Thermodynamic Equations for gas compressor calculations Adiabatic compression: Changes of state P2/P1 = (V1/V2) = (T2/T1) Power P, kW Theoretical

disch. temperature, T2
k k-1/k

{(k / k - 1)* P1*100000*Q1*[ (P2/P1)(k - 1/k) - 1 ]}/1000 T1*[P2/P1](k - 1/k)

Isothermal compression: Changes of state P2/P1 = (V1/V2) Power P, kW

{P1*100000*Q1*ln(P2/P1)}/1000

ISOTHERMAL COMPRESSION IS FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSE ONLY. CHEMICAL PROCESS INDUSTRY COMPRESSION APPLICATIONS ARE GENERALLY NOT CONSIDERED AS ISOTHERMAL. Where: P1 = Gas pressure before compression (inlet), barA P2 = Gas pressure after compression (outlet), barA V1 = Gas volume at pressure P1, m3 V2 = Gas volume at pressure P2, m3 Q1 = Gas volume flow rate at inlet of compressor, m3/s T1 = Gas temperature at inlet of compressor, K T2 = Gas temperature at outlet of compressor (adiabatic process), K k = Ratio of specific heat at constant pressure to specific heat at constant volume, C p/Cv P = Theoretical power requirement of compressor, kW Example of adiabatic compression of air: P1, barA P2, barA T1, C T1, K Q1, m3/s T2, K T2, C k P, kW 1.4 1 2 20 293.15 1 76.65 357.35 84.20 1.4 1 3 20 293.15 1 129.06 401.25 128.10 1.4 1 4 20 293.15 1 170.10 435.62 162.47 1.4 1 5 20 293.15 1 204.34 464.30 191.15 Note: k is both a function of temperature and pressure. At highly elevated temperatures & pressures, k values will be different than those given at standard conditions of 15C & 1-atm pressure and require to be computed. Example of isothermal compression of air: P1, barA P2, barA T1 & T2, C Q1, m3/s 1 2 20 1 1 3 20 1 1 4 20 1 1 5 20 1

P, kW 69.31 109.86 138.63 160.94

Note: Actual power requirement of driver is a function of the efficiency of the type of compressor & the speed transmission mechanical device.

Pmotor = P/(hmachine*htr)
Efficiency Type of compressor Rotary Reciprocating (Lobe, Centrifugal (piston) Vane) (Dynamic) 0.85-0.9 0.7-0.75 0.7-0.75

hmachine

Note: Efficiency values are given as a range and as a general guideline and may differ from the values given in the table. User is cautioned to check from other resources (compressor manufacturer's literature, handbooks etc.) for the realistic values of efficiency for the given type of compressor. Efficiency worm Type of speed transmission Hydro 0.8 Gear 0.85 Belt 0.97 Direct coupling 1

htr

0.7

Where: Pmotor = rating of the driver, kW hmachine = compression efficiency of the compressor htr = efficiency of the speed transmission device. Specific heat ratio of various gases @15C and 1-atm pressure: k Argon 1.668 Helium 1.66 Air 1.4 Methane 1.31 Oxygen 1.4 Nitrogen Hydrogen Ethane 1.4 1.41 1.22

Prepared by:

Ankur Srivastava Chemical Engineer e-mail: ankur_2061@hotmail.com

Disclaimer : The information and methods included within this spreadsheet are presented for 'compressor power' calculations. It is intended to be used by technically skilled persons at their own discretion. I do not warrant the suitability or accuracy of these methods.

r 'compressor power' I do not warrant the suitability or