Air Compressor Glossary

Question 1

Absolute Pressure

Answer 1

Total pressure measured from zero.

Question 2

Absolute Temperature

Answer 2

See Temperature, Absolute.

Question 3

Absorption

Answer 3

The chemical process by which a hygroscopic desiccant, having a high affinity with water, melts and becomes a liquid by absorbing the condensed moisture.

Question 4

Actual Capacity

Answer 4

Quantity of gas actually compressed and delivered to the discharge system at rated speed and under rated conditions. Also called Free Air Delivered (FAD).

Question 5

Adiabatic Compression

Answer 5

See Compression, Adiabatic.

Question 6

Adsorption

Answer 6

The process by which a desiccant with a highly porous surface attracts and removes the moisture from compressed air. The desiccant is capable of being regenerated.

Question 7

Air Receiver

Answer 7

See Receiver.

Question 8

Air Bearings

Answer 8

See Gas Bearings.

Question 9

Aftercooler

Answer 9

A heat exchanger used for cooling air discharged from a compressor. Resulting condensate may be removed by a moisture separator following the aftercooler.

Question 10

Atmospheric Pressure

Answer 10

The measured ambient pressure for a specific location and altitude.

Question 11

Automatic Sequencer

Answer 11

A device which operates compressors in sequence according to a programmed schedule.

Question 12

Brake Horsepower (bhp)

Answer 12

See Horsepower, Brake.

Question 13

Capacity

Answer 13

The amount of air flow delivered under specific conditions, usually expressed in cubic feet per minute (cfm).

Question 14

Capacity, Actual

Answer 14

The actual volume flow rate of air or gas compressed and delivered from a compressor running at its rated operating conditions of speed, pressures, and temperatures. Actual capacity is generally expressed in actual cubic feet per minute (acfm) at conditions prevailing at the compressor inlet.