-. Chopter 3.

the increosein pressure

3.4 Meosuring cousedby the
process
compresson

3.4.1 Theoreticclbockground

In additionto causingan increase in pressure,the compressionprocessalsocausesan

increasein the temperature of the gasbeingtreated;the purposeof the testis to measure
this increasein temperature whichis a functionof the deliverypressure. During the test,
the readings can be taken on both the first and the secondstageof the compressor:the
thermometric probes,T1 and Tz, in fact, make it possibleto measurethe temperaturesof
the fluid befoe and after the first stage,whilst manometerM makes it possible to
.-' determine the manometriccompressionFr of the first stage,similarly, with probesT3
and T it is possibleto measurethe temperaturesof the fluid before and after the second
stage, whilst manometersMl and Mz make it possible to determinethe manometric
compressionratio F of the secondstage.

) '"'' The increasesin temperatureactuallymeasuredcan be comparedwith the increments

i
calculatedin the assumptionof isentropiccompression.Accordingto this assumption,
it
would be, in fact:

r,r-l)
Tru=T,F,\T)4Tzu -r'=rIo,t?)
-t)

Tou

Finally, we can assessthe favourableeffects of intercooling on the control of the

temperature that would reachedby the gas at the end of an isentropic compression
without intercooling (denotingwith p the total compressionratio, grpu):

f r-') ( (kt\ \
*,
Tnn*=r,fr\o ) =Tn,i,-7, =t[r, r , -r)

\-
Note

In the foregoingformulas,the temperatures

must be expressedin degreesK.

3.4.2 Testexecution methods

Worning

Before starting the compressor,make sure that the testing bench has been prepared
for start-upaccordingto the procedures
describedabovein E 2.2.In particular,checkthe
settingsof the pneumaticuncoupler(ca 9 bar) and the maximum pressureswitch (ca 10

PN30D- User'sMonuol
 t
l \
t-v

Loborotorytests t.
iv
t

bar),andmakesurethatthe deliverypressure insidetank 14,as measuredby meansof

manometerM3, is sufficiently
belowthesesettings pressure -3 bar)so
(e.g.delivery =2
thattheuncouplerandthepressureswitchwill notbetriggeredduringthetests. \..;

a) measurethe pressureand the temperatureof the air in the laboratory.

b) startthe compressorby meansof the starlstopswitch (no. 40 in fig.2.2).

c) open fully the deliveryvalve 16 and any of the shut-offvalves3I-32-33-34-35;

then open adjustmentvalve 17: this will simulatethe presenceof a unit requiring
the compressedair flow producedby the compressor.

d) wait for the time necessaryfor the pressureinside tank 14 to stabilise,then read
the values of the delivery pressuresof the first and second stage by means of
manometersMr and Mz and enterthe valuesobtainedin Table 3.5; by meansof
the ad hoc selector(no. 46 in fig.2.2)displaythe temperatureof the air at the inlet
of the first stage, as measuredby the thermometric probe T1, on the digital )*
I
indicator (no. 45 in fig 2.2) by setting the relative selector on 1; repeat the
operation by displaying the temperatureat the outlet of the first stage, as
measured by the thermometric probe, T2, the temperatureat the inlet of the
secondstage,as measuredby thermometricprobe,T3, and finally the temperature
at the outlet of the second stage,as measuredby the thermometric probe, Ta;
enterall the valuesobtainedin Table3.5. i\,

\--
e) work on adjustmentvalve 17: closeit partly to producean increasein delivery t-\
t-
pressurein tank 14; wait for the time necessaryfor the pressurein the tank to I
-Tta6ilised, ___L*r_
thent
andenterthemin Table3.5. tI " -
t\
tt *-
0 repeat the procedureuntil the triggeringpressureof the pneumatic uncoupler or
the maximum pressureswitch has beenreached;enter the values obtainedfor the
pressureand the temperaturein Table 3.5.

g) using the equationsgiven in $ 3.4.1,completeTable3.6, calculatingthe valuesof

the isentropic temperatureand then plotting them, together the values of the j
L-:_-
temperaturesmeasured,in the chartshownin fig. 3.5.
''
t
!\

t.-

1\-

\J

I_!-

3 Didocto ltolio
 Chopter 3.

3.4.3 Testresults
Delivery Manom. Delivery Manom. Input Delivery Input Delivery
pressure, ratio pressure ratio pressure temp. temp.
I't stage 1't stage 2ndstage 2ndstage 1" stage 1" stage 2ndstage 2ndstage
T T" Ta
Mr F' Mz F"
(bar) (bar) ("c) ("c) ("c) ('c)

Ambientpressure:........ ...........'....
Ambienttemperature:

Table 3.5 - Fluid temperaturesmeasuredas a function of the manometriccompressonratio

fu of theJrst stageand pn of the 2nostage.

Manom. Input Delivery Manom. Input Delivery Manom. Delivery

ratio temp. temp.is. ratio temp. temp.is. ratio temp.is.
1" stage l't stage 1" stage 2odstage 2odstage 2odstage compl. non interr.
Ft T1 Tz, Fu T3 T 9=FtFu Tr*,,
('c) ('c) ('c) ('c) ('c) ("c)

.*-

Table 3.6 - Isentropic ftud temperaturescalculated as a fanction of the manometric

and total manometrc
compressionratios fu anit fro for the 1" and 2"d stage,respectvely,
rato, p, without intercooling.

PN30D- Userrs
Msnuol l

tv

Loborotorytests r
i\_

250
Temperature
('c)
-.Y
2AO

150
t-

100
It-

50
1,

-v

10 11 I

v
Fig. 3.5 - Fluid temperaturesmeasuredanil isentropictemperaturescalculatdas a function
of the manometrccompressonratios py and Fn for the I't and 2"dstage,respectvely,
and
total manometricratio, p, without intercoolng. i\-
i

3.4.4 Anolysisof the results

On the basis of the analyticalrelationshipsgiven in $ 3.4.1, it is obvious that the

increasein temperaturecausedby an isentropiccompressionincreaseswith increasing j
t\
manometric ratio: the evolution of calculateddelivery temperatureswill thereforebe a t_
monotone increasing function of B. As for the evolution of delivery temperatures
measured experimentally, it is possible to observe appreciable deviations from the
calculatedvalues.This is due to the fact that during the actual compressionprocess,the
fluid exchangesheat with the walls of the cylinders; the entity of this heat transfer
dependson the temperatureof the fluid and the averagetemperatureof the cylinder
v
walls; accordingly, it is greatly affected by the manometric ratio: the greater is the
delivery pressure,the greater is the temperaturereachedby the fluid, and hence the
greater is the transfer of heat from the fluid to the walls and the deviation from the
valuescalculatedin the assumptionof the compressionprocessbeing isentropic.

\-,

3B Didocto ltolio

.\-.
ti-
Chopter3.
\_-

3.5 Meosurementof the thermslpowerto be removedfor

compressed
oircooling

3.5.1 Theoreticolbockground

The increasein the temperature of the gas broughtaboutby the compressionprocess

is generallyunacceptablefor the reasonsillustratedin $ 1.4.3, and hence it proves
necessary to providesomemeansto cool down the compressed air. As a rule this is done
by meansof water/airheatexchangers. The purposeof this testis to measurethe thermal
power to be removedas a functionof delivery pressure.The experimentalmeasurements
can be made both on the intermediatecooler installed betweenthe first and the second
compressionstage,and on the final cooler located after the secondstage;furthermore,
for each cooler the measurementof the thermal power transferredcan be both on the
compressed air and on the sideof the cooling fluid (water,in our case).By meansof the
thermometricprobesT2 and Tr we can measurethe temperatureof the compressedair
before and after the first cooler,whilst flowmeter 18 (seefig.2.2) makesit possibleto
J , ,'' measurethe specific deliveryflow-rate tr from the compressor(coincidingwith the air
'
flow going through the heat exchanger,after the losses,which are usually negligible).
The thermalpower Qu,removed from the compressedair in the first cooler thereforewill
be:

*r r Q, - Tr )
Qnt =

where:

Q" is the thermal powerremovedfrom the compressedair in the first cooler (kW)

rnis the specific flow of compressedair (kg/h)

co is the specific thermalcapacityof the air at constantpressure(= I kJ/kgK).

\a_.
Tz is the temperatureof the air at the inlet of the first cooler (oC)

of theair at the outlet of the first cooler(oC)

Tz is the temperature
\*;
Needlessto say, this power must coincide with the thermal power Q,,", receivedby
the coolant, whose value is determinedby measuringthe temperaturesof the coolant
before and after the coolantby meansof thermometricprobesT6 and T6 respectively,
and the specific coolant flow-rate, rrer, by meansof the ad hoc flowmeter 9 (seefig.
tj 2.2):

A A rhr.cr.(T6-T6)
Vat=Qlref =
3m

PN30D- User'sM'onuol 39
 I
;v

Loboroioryfests I
lr

i
where:
i \__-

Q,,., is the thermalpowerreceivedby the coolantin the first cooler(kW) '\-,

rh,.is the specificflow of coolantin the first cooler (kg/h)

L.

c,.is the specificthermalcapacityof the coolant(which is 4.186kJ/kgK for water)

i
i'-
To is the temperatureof th water at the inlet of the first cooler('C)

of the waterat the outletof the first cooler('C)

Ts is the temperature

Similarly, by means of probes T and T5 we can measurethe temperaturesof the

compressedair before and after the final cooler, whilst thermometricprobesT7 and Te {
make it possibleto measurethe temperaturesof water before and after the final cooler: i
the specificair flow can be measuredby meansof flowmeter 18, while the specificflow
of water rrlurercan be measuredby means of flowmeter (see fig. 2.2). Hence for the l-
cooler we get:
sqcof,rd
\-
-T7)
-T5) = Qrrrr= rn,,r.rc..r(T9
Qa = In co(T4

tr-
1

3.5.2 Testexecufion method

i'\,
Worning

Before starting the compressor,make sue that the testing bench has been prepared
;
for start-up'accordingto the proceduresdescribedabovein 9 2.2.In particular,check the j\

settingsof the pneumaticuncoupler(ca 9 bar) and the maximum pressureswitch (ca 10

bar), and make sure that the delivery pressureinside tank 14, as measuredby means of :(
manometerM3, is sufficiently below thesesettings(e.g. delivery pressure= 2 - 3 bar) so I

that the uncoupleror the pressureswitch will not be triggeredduring the tests.
i:
a) measurethe pressureand the temperatureof the air in the laboratory. I\-

b) start the compressorby meansof the start/stopswitch (no. 40 in fig.2.2).

i-
c) open fully the delivery valve 16 and any of the shut-off valves 3l-32-33-34-35;
then open adjustmentvalve 17: this will simulate the presenceof a unit requiring l\-

the compressedair flow producedby the compressor.

d) wait for the time necessaryfor the pressureinside tank 14 to stabilise,then read
the values of the delivery pressuresof the first and second stageby means of
manometersMl and Mz and enter the values obtainedin Table 3.7; now take the
reading of the air flow by means of flowmeter 18 (and furtherrnore,take the \_
readingsof the air pressureand temperaturein the proximity of the flowmeter by
means of manometerM5 and thermometric probe Tlr to be able to make the
necessaryconections,accordingto the method describedin $ 3.2.1);enter the
I
readinssin Table 3.7. 1r

^^ Didocto ltolio

L
 Chopter 3.

by meansof the ad hoc switch (no. 46 in fig.2.2)on the digital indicator (no. 45
in fig 2.2) display the temperatureof the air at the inlet of the first cooler as
measuredby thermometricprobe Tz, by settingthe relative switch on 2; repeat
this stepby displayingthe temperature of the air at the outletof the first cooler,as
measuredby thermometricprobe T3, the temperatureof the water at the inlet of
the first cooler (T6), the temperatureof the water at the outlet of the first cooler
(Ts):if the difference(Ta-To)turnsout to be particularlysmall,reducethe flow of
water going through the heat exchangerby meansof adjustmentvalve 11, until
you get a difference in temperatureof ca 10o; then take the reading of the water
flow-rateby meansof flowmeter9, and enterthe dataobtainedin Table 3.8.

take the readingsconcerningthe secondcooler by the same proceduredescribed

\_ for the first cooler at point e): measurethe temperatureof the air at the inlet (T)
and the outlet (T5), then the temperatures of the water at the inlet (T7) and the
outlet (Tg): if the difference(Te-T7)turns out to be particularly small, reducethe
flow of water circulating through the heat exchangerby means of adjustment
valve 12, until you get a difference in temperatureof ca l0o; then, take the
readingof the water flow by meansof flowmeter 10, and enter the data obtained
in Table3.8.

o)
.1 work on the adjustmentvalve; close the valve partially to obtain an increasein
the delivery pressurein tank 14; then wait for the time necessaryfor the pressure
inside the table to becomestageand repeatthe operationsdescribedat points d),
e) andf); enterthe readingsobtainedin Tables3.7 and 3.8.

_ h) repeat the proceduregntilQg_pt"ssur" t.igge.in q_gnlelp_leror the

-tr"ss,-
maximum pressure switch is reached and enter the valui of
temperatureand flow-rate into Tables3.7 and 3.8.

i) using the equationsgiven in $ 3.5.1,completeTable 3.9, calculatingthe thermal

powervaluesand plotting theminto the chartshownin fig. 3.6

-_

PN30D-.User's
Monuol 41

\_
 i.
Loboroiorytesls i-
I
;\
3.5.3 Testresults
Delivery Manom. Delivery Manom. ml Pressure Temp. ll

pressure ratio pressure ratio Air flow at flow- at flowm. Actual air
1" stage 1" stage 2ndstage 2ndstage measured meter. Tlt
flow
M I' Mz F" (xm3ltr) M5 ("c) (kslh)
(bar) (bar) (bar)

AmbientDressure:........ Ambienttemperature:
................

Table3.7 - Measurementof pressureand ar flow as a function of the manometric

compresson ratios,plfor the I't stageand pn for the 2'dstage.

*)>
Air Air Water Water Water Air Air Water Water Water
temp., temp., temp., temp., flow temp., temp., temp., temp., flow
at inlet outlet at inlet outlet ltt c. at inlet outlet at inlet outlet in2"d
and
of 1".c. of 1".c. of 1".c. of 1".c. rrr Lef Znd c. 2nd.c. 2"dc. zc. cooler.
T2 T^ T6 Ts T
^J (ks/h) T5 Tt Tq rhII,.r
loc) ("c) ("c) ('c) l"c) ('c) loc) l"c) /lclh\

Table3.8 - Measurementof coolanttemperatureandflow

A'
4Z Didocto ltolio
 ':1 '.-

Chopter 3.

o
(kw)

.c

0.5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 I 10 11
,
I

1' I

Fig. 3.6 - Values of thermal power removedin the ftrst and second cooler as afunction of
manometric compression ratios fu for the 7'tstage and frn for the 2"d stage

3.5.4 Anolysisof the resulis

\*__''- The thetrral fowet to beremoedto cool down fhe compressedair is seen-to-incrense
with increasingp, as discussedin connectionwith the incrementsin the temperatureof
!
the fluid brought aboutby the compressionprocess. i

,v It should also be noted that even minor effors in the reading of the temperaturesmay
v result in appreciableerrors in the determinationof the thermal power removed; thus, for
example,if the incrementin the temperature of the coolantis of only 10o,an error of 1"
\.--
rn the reading of the temperaturef the water produces an error of ca I0Vo in the
\- determination of the thermal power subtractedfrom the coolant.

PN30D- User'sMohuol 43
 tests
Loborotory

of compressedqir flow with norrowsection

3. Meosurement
devices

3..1 Theoreficol bockground

In the study of reciprocatingcompressors, as in the study of pneumaticcircuits,it is
often necessaryto measure the flow-rate, as pointed out in connection with the
experimentsdescribedso farr In someinstances,flowmeters are too large, or too costly,
and other devices are used instead, such as diaphragms and nozzles. These narrow
section devices do not provide an immediate and direct visualisationof the flow being
measured, but enable it to be determined indirectly, with the aid of analical
relationships.The purposeof this test is to make measurementsboth by means of a
flowmeter (no. 18 in fig. 2.1) and with the aid of diaphragmsof different sizes(nos.19-
20-2I in fig. 2.1), and then compare the results obtained with the different types of
measuringinstruments.

rFor the measurementof flow-rates with the aid of a flowmeter, see the instructions
giVenin $ 3.2.1; as for the use of diaphragms,it should be noted that:

A diaphragm (see fig. 3.1) createsa narow section along the passageof the fluid,
therebycausingan increasein the velocity of the fluid and hencea decreasein pressure.
By applying Bernoulli's theorem we can demonstratethat the specific flow rnoof the
fluid current is directly proportional to the square root of the difference in
pressureap betweenthe narrow sectionand the environmentupstream:

rn" = K./Ap

where K is a proportionality factor, depending on the geometry of the diaphragm and

the physical characteristicsof the fluid. The measurementof the flow can thereforebe
reducedto the measurement of a pressuredifference,which is not difficult at all.

The difference in pressurecan be determinedwith the aid of a differential manometer

(no.27 in fig. 2.1).

To work out the flow-rate, the K factor has to made explicit: according to the
conventionsusedby Italian (CNR-UNI 10023) and intemational standards(ISO 5167) ,
the procedureis asfollows.

*"=K^IL.=ae9'fLP
Tl'v
where:

cr is the flow-rateor efflux coefficient

e is the compressibilitycoefficient

d is the diameterof the diaphragm

44 Didocto ltolio
 Chopier3.

p is the densityof the fluid upstreamof the diaphragm

The compressibilitycoefficient,t , in its turn, can be determinedwith this formula:

,AN
r = 1 - ( 0 . 4 1 +0 . 3 5 m " : r
Kp

where:

m is the geometric contractionratio of the diaphragrn(m=dlD where d is the

diameter f the diaphragm and D is the diameter of the pipe containing the
diaphragm)

k is the exponentof the isentropicof the fluid (k=1.4for air)

p is the pressureof the fluid upstreamof the diaphragm

The flow coefficient q is also a function of the seometriccontractionratio m and the

Reynoldsnumber of the current:

R.=
v

where:

u s the velocity of the fluid upstreamof the diaphragm(m/s)

D is the diameterof the pipe containingthe diaphragm(m)

v is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid (mzls).In the case of air, for pressures
similar to ambient pressure, v can be expressed (denoting with T the
temperatureexpressedin K) as:

0 . 1 5 0 2 9 1 . 1 0 -55 r '
T +L23.584

The evoiution of d as a function of Re is given in the diagramin fig. 3.8 for different
valuesof m and can be expressedanalyticallythanksto the following relationship:
r-j

- 0.184m8 "
with c = 0.5959
+ 0.03r2m"., + 0.0029m"'[--t5l

PN30D- User'sMonuol 45
 I
i-v
tests
Loborotory
I

As can be seen,in turbulent motion conditions,for valuesof Re greaterthan a limit

value Ren representedby curve LL in fig. 3.8, o turns out to be virtually independentof
Re: in this case,knowing the contractioncoefficient m, its determinationis immediate,
and the calculation of flow-rate is not difficult. If the motion is not turbulent,instead
(Re<Reri. , points to the left of curve LL in fig. 3.8) it is necessaryto adoptan iterative
procedure,since cr turns out to be a function of Re, which, in its turn, is a function of the
velocityof the fluid and henceof the unknownflow-rate.

Proceedas follows' ur.u*. a tentativevalue of a (which, for the first attempt,is

denotedwith crl), for instance by assuming,for the sake of simplicity, Re>Re-, and
calculatethe correspondingflow and velocity of the fluid upstreamof the diaphragm.
Then calculate the number of Reynolds and, using the formula given above or the
diagram shown in fig. 3.8, determineagain the value of o, (now denotedwith crtr)and
compareit with crl:if the initial assumptionRe>Reri,,, is confirmed,then: cx,o=c/,
and the
calculatedvalue of the flow-rate is right; on the other hand,if Re<Re,then cxn+crl,
and
henceit will be necessaryto re-calculatethe flow on the basis of the new value c[r, at

).J
this point wee shall determine again the number of Reynoldsand the new value of ct
(qI); and so on, until we find: q,o*l=q,o.

To facilitate the execution of the test, we list below the main characteristicsof the
diaphragmsthat can be used with the PN30D testingbench.

Ref. no. of schemeinfis.2.2 r9 20 2T I

Diaphragm diameter d (mm) 4.628 5.329 5.989

Pipe diameter D (mm) 19.05 19.05 19.05

Geometric contraction ratio m 0.24 0.28 0.31

\
i>-

Q=f(P1-P2)

Fig, 3.7 Scheme of a daphragm of dameter d contained n a pipe of diameter D

_v

46 Didocio ltolio
Chopter3,

DIAPHRAGMS
DIAFRAMMI
l-- o
za
ui g 0.85
6
tL 0)
IL
IIJ ]J
Oo
oE
tu .g
o,9
trE
TO
6o
o

-.-:r-J.-.--

10' 10' 10'

Numerodi Reynolds
Re
NUMBER
REYNOLDS
Fig.3.8Evolutionof the coefficentof.effluxuas a function of the Reynolds
number Re and
1
the geometriccontractionratio m

PN30D- User'sMonuol 47
 :. I
L
t".J

\-
Loborotorytests r*
lr
I

\-
3.6.2 Teslexecution method
\_

Worning !

Before starting the compressor,make sure that the testing bench has been prepared \-
for start-up according to the proceduresdescribed above in 9 2.2. Then start the
compressorby meansof the start/stopswitch (no. 40 in fig. 2.2). andpressurisethe tank a
!
14 until the triggering pressureof the pneumatic uncoupler or the pressureswitch is
\_
reached.
\
a) connect the differential manometer27 to the chosen diaphragm to perform the "\
measurements.
\
i

b) open fully the delivery valve 16 and the shut-off valve situated after the chosen \
diaphragm (28, 29 o 30); then, open the adjustment valve 17: as a result,
compressed air will flow through flowmeter 18 and through the chosen -:r
\r

diaphragm. ].:
'c)
take the reading of the air flow by means of flowmeter 18 (and measure the ,\
pressure and the temperature of the air in the proximity of the flowmeter by
meansof manometerM5 and thermometricprobe T11so as to be able to make the \
necessarycorrections, according to the method described in $ 3.2.1); then \
measurethe pressuredrop at the diaphragmby meansof manometer2'7as well as
\
the air pressureand temperatureconditionsupstreamof the diaphragmby means
of manometerlv{aand thermometricprobeTro; enter the values obtainedin Table i\
)
I

?-9 _i*\

\
d) work on adjustmentvalve 17, to obtain appreciablevariations in the flow-rate, i-
li.

and repeatthe operationsperformed at step c). l._

\
e) repeatthe procedurefor the other diaphragms. \

0 using the equationsgiven in $ 3.6.1,completeTable 3.9, calculatingthe values of

,\
flow measuredby means of the diaphragms and entering them in the diagram I
showninfig.3.7. t\

i
i

48 Didocto lfolio
 ',-.ti" . .

Chopter 3.

3..3 Risultoti
sperimentoli

_:-- rn Deliv. Pressure Temp. rh Pressure Temp. Ap ma

press.from from at fl.m. before before Pressure Delivery

Actual
fl.m. flowmeter Ttt diaphragm diaphragm drop at through
florv from
(Nm3/h) M5 Ma Tro diaphr. diaphragm
fl.m.
(bar) ('c) (k/h)
(bar) ('c) (mmHg) (k/h)

Y,

\-.

Table3.9 - Measurementof compressed

air flow by meansof aflowmeter and diaphragms

!:-
-

ma 40
(ks/h)
.tc

30

25

20

15

10

0
0510152025303540
m (kgih)

Fig. 3,9 - Comparsonbetweenthe measurements

taken with a flowmeter and those taken
wth the a"dof daphragms
t__

PN30D- User'sMnuol 49
 Loborotorytests

3.6.4 Anolysisof the results

Needless to say, the flow-rates determinedby means of the diaphragmsshould be
identical to those determinedwith the flowmeter, and the test points shown in the chart
in fig. 3.9 should thereforefall along the bisector of the diagram; it should be kept in
mind, however, that both types of measurementare subject to errors of the order of 2 -
3Vo.

,),,.,'

50: ;" :Didocts ltolio;,

 J
Chopier 3,

I 3.7 Meosurement
of pressure
dropsin differentfypesof
circuit

i 3.7.1 Theoreticolbockground
a
To be able to dimensiona compressed air distribution network it is necessaryto
know the pressuredrop-soccurringin the pipes:the purposeof this test is to measure,by
d meansof a mercury tye differentialmanometer(no. 27 in fig. 2.2), thepressuredrops
taking place in pipes of different types as a function of the flow passing through te
T
J
pipes themselves,as measuredby meansof a flowmeter (n" 18 in fig. Z.Z). In this
manner it is possible to identify the so-called characterstic curve of the circuit,
representedby the evolution of the pressuredrops as a function of the flow of fluid in
circulation;this curve is usedto identify the type of compressorideally suited for the
requirementsof the system,sinceit makesit possibleto identify, for each value of flow
required by the equipment,the headnecessaryto have the flow circulate, i.e., the head

T that must be suppliedby the compressor.

{ 3.7.2 Testexecution mefhod

d
Before starting the computer,make sure that the test bench has been prepared for

i start-up accordingto the proceduresdescribedIn E 2.2. Then start the compressorby

meansof the start/stopswitch (no. 40 in fig. 2.2) and pressurisesthe tank 14, until the
pressuretriggeringthe pneumaticuncoupleror the pressureswitch is reached.

5 -----'----afconneeFthe-differential-manometer2h,s-the-pipe-length
executionof the measurements.
relected-forthe-

i
f b) openfully the delivery valve 16 and the shut-off valve situateddownstreamof the
chosenpipe (31, 32,33,34 o35); then, open adjustmentvalve 1T: as a result,

d compressedair will flow throughflowmeter 18 and through the chosenpipe.

c) take the reading of the air flow throughflowmeter 18 (and measurethe pressure
T
i
and the temperature of the air in the proximity of the flowmeter by means of
manometerM5 and thermometricprobeT11so as to be able to make the necessary
corrections,according to the instructionsgiven in $ 3.2.1); then, measure the
pressuredrop in'the chosn pipe by means of the manometer 2'l: enter the
readingsin Table 3.10.

{ d) work on adjustment valve 77,to obtain appreciablevariations in the flow-rate:

'-J then repeatthe operationsperformedat step c).

I e) repeatthe procedurefor the otherpipe sections.

Y
f) enter the pressuredrop values measureas a function of flow-rate in the diagram

I shownin fig. 3.10.

t
d

PN30D- User'sMonuol 5t

5
 l\.
r"-.

Loborotorytests t:- .
It,.
ii
i

3.7.3 Testresults
i

.!-

ml Pressure at Temperatureat Ap Y
Flow measured flowmeter flowmeter Actual flow Press.dropin
with flowmeter Ms Ttr from fl.m. pipe
(Nm3tr) (bar) ('c) (ks/h) (nmHe)

1\'-'

:\-
Table3.10- Measurementof pressuredropsn pipes havng dffirent geometresas a
function of compressed
air flow
i\-
I
I
f !
-_L-v

Ap 40 \-
(mmHg) i""'
35 1\-
i-

30 t-

25
fv
20
Ir
L_-
15
ft"
'l \-,
10 t
I \-i
I
t\

10 tc 20 25 30 35 40
I
m (ks/h)

Fg. 3.10- Pressuredropsn pipeshaving dffirent geometriesas afuncton of compressed

air flow
r-
i
t,.._

52 Didocto ltolio
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L
 lril
j

L
t_ Chopter 3.
L,
U. 3.7.4 Anolysisof the resulls

C Pressuredrops in pipes increaseswith increasingflow-rate: moreover,they :

C increasewith the lengthof the pipe,the numberandabruptness of changes in the
directionor sectionof the pipe, and with the velocityof the fluid (i.e. pressure
C dropsincreasewith decreasing cross-sectional
areaof thepipe).
C
C
e
C
L
L
('

L
i-
Y
L- ;r
n
' ,1 '
"

L
C
(

C''
;

(
(

cj -+
(

a
,"^,

,j
(-, I
) l

L:

C
L

i'\

'-l

r.-f
PN30E- Userrs
Mciul 53 ,. r!
 {,

Loborotory
tests I

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l

qA
Didocto ltclio