The reciprocation principle, which refers to moving something back and forth, underlies how a reciprocating air compressor works. Positive displacement machines, also known as piston compressors, are what elevate air pressure in order to compress it. Understanding reciprocating compressor design and the many types of compressors available is essential to choosing the best model for your application, regardless of how you operate or where you work. In reciprocating compressors, cylinders with pistons inside are used. Each cylinder has an open end on the opposite end and a closed end next to the cylinder head.
The compressor\'s valve pockets are where the cylinder valves are located. During the initial stage of compression, which is driven on by piston movement and creates a vacuum, air enters the cylinder via a suction valve.
After finishing the "reciprocating" portion of the term, the piston begins compressing the air. Valves open, enabling air to exit the cylinder when the interior pressure of the cylinder is higher than the pressure in the discharge pipes.
Benefits of a Reciprocating compressor
There are numerous advantages and benefits of reciprocating compressors which is the reason they are used and deployed in many industries across the world. Some of the benefits are given in brief below
- Designed for continuous duty
- Deep finned cast iron cylinder
- Low expansion aluminium alloy piston
- Forged steel crankshaft
- Sturdy, robust cast iron crankcase
- Optimal operating speed
- Fan designed in an aerodynamic manner and Aluminium cooler tubes for proper cooling
- Air receiver, conforming to ASME design
- Pressure relief valve for extra safety
- Automatic start and stop loop control
Types of Reciprocating Compressors
- Single Stage Reciprocating Air Compressor
Due to their tremendous power, these compressors are the ones that are most commonly seen on the market. Because of their size and loudness, they must be positioned near to the site of use in order to make maintenance simple and reduce the need for a lot of pipe.
- Two Stage Reciprocating Air Compressor
When compared to single stage reciprocating compressors, a two stage reciprocating compressor compresses air more effectively by using both sides of the piston. These compressors are utilised in industrial settings since they are the best because they require less maintenance than other compressors.
- High Pressure Reciprocating Air Compressor
These air compressors take atmospheric air at room temperature and increase its pressure to as much as 6000 PSI. After passing through several degrees and stages of compression, the air is cooled, and it is then employed in a number of applications.
Applications of reciprocating air compressors
There are many industries where reciprocating air compressors are extremely useful and can be employed for various purposes. Although, the application of these air compressors depend on the requirement of the industry majorly. When it comes to specific industries, the air reciprocating compressors are seen in industries like Manufacturing, Food production, Agriculture, Pharmaceutical and Construction. A reciprocating compressor requires some manual labour to function. Numerous factors, including the engine\'s power requirements, installation costs, noise levels, and maintenance requirements, affect the amount of labour required. Reciprocal compressors may operate well at a range of load levels as long as all other factors are taken into account.
Reciprocating Air Compressor Vs. Rotary
While pumping the same volume of air, a reciprocating air compressor can consume 5 to 10% less energy than its rotational equivalent. Due to how much energy compressors consume, these savings can eventually add up to decreased energy costs. However, this degree of efficiency comes with a cost. Reciprocating pumps can cost more and occasionally need more maintenance but because of its varied applications, it is employed in many industries.
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