Page 14 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

C H A P T E R 1

Reciprocating Compressors

and Their Applications

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of compressors is to move air and other gases from place
to place. Gases, unlike liquids, are compressible and require compression
devices, which although similar to pumps, operate on somewhat different
principles. Compressors, blowers, and fans are such compression
devices.

• Compressors. Move air or gas in higher differential pressure ranges
from 35 psi to as high as 65,000 psi in extreme cases.
• Blowers. Move large volumes of air or gas at pressures up to 50
pounds per square inch.
• Fans. Move air or gas at a sufficient pressure to overcome static
forces. Discharge pressures range from a few inches of water to
about / pound per square inch.

WHAT is A COMPRESSOR?

BASIC GAS LAWS

Before discussing the types of compressors and how they work, it will
be helpful to consider some of the basic gas laws and the manner in
which they affect compressors.
By definition, a gas is a fluid having neither independent shape nor
form, which tends to expand indefinitely.