TYPES OF COMPRESSORS

Compressors can be grouped into two broad classes: Positive displacement compressors,-in which the fluid is trapped in a closed volume which is reduced gradually to achieve compression; Dynamic compressors-which use a different principle: the compression is obtained by converting pressure into kinetic energy imparted to the fluid by moving blades

POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT
In which the fluid is trapped in a closed volume which is reduced gradually to achieve compression

TYPES OF POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT COMPRESSORS

The piston compressors The screw compressors The scroll compressors The vane compressors The lobe compressors

The piston compressors

The loads (forces) that are generally of concern include the piston rod loads, the connecting rod loads the crosshead pin loads, the crankpin loads and the frame loads. As the crankshaft undergoes one revolution, all of these loads vary from minimum to maximum values. The loads are generated by both gas and inertia forces.

The screw compressors

They are commonly used to replace piston compressors where large volumes of high pressure air are needed, either for large industrial applications or to operate high-power air tools such as jackhammers. The gas compression process of a rotary screw is a continuous sweeping motion, so there is very little pulsation or surging of flow, as occurs with piston compressors.

The scroll compressors

A scroll compressor incorporates a vapor injection system where only one vapor injection port is utilized. The single vapor injection port injects refrigerant vapor into two of the initially formed enclosed spaces. The scrolls of the scroll compressor are designed with asymmetric wraps where the nonorbiting scroll wrap extends angularly further than the orbiting scroll wrap.

The vane compressors

Consist of a cylindrical casing in which an eccentrically mounted rotor is located. The rotor is fitted with blades that are free to slide in and out of longitudinal slots. In operation, the blades are forced outward by Centrifugal force and form compartments where air is compressed. Each Compartment varies from a maximum volume on the suction side of the revolution To a minimum volume on the compression half of the revolution. This gives a Positive displacement type suction and pressure effect. Rotary sliding vane Machines are normally directly connected to electric motors or internal Combustion engines

The lobe compressors

A lobe pump has twin lobe impellers that rotate 90 degrees out of phase inside a shroud with lateral porting. The rotation and intermeshing of the two impellers transports fluid around the periphery of the housing, compressing and pumping fluid from one side to the other.

RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS
Advantages Relatively cheap Easy maintenance (easy to understand the inner working) Suitable for high pressures

Disadvantages Very noisy! You really need to put this type of compressor in a sound-isolating box or in it's own room. High outlet temperature of compressed air High oil content in air piping.

ROTARY SCREW COMPRESSORS

Advantages Low noise level. You can just put in in your workshop without wearing ear-protection. These are the work-horses of the compressors and can supply a large amount of compressed air. Good energy-efficiency compared to piston-type compressors Relatively low end temperature of compressed air Possible to use energy recovery

Disadvantages Purchase price is much higher than piston-type compressors More complex design, good maintenance very important. Minimal air use (per day/week) is required to prevent water condensate forming (will create a lot of problems with rust!)