MEM 341

CHAPTER 9 : COMPRESS AIR SYSTEM

9.0 Compressed air

9.1 Compressed air system
9.2 Air compression models
9.3 Type of compressors
9.4 Typical compressed air system
9.5 Air Receivers
9.0 Compressed air

 Free air must be conditioned before it can be used in a

pneumatic system. The conditioning of compressed air
for use in pneumatic systems involves:
i. Removal of entrapped dirt
ii. Removal of water vapour
iii. Removal of heat
9.1 Compressed air system
 The source of compressed air for a pneumatic circuit is
the compressed-air system which consist of:
I. Prime mover
II. Compressor
III. Other components to condition and store the
pressurized air used by the system workstations

Compressed air units

vary in size, and can
be classified as
portable or central
air supply units.
Figure 1 and 1: Portable and Central Compressed-air units
 A compressed-air unit consists of:
9.2 Air compression models

 In an operating pneumatic system, the continuous interaction of

temperature, pressure, and volume changes make calculations complex.

 Two compression models are used to express air compression

I. Isothermal compression
Isothermal compression assumes that all heat is removed, resulting in a
constant temperature

II. Adiabatic compression

Adiabatic compression assumes all heat is retained, resulting in both increased
temperature and pressure

 These models are used for expansion as well

 Comparison of compression models

 Actual compression is somewhere between isothermal and adiabatic

compression.
9.3 Type of compressors

 Compressor is a machine that compresses air (gases) from

a low inlet pressure to a higher desired pressure level.

Operation:
 The basic operation of air compressor includes three
phases:
i. Air intake
ii. Air compression
iii. Air discharge

 When air is compressed, heat will be generated because of

the molecules of air come closer together, excessive heat
will damage the components. Active cooling is used such
as fan or water cooling.
 Compressors operate by initially bring the pressure in the
tank to the desire pressure. After that, will automatically
control the pressure inside by starting and stopping pump
when needed.

 - Compressors are classified as:

Reciprocating compressors
Piston compressor – is the very first type
of compressors which people began using;
it operates according to the simplest
principle when the incoming gas (1) is
supplied to the cylinder (3) via the inlet
(suction) valve, compressed in the
cylinder by the piston to the required
pressure, and exits via the outlet
(discharge) valve (2).

➢ Commonly used in pneumatic systems:

▪ Very small, single-cylinder, portable compressors for
consumer use
▪ Large, industrial, stationary units may produce thousands
of cubic feet of compressed air per minute
Rotary Screw compressors

Rotary screw compressors have

become popular for larger industrial
installations:
o Lower initial cost
o Lower maintenance cost
o Adaptable to sophisticated electronic
control systems
9.4 Typical compressed air system

 Main factor to consider when selecting the right type of

compressor is the level of air consumption. This is
accomplished by identifying. This can be accomplished by
identifying:
– Actuators used in the system
– Compressed-air needs of each item
– Percentage of time each functions

 Other factors must be considered during system compressor

selection
– Compressor and prime mover type
– Method of compressor-capacity control
– Auxiliary controls such as coolers, separators,
and driers
9.5 Air Receivers
 Main function is to store air from compressor and supply
air to the system at constant pressure and as the storage
unit for compressed air.

 It also functions to dampen pressure pulse/surge.

 Sizing of air receiver;

 Commonly air receivers are design to a larger size to
accommodate future expansion.

Figure: Air receiver and cut-away diagram of a typical air receiver.

Tutorial Questions
1. What is involved during the conditioning of compressed air?
2. List down the components found in a compressed air unit.
3. Name and describe the two air compression models.
4. What is a compressor?
5. List down the phases for the basic operation of a compressor.
6. Differentiate between positive and non-positive displacement
compressors.
7. Differentiate between reciprocating and rotary compressors.
8. Why is reciprocating compressor widely used in pneumatic
system?
9. What are the advantages of rotary compressor?
10. What consideration must be taken to establish the level of air
consumption?
11. What are the functions of an air receiver?
12. Sketch and label the parts in an air receiver.