DESIGN AND SELECTION- DRIVEN EQUIPMENT

COMPRESSORS

1. What is the function of a compressor?

a. Device that transfers energy to a gaseous fluid for the purpose of raising
the pressure of the fluid as in the case where the compressor is the prime
mover of the fluid through the process. Basically, to increase the pressure
of a compressible fluid.
b. Desired temperature rise to enhance the chemical reaction in the process.
c. Deals with compressible gaseous fluids as opposed to pumps that handle
incompressible hydraulic fluids.

2. List the different types of compressors.

Axial
Dynamic
Centrifugal

Compressors Sliding Vane

Rotary Lobe (Rootes blower)

Volumetric Screw
or
Displacement Piston
Reciprocating
Diaphragm

3. What are the main components of the centrifugal compressor?

a. Inlet nozzle
b. Inlet guide vanes
c. Impeller
d. Radial diffuser
e. Return channel
f. Collector volute
g. Discharge nozzle/outlet
h. Diaphragm
i. Labyrinth seals
4. How does a centrifugal compressor work?
Gas is drawn in at the center of the bladed impeller. The rotation of the impeller
increases the kinetic energy of the gas being compressed. Gas is forced out in a
radial direction at high velocity due to centrifugal force. It enters the diffuser and
slows down, converting kinetic energy to pressure, thus compression taking place.
Compression also occurs in the compressor casing as the casing diameter reduces
from the suction to the discharge. Gas is being forced into a smaller volume as it
flows through the compressor. For a multistage compressor, the compression
process is repeated in every stage.

Single stage centrifugal compressor

For multistage centrifugal compressors:
Ÿ Gas is drawn in through the suction inlet and enters the eye of the first
impeller.
Ÿ Centrifugal force throws the gas out of the spinning impeller at high speed and
high pressure.
Ÿ The gas changes direction around the end of the diaphragm, losing speed,
increasing its pressure.
Ÿ The compressed gas enters the eye of the second impeller.
Ÿ Centrifugal force again increases the speed of the gas flow.
Ÿ The change of direction again slows the gas down and pressure increases
further.
Ÿ The pressurized gas enters the eye of the third impeller.
Ÿ Centrifugal force again increased the speed of the pressurized gas.
Ÿ The highly compressed gas leaves the compressor through the discharge
outlet.

Multi stage centrifugal compressor

5. What are the main components of a reciprocating compressor?
a. Cylinder
b. Piston
c. Suction valve
d. Discharge valve
e. Crankshaft
f. Unloader

Piston compressor

6. How does a reciprocating compressor work?

a. As the piston moves towards the crankshaft, it creates a relatively low
pressure inside the cylinder (intake /suction stroke). As pressure in the
cylinder becomes lower than the pressure in the inlet piping, the difference
in pressure forces the inlet valve open, which allows gas to flow into the
cylinder.
b. As the piston reaches the end of its travel, it stops creating a relatively low
pressure inside the cylinder. A spring then forces the inlet valve to close,
which seals the gas in the cylinder.
c. The piston moves away from the crankshaft (compression/discharge
stroke), which compresses the gas inside the cylinder, which increases its
pressure. when the pressure becomes high enough, it forces the discharge
valve open, which allows the compressed gas to escape through the
discharge piping.
d. As the piston reaches the end of its travel in this direction, gas is no longer
forced out of the cylinder. At this point, a spring and the pressure in the
discharge piping force the discharge valve to close
The cycle is repeated as the piston moves back and for the. For each cycle, gas is
drawn into the cylinder, compressed and then discharged.

Single action reciprocating compressor

 7. What are the main components of a screw compressor?
a. Inlet
b. Discharge
c. 2 Helical rotors
i. main
ii. secondary

Screw compressor

8. How does a screw compressor work?

The two motors mesh as they rotate. A groove on the secondary rotor passes the
inlet before it meshes with the main rotor. As the groove passes by the inlet, gas
enters the groove and is trapped.
As the rotor turns further, a lobe rolls progressively farther into the groove,
compressing the trapped gas. As the groove passes by the discharge, the
compressed gas flows out.

Reference

1. SKG 12: DOMI of rotary equipment, level 1

PERMATA, INSTEP
2. SKG 16 upstream operations fundamental course: Pumps, Compressors, Gas turbines
Nazri Mawi
3. Compressors
IHRDC
4. Compressor performance
M. Theodore Gresh