Compressor:

A compressor is mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing

its volume. An air compressor is a specific type of gas compressor. Compressors are
similar to pumps: both increase the pressure on a fluid and both can transport the
fluid. As gases are compressible, the compressor also reduces the volume of a gas.
Liquids are relatively incompressible; while some can be compressed, the main
action of a pump is to pressurize and transport liquids.
Classification:
Compressors can be classified into two main types:
1) Positive displacement compressors:
Positive displacement compressors draw in and capture a volume of air in a
chamber, then reduce the volume of the chamber to compress the air. Types of
positive displacement compressors are,
a) Reciprocating
b) Rotary Screw
c) Rotary Vane
d) Scroll
e) Diaphragm

Figure 1: Positive Displacement Compressors

2) Dynamic Compressors

Rather than physically reducing the volume of a captured pocket of air, dynamic
compressors instead speed up the air to high velocity, and then restrict the air
flow so that the reduction in velocity causes pressure to increase. Types of
dynamic compressors are,
a) Centrifugal
b) Axial flow
c) Mixed-flow

Construction:
In an air compressor, there are two major parts - a compressing system and a power
source. The compressing mechanism can be a piston, rotating impeller, or vane
depending upon which type of compressor you are referring to. As for the power, it
is supplied by an electric motor or other energy sources. The compressing
mechanism, as the name suggests, helps in compressing atmospheric air by using
energy from the power source.
The basic working principle of an air compressor is to compress atmospheric air,
which is then used as per the requirements. In the process, atmospheric air is drawn
in through an intake valve; more and more air is pulled inside a limited space
mechanically by means of piston, impeller, or vane. Since the amount of pulled
atmospheric air is increased in the receiver or storage tank, volume is reduced and

pressure is raised automatically. In simpler terms, free or atmospheric air is

compressed after reducing its volume and at the same time, increasing its pressure.
There is a pressure setting knob that can be manipulated as per the demands of the
operator. When pressure in the receiver or tank increases to the maximum level, the
pressure switch is shut off and intake of air in the compressor is stopped. Contrary
to this, when the compressed air is used, the pressure inside the compressor falls.
As a consequence, the pressure drops to a low setting, and the pressure switch is
turned on, thus allowing atmospheric air to enter the unit. This way, the cycle of
taking air inside the unit and removing compressed air continues in an air
compressor.

Compressor Stall:
A compressor stall is a local disruption of the airflow in a gas turbine or
turbocharger compressor. Compressor blades are set at a fixed angle on each stage
of the compressor. However, the blades have an effective angle of attack which is
the vector sum of the inlet air velocity and the compressor rotational speed. A
compressor stall occurs when there is an imbalance between the air flow supply and
the airflow demand; in other words, a pressure ratio that is incompatible with the
engine RPM. When this occurs, smooth airflow is interrupted and turbulence and
pressure fluctuations are created within the turbine. Compressor stalls cause the air
flowing through the compressor to slow down or stagnate and sometimes result in
reverse flow.
Air Filters:
Compressed air filters, often referred to as line filters, are used to remove
contaminates from compressed air after compression has taken place. Air leaving a
standard screw or piston compressor will generally have a high water content, as
well as a high concentration of oil and other contaminants. There are many different
types of filters, suitable for different pneumatics applications.
Unfiltered compressed air frequently contains dust, oil, rust, moisture and other
harmful substances, and therefore requires filtration. In the first stage of filtration,
the compressed air passes through a tube-shaped mesh filter, which creates a
coalescence effect. Here bigger particles are adsorbed on the filter and the water
will condense into larger droplets, which can then pass into the separation chamber.
The compressed air is slowed down, which makes the particles condense on a
honeycomb-like pad, allowing the water droplets to travel to the bottom of the
drainage system and through an automatic or electric drain valve to the discharge.
In the first filtration stage more than 95% of the water droplets, oil and large
particles are removed.
In the second filtration stage the air is passed through fiber made of cotton,
generating thousands of small vortices and accelerating the air.
Types of filters:
Particulate filters:
Particulate compressed air filters are used to remove dust and particles from the air.
Activated carbon filters:
Activated carbon filters utilize a composite carbon material to remove gases and
odors from the air. They are used in factories where food is produced or for
breathing gas.
Coalescing filters:
High oil compressed air coalescing filters remove water and oil aerosols by
coalescing the aerosols into droplets. This happens partially because of torturous
path and pressure drop. Coalescers remove both water and oil aerosols from the air

stream, and are rated at particulate contamination through direct interception.

Filtration of oil, water aerosols, dust and dirt particles to 0.01 m the best
achievable in industry.
Cold coalescing filters:
Cold coalescing filters are coalescing filters operated at around 35 F (2 C),
allowing them to be more effective at removing moisture.
Compressed intake filters[edit]
Intake filters are the first line of defense in filtering. These filters can remove
contaminates down to 0.3 m and can remove chemical contaminants.

Figure 2: Compressed Air Filters