ENGINEERING FACULTY

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING

SINGLE STAGE AIR COMPRESSOR

By Student name Student no Signature

………………

………………
………………

………………

Subject: APT260S
Lecturer: S Makhomo/S Pietrangeli
Evaluation Criteria
Introduction: (Aim for each lab, Background, List of the apparatus,
Procedure etc) 10%

Result: (Calculations, Correct method, etc) 50%

Explanations: (did you explain what you are doing rather than put
10%
formulas.)
Discussion: (Discussion of the results, do they make sense? Any possible
10%
errors, etc)
Conclusion and Recommendations: (Did we achieve our aims? What do
10%
we need to do to improve our results)
Presentation, layout and neatness: (Cover page, Typed/ print neat, report
10%
format, etc)
Total 100%

I swear this is the original work of the author. All information obtained directly or indirectly
from other sources has being fully acknowledged.
Signed:…………………..
SINGLE STAGE AIR COMPRESSOR

1. AIM

To determine the heat loss, thermal - and mechanical efficiencies, which includes:
• Electrical output of the electrical motor
• Mechanical output of electrical motor
• Power input to compressor
• Power to compress air (IP)
• Isothermal power
● Isothermal Efficiency
● Volumetric Efficiency
● Mechanical Efficiency
● Enthalpy Rise

BACKGROUND:

An air compressor is fitted with two valves, which can be located at each cylinder end and
houses one piston. When this piston is at the top dead centre (TDC) zero volume occupies the
cylinder, which can be seen when the crankshaft is fully extending during operation. Once set-
in motion, the crankshaft will move downwards and displace the piston creating low pressure
on the outside of the suction valve. This creates a high
enough pressure difference, which will open the suction valve and take in air under reaching
bottom dead centre (BDC). During this time the motion of the crankshaft will change direction
and start pushing upwards, where the suction valve remains open during compression and
create an even greater pressure difference until reaching its intermediate position. When
reached, the suction valve will close and have the delivery
valve open when compressed air is greater than that of atmospheric delivery. This piston in
motion will continue moving upwards, where air will effectively be discharged at a higher
pressure on the delivery side. The above-mentioned process is repeated at high operating
speeds, which ensures that constant pressure delivery when in use.

2. LIST OF APPARATUS:

Control Panel ● Receiver Air Compressor ● Dynamometer & Stop Watch

3. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:

1. Hand tighten the narrowest nozzle on the compressor tank and followed by one quarter
turn by a wrench. Ensure enclosure door is fully closed once done.
2. Turn on the power switch and ammeter, where compressed air would start circulating
in the system (pressurising tank).
3. The pressure in the system will start to build and stabilize over time.
4. Parameters in the system can be recorded through pressure – and temperature gauges
set up at the piston, after cooler, receiver and nozzle discharge.
5. Mechanical readings can be taken over the dynamometer, which includes revolutions,
time, force and electricity generated.
6. Additionally, flow rate can be retrieved from the flow meter.
7. Once completed calculate all relevant findings.

4. COMPRESSOR INFORMATION:
Torque Arm: 220mm
Belt Reduction: 3:1
Belt efficiency: 98%
Orifice diameter: 38mm
Air mass f/r:
(ℎ )(𝑃 )
0.00201𝑑 2 √ 𝑛 𝑎 ⁄(𝑇 )
𝑎

BORE: 101.6mm
Stroke: 101.6mm
30
No of Cyl: 2
Clearance vol: 20cc
Card Area: 330𝑚𝑚2
Card length: 60mm
Spring rating: 50KPa
5 Results and discussions

Atmospheric Pressure: __________.kPa

Ambient Temperature: __________. °C

 Water Temps
Flow NOZZLE
DYNAMOMETER
Air Pressures Air Temperatures Meter
Intercooler

Atmos Comp Receiver Comp Comp Discharge Elec

Pressure Outlet In Out L/min In Out Revs Sec F Power h
(N)

1st
Stage

6 Conclusions