Compressors Flashcards
Screw compressors are typically used for what kinda pressures?
Lower pressure
100 - 175 Psig
25 - 8500 CFM
What makes the screw compressor economical, reliable and easy to maintain?
Limited number of moving parts
What are the two basic types of screw compressors?
Single rotor
Dual rotor
Either wet screw or dry screw
Which is more efficient, under compression or over compression?
Under compression
How does volumetric efficiency increase?
Typically with compressor speed.
The faster the rotors are turning the less time there is for the air to leak backward toward the suction
What determines compressor capacity?
Rotor length, diameter, lobe and flute design, and speed
What are the two lobe profiles in screw compressors?
Symmetrical
Asymmetrical - most commonly used
What is the purpose of the oil in a wet screw compressor?
- Absorb most of the heat
- seal the gaps between the rotors and casing to reduce leakage
- lubricate bearings and gears
- prevent metal to metal contact of the rotors
- reduce noise
Are timing gears needed in wet compressors?
No because the oil lubrication allowing for the male rotor can directly drive the female rotor.
What are the two classifications of compressors?
Dynamic action: deliver large volumes at relatively low pressures
Positive displacement action: deliver moderate volumes of air at high pressure
What type of motion does a reciprocating compressor have?
Positive displacement action
What are the different types of positive displacement rotary compressors?
Vane, lobe, and screw compressors
Dynamic rotary compressors are?
Centrifugal compressors
What is the purpose of an unloading valve?
It can prevent further compression once the maximum is reached
What are other ways besides an unloading valve are there to control the maximum air pressure?
Throttling the air intake
Using a variable speed drive
Using a pressure switch
What are the types of reciprocating compressors?
Single acting or double acting
Single stage or multi stage
“Two stage double acting compressors give more compressed air per energy dollar than any other compressor
Rotary compressors are generally smaller then piston compressors and have less_________?
Vibration
Multi stage vane compressors require ____________ between the stages?
Intercoolers
How can you get dry air (no oil) with a vane compressor?
By using vanes with special wearing surfaces.
What does a lobe compressor do?
Deliver high volume air at low pressure
What is a 4+6 screw compressor for?
6+8 used for?
3+4 used for?
General use
6+8 = high pressure/low volume
3+4= low pressure/high volume
What is needed in dry screw compressor to prevent contact between the rotors?
Timing gears
Why don’t wet screw compressors need timing gears?
One rotor drives the other, and oil in between moving parts to seal and reduce wear
What is air slip?
How can it be reduced?
Air returning to the inlet side past the sealing surfaces in a screw compressor.
Air slip can be reduced by by running a higher RPM
How can you increase pressure with centrifugal type compressors?
Use a multi stage unit to increase working pressure