Reciprocating compressors are the first ever kind of compressors in history, therefore they have been widely implemented in a multitude of applications. From vehicle and body shops to residential usage, these compressors are invaluable.
A reciprocating compressor, also referred to as a piston compressor, utilizes a crankshaft-driven piston for compressing air. The piston travels up and down within a cylinder, pulling air in on one stroke and compressing it on the second. This process produces a sporadic stream of compressed air, which is then held in a pressure vessel for different applications.
Types of Reciprocating Compressors
Reciprocating compressors come in multiple kinds, each intended for particular requirements and applications. The more common types are:
Single-Stage Compressors
These compressors only have one compression process to achieve the transfer pressure from inlet pressures. Single stage pumps only have 1 stage cylinder or multiple cylinders of the same size. They are basic in design and are typically implemented in applications that require sporadic use of compressed air.
Double-Stage Compressors
These compressors have 2 compression processes to achieve the transfer pressure from the inlet pressures. They have at a minimum of 2 cylinders with various diameters. This design is more efficient and is implemented in applications requiring continual and high-pressure outputs.
Whether to choose between a single or a double stage, is subject to your application and compressed air needs. For instance, a single-stage compressor is an effective product at a lower price for a self-sufficient craftsperson or the owner of a handicrafts line.
What Are the Primary Reciprocating Compressor Parts?
A common reciprocating compressor comprises several key parts, each playing a significant role through the compression process. These parts include:
- Compression Cylinders: The chambers in which air is compressed.
- Pistons: The moving components that compress the air.
- Mechanical Valves: Manage the air flow into and out of the cylinders.
- Un-loader and Clearance Pocket Valves: Regulates the compressor’s capacities and efficiency.
- Packing Rings: Seals the piston to hinder air leakage.
- Crossheads: Attaches the piston to the connecting rod.
- Connecting Rods: Transfers movement from the crankshaft to the piston.
- Crankshafts: Convert rotary motion into linear motion.
- Flywheels: Stores rotary energy and smooths out the compressor’s operation.
- Suction Strainers and Separators: Removes pollutants from the air prior to compression.
- Intercoolers: Cools the air between compression phases.
- Pressure Containers: Stores the compressed air.
How Do Reciprocating Compressors Work?
The operation of reciprocating compressors involves a 4-part cycle inside the cylinder: compression, discharge, expansion, and intake. The following is a step-by-step break-down of this process:
Clearance area: it comprises of the area between the topmost part of the piston and the cylinder of the piston compressor. This is the top of dead-point, when the pressure matches the delivery pressures. The clearance area is also referred to as “bumping clearance” or “clearance volume”. This clearance is a vital factor for the compressors and strives to improve the volumetrically efficiency. This area should not be too small or too large.
Expansion & Suction: throughout this step, referred to as the “suction stroke”, the piston travels down and the volume inside the cylinder comes to twenty to thirty percent (bottom of dead point).
Compression & Transfer: the volume of the cylinder reaches its peak level. Throughout compression, the piston shifts decreasing the cylinder volume to ten percent. After the pressure reaches the predefined transfer level, the release valve opens up and the compressed air flows out.
Comprehending this cycle is vital for diagnosing compressor issues, increasing efficiency, and establishing power requirements.
Applications for Reciprocating Piston Compressors
Reciprocating compressors are utilized in a broad range of sectors and applications, comprising:
- Manufacturing: Offering compressed air for pneumatic tools and machinery.
- Construction: Giving power to pneumatic tools and equipment.
- Automotive: Offering compressed air for painting and other operations.
- Food Production: Compressed air for packaging and processing.
- Pharmaceuticals: Offering clean, compressed air for manufacturing operations.
Willing Service Corporation Offers A Full Range Of Industrial Pumps For Sale Nationwide!
Willing Service is proud to sell air compressors nationwide. You can choose the brand, model, and size you need for your purposes and we will ship it straight to your shop or business. Shop industrial air compressors online and get it touch with us today by giving us a call at (602) 246-6940.
