Compressors Essay

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Classification of Compressors

A Compressor is a machine that compresses the air or another type of gas from a low inlet pressure (usually atmospheric pressure) to a higher desired pressure level. A Compressor increases the pressure of the air by reducing its volume. Work required for increasing a pressure of air is available from the primary mover driving the compressor. Usually, electric motor, internal combustion engine or steam engine, turbine etc. are used as prime movers. Compressors are similar to fans and blowers but differ in terms of pressure ratios. Fans are said to have a pressure ratio up to 1.1 and blowers have a pressure ratio between 1.1 to 4 while compressors have pressure ratios of more than 4. [1]
There are two types of air compressors: …show more content…

Almost every industrial company has at least two compressors, and in a medium-sized plant there may be hundreds of different uses of compressed air. Uses include powering pneumatic tools, packaging and automation equipment, and conveyors. Pneumatic tools tend to be smaller, lighter, and more navigable than electric motor-driven tools. They also distribute smooth power and are not damaged by overloading. Air-powered tools have the capability for a lot of variable speed and torque control, and can reach a preferred speed and torque very quickly. In addition, they are often selected for safety reasons because they do not produce sparks and have low heat build-up [3]. Although they have many advantages, pneumatic tools are generally much less energy-efficient than electric tools. Many manufacturing industries also use compressed air and gas for combustion and process operations such as oxidation, fractionation, cryogenics, refrigeration, filtration, dehydration, and aeration. Compressed air also plays a significant role in many non-manufacturing sectors, including the transportation, construction, mining, agriculture, recreation, and service

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