CHAPTER 3

COMPRESSORS
Compressors are machines that are used to transfer another gasses from one location to another at a
higher differential pressure ranges. There are various types of compressors and they are classified in two major
categories: (1) dynamic or also known as continuous flow or turbo compressor and (2) positive displacement or
intermittent compressor.

Dynamic or continuous flow are types of compressor in which the flow of gas is accelerated thru high
speed rotating element, converting velocity head into pressure head. Continuous flow includes centrifugal and
axial flow compressors.

Positive displacement or intermittent flow type compressor, however, are those units that confine gas
in a closed space, reducing its volume and discharging it at a higher pressure. Intermittent flow includes
reciprocating, screw, and root types of compressors.

Some other ways of classifying compressors includes the following:

a) Number of stages: single, two, three-stages or multi-stage

b) Reciprocating compressor element: single acting or double acting
c) Cylinder arrangement: vertical, horizontal, V-type
d) Cooling system: water cooled, air cooled
e) Mounting condition: portable, stationary

RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS
Reciprocating compressors are positive displacement, intermittent flow machines that are capable of
delivering air from a pressure of 35 psig up to 250 psig. They are widely used in industrial applications because
of their overall efficiency, wide range of capacity simplicity of use and compactness.

Some of the disadvantages of reciprocating compressors are the excessive vibrations due to the forces
exhibited by the reciprocating movement of the piston. This requires strong machine foundation and higher
maintenance cost compared with other types of compressor. Figure 3.1 shows a typical reciprocating
compressor with its parts.

26 | P a g e
FIGURE 3.1: Portable Air Compressor

A reciprocating compressor resembles automotive engines and can be air-cooled or liquid-cooled.

Generally, low capacity compressor are air-cooled and they have air fins cast around the cylinder to dissipate
heat. On the other hand, liquid-cooled compressors have cooling fins and water jackets cast around the
cylinder to circulate water.

Reciprocating compressors needs lubrication to reduce wear, provide cooling and to act as a sealant
between moving parts. Lubricant is distributed thru a splash system crank and connecting rods with oil in the
crankcase.

Non-lubricating reciprocating compressors use special design piston and non-metallic piston rings
without oil in the crankcase. They have higher maintenance cost because valves and piston rings wear faster
than in lubricated reciprocating compressor.

FIGURE 3.2: Schematic view of air-cooled single-stage, single-acting reciprocating compressor

Single-acting Reciprocating Compressor
The cylinders of reciprocating compressors can be classified as single-acting and double –acting.

27 | P a g e
Single-acting compressors as shown in Figure 3.3, compresses gas in one side of the piston only. They
are commonly air cooled and widely used for small capacity applications.

FIGURE 3.3: Single-acting Reciprocating Air compressor and P-v diagram

Compression stroke starts at point 1. As the compressor compress the air from point 1 to 2, the
suction valves immediately closed, shutting off the suction line of the cylinder. At point 2, the discharge valves
opens and compressed air is pushed out of the cylinder into the discharge line of the cylinder.
The discharge stroke is completed at point 3. At this point, the piston returns to point 4, where the
pressure drops and closing the discharge valve. The clearance between the end of the cylinder and the top
dead center (TDC) is known as the “clearance volume”.
The piston expands from point 3 to 4. And the intake stroke occurs from point 4 to 1, which is also
known as the “compressor capacity”. The complete cycle is shown in the P-v diagram in figure 3.3.

Piston Speed, v
Piston speed is measured as the total distance travel by the piston multiplied by the angular
speed.
N
v = 2L 60

Where: v = piston speed, m/s

L = length of stroke, m
N = compressor angular speed, rpm

Volume Displacement, VD
VD = V1 – V3
N
VD = AL 60
D2 LN
VD = (π )
4 60
∗ (No. of cylinder) ∗ (No. of piston action)

Where: D = piston diameter, m

L = stroke, m
N = compressor angular speed, rpm

28 | P a g e
No. of piston action = 1 for single-acting; 2 for double-acting

Double-acting Reciprocating Compressor

Double-acting compressors as shown in the figure 3.4, compresses gas in both sides of the piston. For
the same motor speed, double-acting compressors deliver twice of that single-acting compressors. They are
water-cooled and mostly used in large capacity applications.

FIGURE 3.4: Schematic view of double-acting reciprocating compressor

The P-v diagram of a double-acting reciprocating compressor is shown in Figure 3.5. The cycle occurs at
the opposite side of the piston.

FIGURE 3.5: Double-acting Reciprocating Air compressor and P-v diagram

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COMPRESSOR FUNDAMENTALS
Compressor Work, Wc
a) Work for Polytropic Compression
n−1
nP1 V1 ′ P2 n
Wc = [( ) − 1]
n − 1 P1

b) Work for Isentropic Compression

k−1
kP1 V1 ′ P2 k
Wc = [( ) − 1]
k − 1 P1

c) Work for Isothermal Compression

P2
Wc = P1 V1 ′ ln ( )
P1
Note: Pressure must be in absolute values
Compressor Capacity, V1’
Compressor capacity is the actual volume of air drawn in by the compressor as measured at the intake
pressure and temperature.
V1 ′ = V1 − V4
ma RT1
V1 ′ = P1

Where: R = ideal gas constant,

Rair = 0.287 KJ/kg-K for air Rair=53.33ft-lb/lb-R
PVT Relationship
𝐧−𝟏
𝐓𝟐 𝐏 𝒏 𝐕 𝐧−𝟏
𝐓𝟏
= (𝐏𝟐 ) = (𝐕𝟏 )
𝟏 𝟐

Where: 1 ˂ n ˂ 1.4 = polytropic compression

n = k = 1.4 = isentropic compression
n = 1 =isothermal compression
Volumetric Efficiency, ƞv
Volumetric efficiency describes how efficient air is being drawn into the cylinder of the air-
compressor. It is the ratio of the amount of air drawn into the cylinder of the air-compressor. It is the
ratio of the amount of air drawn in divided by the volume displacement or the maximum possible
amount of air can be drawn in.
actual volume
ƞv = volume displacement ∗ 100%

30 | P a g e
V1 ′ V1−V4
ƞv = VD
∗ 100% = VD
∗ 100%

And; V1 = V3 + VD = cVD + VD
Where: c = percent clearance ranges 3% to 10%
n−1
V n−1 P n
( 4) = ( 3) ; P3 = P2, P4 = P1
V3 P4
1 1
P n P n
V4 = V3 ( 2 ) = cVD ( 2 )
P1 P1

Substituting;
1
P
V1 ′ (cVD +VD )−cVD ( 2)n
P 1
ƞv = ∗ 100% ∗ 100%
VD VD

Therefore;
V1 ′
ƞv = VD
∗ 100%

1
P n
ƞv = 1 + c − c (P2 ) ∗ 100%
1

It is evident that as the clearance becomes smaller, the volumetric efficiency increases.
Compressor Efficiency
The compressor efficiency is the ratio of the compressor power output over the brake power input to
the compressor. Consider the compressor shown in Figure 3.6:

FIGURE 3.6: The compressor as the system

Wc
ƞc = ∗ 100%
BP

31 | P a g e
Example:
A single-acting reciprocating air compressor with a clearance of 5% receives air at 100 kPa and 30°C
and is delivered at 450 kPa. The bore and stroke are 350 mm and 390 mm, respectively when operating at
1000 rpm. Determine:
a) Volume displacement, in m3/s
b) Volumetric efficiency, in percent
c) Compressor capacity, in m3/s
d) Compressor work, in kW
e) Compressor efficiency, in percent, if the brake power input to the compressor is 120 kW.
f) Temperature of air at the discharge, in °C
Assume no pressure drop in the intake and discharge port of compressor and take the compression
and expansion process to be PV1.3 = C. PV1.4 = C.

Solving for the volume displacement, VD

D2 LN
VD = (π )
4 60
∗ (No. of cylinder) ∗ (No. of piston action)
(0.350 m)2 1000 rpm
VD = π (0.390 m) ( ) (1)(1)
4 60

𝐦𝟑
𝐕𝐃 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟐𝟓𝟒 𝐬

Solving for the volumetric efficiency, ƞv

1
P n
ƞv = 1 + c − c (P2 ) ∗ 100%
1

1
450 kPa 1.3
ƞv = 1 + 0.05 − 0.05 (100 kPa) ∗ 100%

ƞ𝐯 = 𝟖𝟗. 𝟏𝟎% = .9036

Solving for the compressor capacity, V1’

32 | P a g e
V1 ′
ƞv = VD
∗ 100%

V1 ′
0.8910 = m3
0.6254
s

𝐦𝟑 𝐦𝟑
𝐕𝟏 ′ = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟓𝟕𝟐 𝐬
=0.5651 𝐬

Solving for the compressor work, in kW

n−1
nP1 V1 ′ P2 n
Wc = [( ) − 1]
n−1 P1

m3 1.3−1
1.3(100 kPa)(0.5572 ) 450 kPa
s 1.3
Wc = 1.3−1
[(100 kPa) − 1]

𝐖𝐜 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎. 𝟏𝟗𝟏𝟐 𝐤𝐖 = 106.1813 kw

Solving for the compressor efficiency,
Wc
ƞc = BP
∗ 100%
100.1912 kW
ƞc = ∗ 100%
120 kW

ƞ𝐜 = 𝟖𝟑. 𝟒𝟗% = 88.4844 %

Solving for the temperature of air at the discharge, in °C
𝐧−𝟏
𝐓𝟐 𝐏 𝐧
= ( 𝟐)
𝐓𝟏 𝐏𝟏
𝟏.𝟑−𝟏
𝐓𝟐 𝟒𝟓𝟎 𝐤𝐏𝐚 𝟏.𝟑
(𝟑𝟎+𝟐𝟕𝟑)𝐊
=( )
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝐤𝐏𝐚

T2 = 428.7301 K=465.6662 K
𝐓𝟐 = 𝟏𝟓𝟓. 𝟕𝟑 °𝐂 = 192.6662 °C

Example:
A double acting compressor with a volume displacement of 0.432 m3/s, delivers air at 725 kPa at a rate
of 0.188 m3/s. The inlet condition of air 100 kPa and 30°C and the angular speed of the compressor is 200 rpm.
For a compression and expansion process given by PV1.3 = C, determine:
a) The percent clearance of the compressor
b) The bore and stroke, in meters, assuming that the stroke is equal with the bore and the
volume displacement of the crank end and head end are the same.
Solving for the percent clearance of the compressor;
m3
V1 ′ 0.188 s
ƞv = ∗ 100% = m3
∗ 100%
VD 0.432 s

33 | P a g e
ƞv = 43.52%
Then;
1
P n
ƞv = 1 + c − c (P2 ) ∗ 100%
1

1
725 kPa 1.3
0.4532 = 1 + c − c (100 kPa)

𝐜 = 𝟏𝟓. 𝟕𝟑%
Solving for the bore and stroke, in mm;
D2
VD = (π 4
) LN ∗ (No. of cylinder) ∗ (No. of piston action)

m3 (D)2 200 rpm

0.432 =π (D) ( ) (1)(2)
s 4 60

𝐃 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟑𝟓𝟑 𝐦
𝐋 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟑𝟓𝟑 𝐦

Actual Compressor Cycle

An increase in area occurs in actual compressor cycle because of the fluid losses thru the inlet and
discharge ports of the compressor which cause pressure drops in the cycle. Other contributors to the pressure
drop in the compressor are the friction losses and fluid slippage past the piston rings, intake and discharge
valve. A larger area covered by the cycle in the P-v diagram, as shown in Figure 3.7, means larger horsepower
input required to the compressor.

FIGURE 3.7: Actual Compressor P-v diagram as given by an indicator card

Example:
A single acting reciprocating compressor receives air at 100 kPa and 30°C and delivered at 700 kPa. The
clearance volume is taken to be 10% and the compression and expansion process to have a polytropic
exponent of 1.3. The compressor piston displacement is 450 cm3 and operating at a speed of 850 rpm.

34 | P a g e
Determine the mass of air compressed, in kg/hr and the required compressor power, in kilowatts when the
pressure drop at the suction and discharge port are 10 kPa and 15 kPa, respectively.

Solving for the mass of air compressed, in kg/hr

P1 V1 = ma RT1
P1 V1′
ma = RT1

Solving for V1’, form volumetric efficiency, ƞv;

1
V1 ′ P n
ƞv = =1+c− c (P2 )
VD 1

Solving for the volume displacement, VD, im m3/s

N 850rpm
VD = AL 60 = (4.5 × 10−4 m3 ) ( 60
)

m3
VD = 6.375 × 10−3 s

Substituting to solve for the actual volume of air taken in by the compressor, V1;
1
V1 ′ 715 kPa 1.3
m3
= 1 + 0.10 − 0.10 ( 90kPa )
(6.375×10−3 s )

35 | P a g e
V1 ′ =
(3.8732 ×
m3 3600 s
10−3 )( )=
s 1 hr
m3
13.9434
hr

For mass of air;

ma =
m3
(90kPa)(13.9434 )
hr
kJ
(0.287kg−K)(30+273)K

kg
ma = 14.4307
hr

The mass taken in by the compressor was reduced by 10% because of the pressure drop at the suction
and discharge port of the compressor.
Solving for the compressor power required, in kW
n−1
nP1 V1 ′ P2 n
Wc = [( ) − 1]
n − 1 P1

m3 1.3−1
(1.3)(90kPa)(3.8732 ×10−3 ) 715 kPa
s 1.3
Wc = [( ) − 1]
1.3−1 90kPa

𝐖𝐜 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟐𝟔𝟒 𝐤𝐖
In general, single compressors are generally used for pressures from 35 to 100 psig, and a two-stage
compressor are used from 100 to 250 psig.

Multi-stage Reciprocating Compressor

Two-stage compressor
In multistage compressor, the gas is delivered by the low pressure cylinder at intercooler pressure to
succeeding stages. In this way, the low pressure cylinder determines the volumetric efficiency of the whole
machine because whatever the low pressure cylinder passes to the succeeding stages must be discharged.
Figure 3.8 shows the P-v diagram of a two-stage compressor.

36 | P a g e
FIGURE 3.8: Two-stage reciprocating compressor

By using multistage compressor, the power input to the compressor is lessen, the gas discharge temperature
and pressure differential are decreased. Intermediate pressure, PHX, for two-stage compressor can be
theoretically approximated by:

PHX = √P1 P4
Where: P1 = pressure intake at the first stage
P4 = pressure at the second stage discharge
The compressor work for two-stage, WC1−2 is given by;
n−1
2nP1 V1′ PHX n
WC1−2 = [( ) − 1]
n−1 P1

The heat rejected by the intercooler;

QHX = ma Cp (T1 − THX )

Three-stage compressor
Figure 3.9 shows the P-v diagram of a three-stage compressor.

37 | P a g e
FIGURE 3.9: Three-stage reciprocating compressor

For two stage compressor, intermediate pressure, PHX and PHY, can be theoretically approximated by:

3
PHX = √P1 2 P6

3
PHY = √P1 P6 2

Where: P1 = pressure intake at the first stage

P6 = pressure at the third stage discharge

The compressor work for three-stage, WC1−2−3 is given by;

n−1
3nP1 V1′ PHX n
WC1−2−3 = n−1
[( P ) − 1]
1

For ideal conditions:

PHX P P
P1
= PHY = P 6
HX HY

Example:
A single acting, two stage, reciprocating compressor receives air at 100 kPa and air capacity of 0.05 m 3
per second and delivered at 400 kPa. The clearance volume is taken to be 8%. The compression and expansion
process is isentropic with compressor mean piston speed of 150 m/min. Assuming that each piston has the
same amount of stroke, no pressure drops at each suction and discharge ports of the compressor and perfect
intercooling, determine:
a) The piston diameter, in cm
b) The total power required, in kW
c) The heat loss at the intercooler, in kW

38 | P a g e
a) Solving for the diameter of the piston at the first stage, d 1;
π
VD1 = ALN = ( d1 2 ) LN
4
Piston speed: V = 2 LN
150 m
= 2 LN
60 s
m
LN = 1.25
s

Solving for the volume displacement, VD1 at the first stage;

1
V1 ′ PHX k
ƞ𝐯 = = 1 + c − c( )
VD1 P1

Intermediate pressure, PHX at the intercooler;

PHX = √P1 P4 = √(100 kPa)(400 kPa)

PHX = 200 kPa
Solving for the volume displacement of the first stage, VD1;
1
V1 ′ 200 kPa 1.4
ƞ𝐯 = VD1
= 1 + 0.08 − 0.08 (100 kPa) = 0.9487 = 94.87%

V1 ′
ƞ𝐯 = VD1

m3
0.05
s
0.9487 = VD1

m3
VD1 = 0,05270 s

Substituting;
π
VD1 = ( 4 d1 2 ) LN

m3 π m
0.05270 = ( 4 d1 2 ) (1.25 s )
s
100 cm
d1 = (0.231 m) ( 1m
)

𝐝𝟏 = 𝟐𝟑. 𝟏𝟕 𝐜𝐦
Solving for the diameter of the piston at the second stage, d2;
π
VD2 = ALN = ( d2 2 ) LN
4
Solving for the volume displacement of the second stage, VD2; and knowing that the volumetric
efficiency is equal at the first stage and the second stage of compressor;

39 | P a g e
V3 ′
ƞ𝐯 = VD2

Solving for V3’;

At the suction of the first stage: P1 V1 ; = mRT1
At the suction of the second stage: P3 V3 ; = mRT3
Therefore;
P3 V3 ; = P1 V1 ;
m3
(200 kPa)V3 ; = (100 kPa) (0.05 )
s

m3
V3 ; = 0.025 s

Substituting to solve for the volume displacement of the second stage;

V ′
ƞ𝐯 = V 3
D2

m3
0.025 s
0.9487 = VD2

m3
VD2 = 0.02635 s

Substituting;
m3 π m
0.02635 s
= ( 4 d2 2 ) (1.25 s )
100 cm
d2 = (0.1638 m) ( 1m
)

𝐝𝟐 = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟑𝟖 𝐜𝐦

In summary:
𝐝𝟏 = 𝟐𝟑. 𝟏𝟕 𝐜𝐦
𝐝𝟐 = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟑𝟖 𝐜𝐦
b) Solving for the total power required, WC1−2
k−1
2kP1 V1 ′ PHX k
WC1−2 = [( ) − 1]
k−1 P1

m3
2(1.4)(100 kPa) (0.05 s ) 200 kPa 1.4−1
1.4
WC1−2 = [( ) − 1]
1.4 − 1 100 kPa

40 | P a g e
𝐖𝐂 𝟏−𝟐 = 𝟕. 𝟔𝟔𝟓𝟓 𝐤𝐖

c) Solving for the heat loss in the intercooler, QHX;

From the intercooler:
QHX = ma CP (T1 − THX )
For THX;
k−1
THX PHX k
=( )
T1 P1
1.4−1
THX 200 kPa 1.4
=( )
T1 100 kPa

THX = 1.2190T1
For ma;
P1 V1 ; = ma RT1
m3 kJ
(100 kPa) (0.05 ) = ma (0.287 kg−K) (T1 )
s

17.4216
ma = T1

Substituting;
17.4216 kJ
QHX = ( T1
) (1.0062 kg−K) (T1 − 1.2190T1 )

𝐤𝐉
𝐐𝐇𝐗 = −𝟑. 𝟖𝟑𝟗𝟎
𝐬

Example:
A reciprocating compressor receives air at 100 kPa and 0.20 m3 of air per second and delivered at 1000
kPa. Assumimg conditions are ideal, and the compression and expansion has a polytropic exponent of 1.3,
determine the savings in compressor work kW, due to (a) two staging and (b) three staging.
1. Solving for the work required by the compressor for single stage, WC1;
n−1
nP1 V1 ′ P2 n
WC1 = [( ) − 1]
n − 1 P1

m3 1.3−1
(1.3)(100 kPa)(0.20 ) 1000 kPa
s 1.3
WC1 = 1.3−1
[( 100 kPa ) − 1]

𝐖𝐂𝟏 = 𝟔𝟎. 𝟕𝟕𝟓𝟒 𝐤𝐖

Solving for the work required by the compressor for two stage, WC1−2 ;
n−1
2nP1 V1′ PHX n
WC1−2 = [( ) − 1]
n−1 P1

41 | P a g e
PHX = √P1 P4 = √(100 kPa)(1000 kPa) = 316.2278 kPa
m3 1.3−1
2(1.3)(100 kPa)(0.20 s ) 316.2278 kPa 1.3
WC1−2 = [( ) − 1]
1.3−1 100 kPa

WC1−2 = 52.7490 kW

Solving for the compressor work savings, in kW:

Work savings = (60.7754 – 52.7490) kW
Work savings = 8.0264 kW

2. Solving for the work required by the compressor for three stage,
WC1−2−3 ;
n−1
3nP1 V1 ′ PHX n
WC1−2−3 = [( ) − 1]
n−1 P1

3 3
PHX = √P1 2 P6 = √(100 kPa)2 (1000 kPa) = 215.4435 kPa

m3 1.3−1
3(1.3)(100 kPa)(0.20 s ) 215.4435 kPa 1.3
WC1−2−3 = 1.3−1
[( 100 kPa ) − 1]

WC1−2−3 = 50.3818 kW

Solving for the compressor work savings, in kW:

Work savings = (60.7754 – 50.3818) kW
Work savings = 10.3936 kW
We can say that by having multiple compressor stages decreases the required work of
the compressor, thus, increasing the power savings, in kW.
General Formula for Multi-stages Compressor,(“m” number of stages)
The compressor work, WC m is given by;
n−1
mnP1 V1 ′ PHX n
WC m = n−1
[( P ) − 1]
1

The intermediate pressure, PHX can be theoretically approximated by:

PHX = m√(P1 )m−1 PF

Where: P1 = suction pressure
PF= final or discharge pressure

42 | P a g e
COMPRESSOR SELECTION
The following are important items to consider in selecting a compressor:
• The desired capacity, V1’
• The required discharge pressure
• The foundation required
• The characteristics of gas to be handled
• Type of control required
Other things to be considered in the selection are the space requirements, availability of
intercooler cooling water, maintenance costs, power source and economics.
Reciprocating compressors are generally driven by a belt. Similar with belt driven fans, one
advantage is that the belts tend to slip that reduce load in the motor during start up. But on the other
hand, maintenance cost could be high in belt driven compressors because belts are designed to break
to some degree of usage.

COMPRESSOR INSTALLATION
The following are some of the guidelines and precautions in installing a compressor. It is also
important to consult the compressor manufacturer for additional recommendation and further
information regarding the compressor to be used. These outlines are similar with the other fluid
machineries installation described in previous chapters.
• It is necessary to have a good foundation for the compressor unit in order to stabilize
the vibration that occurs during its operation.
• Inlet filter should be installed in the suction of the compressor to protect the unit
from dust, foreign object, moisture and corrosive elements present that may damage
the compressor.
• To reduce friction and turbulence, all compressed air piping system lines should be
short and straight as possible, with minimum elbows, valves and fittings.
• One of the challenges in maintaining compressed air piping system is the collection of
water in the pipelines. A suitable water drain or collector should be available at each
point in the line
• Install the compressor in a secure location and at the same time, available for
inspection and maintenance.
• Silencers may be used if noise level is a primary consideration

Air Receivers
It is necessary for all reciprocating compressor to have an air receiver to eliminate the
pulsation of air delivered. It is also used to store compressed air, and to condense some of its
moisture content by cooling it down.
Air receiver size, VT can be theoretically calculated from;

43 | P a g e
V1′ P1
VT = P2

Air receiver size depends on the capacity of the compressor, pipeline network and
pressure drop, air consumption of the plant and switching cycle per unit-time of the
compressor operation.

PROBLEM SET:
1. An air compressor delivers air at a flow rate of 0.25 m3/s with initial pressure of 100 and
discharge pressure of 680 kPa. Determine the power of the compressor. (Ans. 63.8)

2. A double acting compressor with 225 mm x 380 mm cylinder runs at 480 rpm with a clearance
of 8%, compressor air 7 times its initial pressure. Compute the compressor capacity in cubic
feet per minute. (Ans. 388.3 ft2/min)

3. A single stage compressor with initial pressure of 100 kPa and discharge pressure of 850 kPa
has a suction volume of 0.3 m3/s. Determine the percent decrease in power due to two
staging if the compressor process is PV1.33 = C. (Ans. 13.2%)

4. An air compressor takes air at 98 kPa at a rate of 0.4 m3/s and delivers it at a pressure of 620
kPa. If the power input to the compressor is 135 kW, find the heat loss in the compressor.
(Ans. 39.8 kW)

5. A single stage compressor with a suction pressure of 15 psi discharge ar at a pressure of 75

psi. If the suction volume is 110 ft3/min, determine the horsepower capacity of the motor
needed to drive the compressor if the compressor efficiency is 80%. (Ans. 183.9 hp)

6. A two stage compressor has a suction volume of 720 m3/hr at 100 kPa and 26°C, the
discharge is 700 kPa, determine the heat rejected at the intercooler. (Ans. 22.5 kW)

7. An air compressor has a suction volume of 720 m3/s and discharges to 650 kPa. If the power
input to the compressor is 120 kW, find the heat loss in the compressor. (Ans. 5.3 kW)

8. A two stage compressor takes air at 98 kPa and 24°C with a volume flow rate of 0.122 m 3/s
and discharges to 680 kPa. What is the amount of heat rejected at the intercooler? (Ans. 13.4
kW)

9. The piston speed of an air compressor is 155 m/min and the displacement volume is 0.25
m3/s. Find the diameter of the compressor cylinder. (Ans. 504.6 mm)

10. Determine the volume displacement of a double acting compressor that has cylinder
dimension of 52 cm x 65 cm and runs at 660 rpm. (Ans. 3.04 m3/s)

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11. An air compressor has suction condition of 98 kPa, 28°C and 0.22 m3/s. If the surrounding air
100 kPa and 23°C, calculate the free air capacity in m3/s. (Ans. 0.212 m3/s)

12. An air compressor has a suction volume of 0.35 m 3/s at 28°C and 101.325 kPa and discharges
to 680 kPa. Determine the amount of power saved by the compressor in two staging? (Ans.
14.3 kW)

13. The initial condition of air is 100 kPa and 24°C and compressed to 550 kPa. The bore and
stroke are 365 mm and 380 mm, respectively. If the percent clearance is 8% and runs at 320
rpm, determine the mass flow rate of air at the suction, (Ans. 0.20 kg/s)

14. A 15 hp motor is used to drive an air compressor. The compressor efficiency is 75% and the
air is available at 29%. Find the mass of air needed if the pressure compresses to 7 times
initial pressure. (Ans. 2.23 kg/min)

15. The discharge pressure of an air compressor is 6 times the suction pressure. If the volume
flow at the suction is 0.6 m3/s, find the power required by the compressor operating at PV 1.33
= C with a suction pressure of 100 kPa. (Ans. 135.4 kW)

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