Compressed air generators

3. Compressed air Compressors (compactors)

generators are engines used for pumping and compressing gases to any
pressure.

Ventilators

are flow machines that pump nearly atmospheric air.

With ventilators only slight changes to density and tempera-

ture occur.

Vacuum pumps

are machines that induct gases and steam in order to create a

vacuum.

3.1 Compressors ( compactors )

3.1.1 Dynamic compressors Dynamic compressors are for instance turbo-compressors, by

( Turbo-compressors ) which running wheels equipped with blades accelerate the
gas to be compressed. Fixed direction gear on the blades
converts speed energy into pressure energy.

Dynamic compressors are to be preferred for

large quantities of medium and low medium
pressures.

3.1.2 Displacement compressors On displacement compressors the compression chamber

closes completely after taking in the air. The volume is re-
duced and the air compressed by force.

Displacement compressors are to be preferred

for small quantities of medium and high me-
dium pressures.

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 Compressed air generators

3.2 Types of compressor The summary shows the compressors divided according to
their operating principle.

With all compressors, a distinction is drawn between non-oil-

lubricated and oil-lubricated compressors.

Compressors ( compactors )

displacement compressors Turbo-compressors

Axial compressor Radial compressor

oscillatory rotary

without multiple-
with crank drive single-shaft
crank drive shaft

piston
compressor

Rotary vane Screw

compressor compressor

Plunger Diaphragm Free-piston

compressor compressor compressor

Crosshead Liquid ring Roots-

compressor compressor compressor

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Compressed air generators

3.2.1 Standard compressors The table shows the typical areas of work for various standard
types of compressor.

Type Symbol Op. diagram Pressure range Volume flow

[ bar ] [ m3 / h ]

Plunger 10 ( 1-stage ) 120

compressor 35 ( 2-stage ) 600

Crosshead 10 ( 1-stage ) 120

compressor 35 ( 2-stage ) 600

Diaphragm low low

compressor

Free piston limited use as

compressor gas generator

Rotary vane 16 4 500

compressor

Liquid ring 10
compressor

Screw 22 750
compressor

Root 1,6 1 200

compressor

Axial- 10 200 000

compressor

Radial- 10 200 000

compressor

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