Gas Compression

Two Elements: Driver and Compressor Driver (Prime Mover) Compressor

Driver Types Internal Combustion Engines Gas Turbines Steam Turbines Electric Motors

Compressor Types Reciprocating Compressors: Designed for high pressure and low volume applications Centrifugal Compressors: Designed for low pressure and high volume applications

Reciprocating Compressor Driver End Compressor

Compressor Components

Cylinder

Piston and Piston Rod

Piston Rings

Suction and Discharge Valves

Packing

Connecting Components

Double Acting Cylinder Head

Frame Compressors

Interstage Cooling

Adjusting Compressor Capacity Speed Control Some compressors allow speed adjustment. Reducing the compressor speed also reduces the number of pistons strokes per minute. This reduces capacity. Reducing Displacement Another way to reduce compressor capacity is to reduce the displacement within the compressor cylinder head. Displacement is the volume of gas that the piston moves as it travels from one end of the cylinder to the other. This volume is equal to the cross-sectional area of the cylinder times the length of its stroke. Two methods combined for reducing displacement: Raising valve lifters Increasing cylinder clearance

Suction and Discharge Valve

Raising a Valve Lifter open closed

Clearance Pocket Slid 5

Bypass Control

Lubrication

Internal Cooling