Compressors Classification
Compressors are devices used to decrease the volume of a gas or vapor to increase its pressure. They are often found in industrial, chemical and manufacturing applications, and come in a variety of types.
Reciprocating Compressors
Reciprocating compressors, also known as piston compressors, are used in a broad range of industrial and manufacturing applications. These compressors use pistons driven by a crankshaft to compress gases or vapors to a higher pressure. They can handle high-pressure applications and are known for their durability and reliability. However, depending on how they are configured, these compressors can be heavy, noisy and require a lot of maintenance.
Centrifugal Compressors
Centrifugal compressors, also known as turbo-compressors, are used in many industrial and manufacturing applications such as petrochemical, aerospace and electrical power industries. They use a disk-shaped impeller with radial vanes to convert kinetic energy into potential energy in the form of high-pressure gas or vapor. These compressors are usually compact, require less maintenance than reciprocating compressors and don’t experience the shock pulse of a reciprocating compressor.
Rotary Compressors
Rotary vane compressors are generally used for industrial air-conditioning, refrigeration and gas compression applications. These types of compressors use a rotating vanes to compress the gas or vapor. Rotary compressors are generally small, lightweight, and efficient. They are quiet and require little maintenance.
Rotary Screw Compressors
Rotary screw compressors are commonly used in commercial and industrial applications. They use two intermeshing screws, known as rotors, to compress gases or vapors. This type of compressor often requires less maintenance than reciprocating compressors and is usually more efficient. They are usually large machines, but they are also very durable and reliable.
Scroll Compressors
Scroll compressors are becoming increasingly popular for air conditioning and refrigeration applications. They use two interlocking, spiral-shaped scrolls to compress the gas or vapor. These compressors are relatively small, lightweight and have low power consumption. They are also highly efficient and tend to be very quiet.
The type of compressor to use depends on the application and the conditions of the environment. Reciprocating and centrifugal compressors are well suited for higher pressure applications, while rotary and scroll compressors are preferable for low-pressure and low-noise applications. It is important to select the right compressor for the job so it can provide the most efficient, reliable and cost-effective service.
