EXPERIMENT NO: 6

“RECIPROCATING AIR COMPRESSOR”

Aim: trail on multistage (Two stage) reciprocating air compressor to find

volumetric, isothermal mechanical efficiencies.

THEORY:

Compressed air has found many applications in now a days life, right from
inflating automobile tyres to driving pneumatics circuits and tools. Generally
compression process found in simple stage compressor in polytropic process, in
which pvn=constant. For air value of n is between 1 to 1.4. For n=1, compression
is isothermal, which is desired, but practically it is not possible, isothermal
compression gives lesser work requirement and the cool working of the
compressor. Several means are adopted for the compression process to become as
near as possible to isothermal, like cooling of cylinder, cold water spray in cylinder
or multi stage compression. In the two stage compression air is partially
compressed in low pressure cylinder. This air is passed through cooler between
first stage and second stage so that air at inlet of second stage is at lower
temperature then first stage outlet. The final compression is completed in second
stage. Additionally, cylinders are also provided with fins for cooling, two stage
compressors can achieve higher volumetric efficiency then single stage
compressors because of lower compression ratio per stage. This effect is more
pronounced at higher delivery pressure.

THE APPARATUS:

The apparatus consist of two stage air compressor with inter cooler driven by an

Induction motor. It sucks air from inlet air tank through an office and air by an
orifice and air filter. Compressed air from first stage goes to finned inter cooler,
where its temperature is lowered and it enters the second stage cylinder. Final
compression is completed here and air is then send to air receiver. For forcing the
air over the fins, a fan is mounted over the compressor pulley.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEEERING, IOK COE- PUNE

Prof. RAJKUMAR PANCHAL

SPECIFICATION:

1) compressor
Two cylinders, two stage compressors with finned intercooler, mounted over
air receiver, variable speed L. p. cylinder bore 70 mm, stroke length 66mm.
max. Working pressure 10kg/cm2 . Air receiver capacity 160 litters,
provided with pressure relief valve, pressure switch and receiver drain clock.

2) Motor
2 HP, 3-phase, rpm induction motor with DOL starter.

3) Measurement provided

a) Air inlet tank with air filter and orifice with water volume measurement.
Orifice diameter 11mm.
b) Multichannel -------temperature indicator for indicating temperature at
various points.
c) Energy meter for measurement of input to motor.
d) Pressure gauges inter cooler and delivery pressure.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:
Ensure the pressure of sufficient oil in the crankcase of compressor.

(up to red ma------ oil indicator glass).

1) Fill up the water in the manometer up to above half of the height of
manometer.
2) Close delivery valve of the compressor and start the compressor.
3) Let receive the pressure rise up to around 2.5 kg/cm2 . now open the
delivery valve so that constant delivery pressure of 2kg/cm2 is achieved.
4) Wait for some time and see the delivery pressure remains constant. Note
down the observation table.
5) Now close the delivery valve let pressure rise to about 4.5kg/cm2
6) Note down all the observation.
7) Repeat the same procedure for different delivery pressure.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEEERING, IOK COE- PUNE

Prof. RAJKUMAR PANCHAL

OBSERVATION:

SR. NO 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Speed(comp.)(rpm)

Intercooler pressure kg/cm2

Delivery pressure kg/cm2

Atmospheric temp. ‘T1’

Temp. after first stage before
Inter cooler ‘T2’
Temp. after inter cooler ‘T3’

Temp. after second stage ‘T4’

Manometer difference mm.

Time for 10imps
Of energy meter t.sec

CALCULATION:

1) Air flow-

Manometer difference, mw=m of water

Density, ℓa = 1.293×273
---------------- 11Kg/m3
(273+T1 0C)
(Density of air is 1.273 kg/m3 at 00C, i.e. 2730 k)

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEEERING, IOK COE- PUNE

Prof. RAJKUMAR PANCHAL

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEEERING, IOK COE- PUNE

Prof. RAJKUMAR PANCHAL