inter-Cooler
Generally, the counter-flow type inter-cooler is used in

compressor because of its high effectiveness. The effectiveness of
the inter-cooler is given by
…………(41)
Where, Tw1 and Tw2 are the inlet and outlet temperatures of the
cooling water in the inter-cooler.

If Tw1 = T1 (suction temperature of air in the compressor), then
…………(42)
If T3 = T1, then the effectiveness of the inter-cooler is unity which is a

perfect inter-cooler.
Air in after
compression Cooled Air T2
(T2) Out (T3)
Tw2 T3
Water Out Water In

(Tw2) (Tw1) Tw1
Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor Length of Flow 1/11/2016

89
Fig: Inter-Cooler
2.6 Other Types of Air Compressor
Rotary Compressor
In positive displacement rotary type compressor, the air is
entrapped between two sets of engaging surfaces of rotating
elements thereby increasing the pressure of air.
Rotary compressors can be used for delivering large quantity of
air but the maximum pressure at delivery is less compared to
reciprocating compressors. Generally, rotary compressors can yield
delivery pressure up to 10 bar and free air delivery of 3000 m3/min.
Rotary compressors are less bulky, and offer uniform discharge
compared to reciprocating compressor even in the absence of big
size receiver.

Lubrication requirement and wear and tear is less due to
rotary motion of parts in rotary compressors compared to
reciprocating compressors.
There are three types of rotary compressors
1. Vane type compressor
2. Screw type compressor
3. Lobe type compressor or Roots Blower
4. Scroll type compressor

Lobe type or Roots Blower
It consists of two rotors, rotating in opposite directions. The

lobes of the rotors are of epicycloid, hypocycloid or involute
profiles.
Out of two rotors one is driven by prime mover while other
one is driven by first rotor. When one spins, the other spins in
the opposite direction with very precise timing and clearance.
When two rotors rotate, their typical geometry divides the
region inside casing into high pressure region and low
pressure region.
The high pressure side of compressor is sealed from the low
pressure side in all angular positions of the rotors.

A small clearance is provided between the rotor and casing
surface to reduce the wear. A very small amount can leak
through this clearance in the rotors, and this is called the
"slip." The slip is why blowers are only used for very low
pressures.
The leakage through this clearance increases with increasing
the pressure ratio and reduces the efficiency of compressor.

Working of Roots Blower
Fig: p-v diagram for Roots Blower Fig: Schematic of Roots Blower
The volume of air at atmospheric pressure p1 is entrapped
between the rotor A and casing.
When the rotor rotates, air trapped in volume space V is
displaced towards high pressure region due to rotation of rotor.
Exit end is connected to receiver in which air is gradually
transferred and the pressure inside receiver increases due to
cumulative effect of air being transferred from atmospheric
pressure region to receiver region.
There is no change in the volume of air within the compressor
but it merely displaces the air from the suction end to the
discharge end, against the discharge system resistance.

In one revolution this positive displacement of air trapped
between rotor and casing from inlet end to receiver end shall
occur 4 times in case of two lobe rotor and 6 times in case of
three lobes rotor.
Therefore, work done per cycle in two lobe rotor is given by
…………(43)
Let the volume of air compressed in one revolution be v1 = 2v

If the compression is isentropic, then the work done to compress the air from
pressure p1 to p2 is given by the equation
…………(44)
The efficiency of roots blower is given by the ratio of isentropic work to the
actual work done

…………(45)
Where Rp (p2/p1) is the pressure ratio.

Above equation shows that the efficiency of Roots blower depends upon
pressure ratio and the efficiency decreases with increase in pressure ratio.
Roots blower are available in the capacity ranging from 0.15 m3/min to
1500 m3/min and the pressure ratios are of the order of 1 to 3.5.
Generally the roots efficiency is around 50–60% but high efficiency
values up to 80% can also be achieved with low pressure ratios.
The maximum rotational speed used is 12500 rpm.
This compressor is used for supercharging of IC engines.

Vane Type Compressor
Construction
This compressor consists of rotor housed eccentrically inside the
outer casing.
The rotor carries a set of spring –loaded vanes in the slots of the
rotor.
These vanes are generally non metallic and made of fiber or
carbon composites or any other wear resistant material.
These vanes remain in continuous contact with casing such that
leakage across the vane-casing interface is minimum or absent.
It has inlet end and delivery end which is connected to receiver.

Generally, the contribution of reversible
pressure rise and irreversible pressure rise is
in proportion of 50 : 50.
Figure: Schematic diagram of Vane

Figure: P-v diagram for vane type
Compressor
compressor
Working Principle
The volume of air V1 at atmospheric p1 is entrapped between two
vanes.
As the rotor rotates further, the entrapped air is compressed
reversibly initially from V1 to V2, V2 to V3 and V3 to V4 as the
compression takes place due to decrease in volume of the
entrapped air.
When compressed volume comes in front of delivery passage and
further rotation results in the situation when partly compressed
air is forced to enter the receiver as their is no other way out. This
cumulative transfer of partly compressed air in receiver causes
irreversible compression resulting in gradual pressure rise.

Work Done in Compression
Let the inlet air be at pressure p1 and volume trapped is V1. This
volume is partly compressed up to volume V4 and pressure rises
from p1 to p2, p3 and p4. Finally, the compression occurs at
constant volume V4 and pressure rises from p4 to pf.
The work done per revolution with N vanes is given by:
…………(46)
This compressor is available for capacity up to 150 m3/min and

pressure ratios up to 8 and efficiency up to 75%.

Screw Type Compressor
Operation
Rotary screw compressors consist of two meshing helical screws,
known as rotors, to compress the gas. One of them is called male
and the other female.
The timing gear maintains the precise alignment of meshing
rotors.
Gas enters at the suction side and moves through the threads as
the screws rotate. The meshing rotors force the gas through the
compressor, and the gas exits at the end of the screws.
Meshing happens in a way such that lobes male rotor get placed
in matching hollow portion in female rotors.

Initially, before this intermeshing the hollows remain filled with
gaseous fluid at inlet port. As rotation begins the surface in
contact move parallel to the axis of rotors toward the outlet
end gradually compressing the fluid till the trapped volume
reaches up to outlet port for getting discharged out at designed
pressure.
The effectiveness of this mechanism depends on precisely fitting
clearances between the helical rotors, and between the rotors
and the chamber for sealing of the compression cavities. Some
leakage is inevitable, and high rotational speeds must be used to
minimize the ratio of leakage flow rate over effective flow rate.

Figure: Schematic of Screw Compressor
Capacity of Compressor
These compressors are capable of handling large volume of gas

flows ranging from 200 to 20000 m3/h under discharge
pressures of 3 bar gauge in single stage and up to 13 bar gauge in
two stages.
Typically, they are used to supply compressed air for general
industrial applications.
Mechanical efficiency of these compressors is quite high and
their isothermal efficiencies are even more than vane type
compressor and may be compared with centrifugal and axial
compressors.
These are very noisy, sensitive to dust and fragile due to small
clearances.
Centrifugal Compressor
Introduction
1. Centrifugal compressor is a non-positive displacement machine
in which the compression of air takes place due to the dynamic
action of rotating elements in the machine.
2. It is used to supply large quantities of air but at lower pressure
ratio.
3. Unlike to reciprocating compressor, centrifugal compressors are
steady flow machines.
4. Centrifugal compressors operates at very high speed and are
available up to the speed of 20,000 to 30,000 rpm.

Construction
1. The major parts of centrifugal compressors: impeller,
diffuser and volute casing.
2. Impeller consists of a disc with a radial or backward curved
blades attached.
3. Impeller is mounted on the shaft & is rotated by electrical
motor or other prime mover.
4. Impeller is surrounded by diffuser which reduces the velocity of
air.
5. Impeller and diffuser are housed inside a volute casing which has
gradually increasing cross-sectional area.
6. Air enters at the center of impeller , known as eye of impeller.

Figure: Centrifugal air compressor with radial impeller
Figure: Centrifugal air compressor with backward curved impeller
Working of Centrifugal Compressor
Air enters the eye of impeller axially at low velocity &
atmospheric pressure.
It then flows radially outwards through the impeller and is
guided by impeller.
As the impeller is rotating at high speed, the impeller blades
impart the angular momentum to the air passing through the
blade passage.
As the air continues to pass through the impeller blade passage,
the impeller causes the air to spin faster and faster and more
and more angular momentum is imparted. This causes the rise
in pressure and temperature of air.

Subsequently the high pressure fluid leaving impeller enters
the diffuser ring where the velocity of air is reduced by
providing more cross-sectional area for the air flow.
As a result, kinetic energy of the air is converted into pressure
energy and the pressure of the air is further increased.
High pressure air leaving diffuser is carried by volute casing to
the exit of compressor. Due to increased cross section area of
volute casing some velocity is further reduced causing rise in
its pressure, although this is very small.

Rate of change of Angular momentum,
torque is

Total pressure rise in compressor is due to ‘impeller action’
and ‘diffuser action’. Generally, about half of total pressure rise
is achieved in impeller and remaining half in diffuser.
The total pressure rise in impeller is given by
p = ρv2
Where, ρ = Density of air
v = Peripheral velocity of impeller
A pressure ratio of 4 can be achieved with single stage and 12:
1 is possible in multistage compressor.

Figure: Pressure and velocity variation in centrifugal compressor

Axial Flow Compressor
Axial flow compressor is a non-positive displacement dynamic
type compressor in which the air enters axially and also leaves
axially.
It consists of a set of moving blades attached on the rotor and
fixed blades attached on the casing. Fixed blades is called stator
blades.
The moving and fixed blades are arranged in stages as fixed
blade followed by moving blade, then followed by fixed blade
and so on.
As the air passes through along the axis of compressor, the
relative velocity of air reduces and hence pressure rises.

Stator blade acts as a diffuser. As the air passes through the
stationary stator blades, the relative velocity of air decreases.
Blades have aerofoil shape to minimize the losses.

2.7 Comparison Among Various Types of Air
Compressor
Reciprocating Versus Rotary Compressor
Reciprocating Compressor Rotary Compressor
In this compressor, air is compressed by In this compressor, air is first entrapped
moving piston inside cylinder. within a confined space, then compressed by
rotating element
Suitable for low discharge rate at higher Suitable for large discharge at low delivery
delivery pressure. Max. delivery pressure 10 pressure . The max. delivery pressure is 0.1
kN/cm2 (single stage) kN/cm2 (single stage)
The speed of reciprocating compressor is The speed of rotary compressor is quite high,
very low compared to the reciprocating as high as 50,000 rpm.
compressor owing to the high inertia of
reciprocating parts.
High maintenance Low maintenance requirement

Reciprocating Compressor Rotary Compressor
Air supply is not continuous, so requires a Air supply is continuous, so does not require
receiver for maintaining continuous delivery. a receiver.
Balancing is one of the major problems in No balancing problem in rotary compressor.

reciprocating compressor.
Air delivered is not clean due to Air delivered is comparatively clean.
contamination of lubricating oil.
Complex lubricating system. Simple lubricating system.
Cannot be directly coupled to high speed Can be directly coupled to high speed
turbines, electric motors. turbines, electric motors.
Efficiency is higher than in rotary Efficiency is poor.The compression index is
compressor (close to isothermal as high as 1.7 (n> Ƴ)
compression)

Axial Versus Centrifugal Compressor
Centrifugal Compressor Axial Compressor
Air enter axially and leaves out radially. Air enters axially and leaves also axially.
Pressure ratio per stage of 4: 1 can be Pressure ratio per stage achievable is 1.2 : 1
achieved in this compressor. only
Max pressure of 400 bar can be achieved by Max pressure of 10 bar can be achieved by
multistaging . multistaging.
Good part load efficiency and wide operating Poor part load efficiency and narrow
speed range operating speed range.
Requires small starting torque. Requires large starting torque.
Large frontal area. Only suitable for land Small frontal area. Suitable for aviation
application. application

Centrifugal Compressor Axial Compressor
The efficiency vs. speed curve is more flat , The efficiency vs. speed characteristics curve
so higher efficiency in large speed range. is bell shaped, so higher efficiency in only
narrow speed range.
Relatively simple compression and cheap. Have complex construction and costly.
Poor isentropic efficiency, about 70%. Power Better isentropic efficiency (85 to 90%).
required per kg of air flow rate is more. Power required per kg of air flow rate is less.
Centrifugal compressors are used for super- Axial flow compressors are used in large gas
charging in IC engines and in refrigeration turbines.
system.

Reciprocating Versus Centrifugal Compressor
Reciprocating Compressor Centrifugal Compressor

Greater vibration problems due to Less vibration
reciprocating parts.
Low mechanical efficiency Comparatively higher
High maintenance cost Low maintenance cost
High installation cost Low installation cost
Pressure ratio up to 12 About 3 to 4.5
Used for high pressure ( multistage pressure Medium pressure (multistage pressure upto
up to 5000 atm) 400 atm )
Can handle small volume Can handle large volume
More flexible in capacity and pressure range No flexibility in capacity and pressure range

Selection of Compressor

END

Thermo Lecture 4 - Air Compressor

Încărcat de

Informații document

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Thermo Lecture 4 - Air Compressor

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Applied Thermodynamics ME504,

2 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

3 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

4 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

Principle of Number of Capacity of Highest

5 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

Positive Displacement Compressor

6 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

7 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

Reciprocating compressors employs piston-cylinder

8 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

Compressed air to Receiver

Fig: Double acting single-stage Fig: Single acting multi-stage

11 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

13 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

15 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

16 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

17 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

Compressors are also classified based on the capacity of

18 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

19 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

20 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

21 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

A reciprocating compressor consists of a cylinder, piston, connecting rod,

Fig: Single stage compressor

23 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

Fig: Working of reciprocating air compressor

Single Acting Compressor:

25 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

26 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

27 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

29 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

31 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

32 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

33 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

Where m is the mass of

34 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

For 1 kg of air delivered,

35 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

For isothermal compression process, n = 1

36 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

For adiabatic compression process,

38 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

4-1 : Suction of air at pressure p1

40 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

41 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

42 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

43 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

From expression (3b) and (13), it is clear that the clearance

44 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

For Single Acting Compressor

For Double Acting Compressor

45 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

46 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

The clearance volume of the compressor is given in terms of

47 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

48 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

This relation shows that the volumetric efficiency depends on

49 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

51 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

54 Iswor Bajracharya/Air Compressor 1/11/2016

The isothermal efficiency of a compressor is the ratio of isothermal work to

Fig: Isothermal and different polytropic compression