Familiarise with High Pressure Terminology

Compressor Dictionary - S

Single Stage Compression

The compression cycle can be divided into several phases, which can be modelled using a pressure-volume diagram:

• Upstroke, first phase
  The cylinder volume diminishes and the pressure inside the compression chamber rises in accordance with Boyle's Law. Because of compression, heat is emitted.
  
  
• Upstroke, second phase
  The pressure reaches a point at which the spring-laden pressure valve opens. Compressed air is discharged at a constant pressure.
  
  
• Downstroke, first phase
  The piston has reached the top turning point and moves downward, increasing the volume of the compression chamber. The pressure valve closes and the internal pressure drops rapidly. The residual air cools because of decompression.
  
  
• Downstroke, second phase
  Internal pressure drops below atmospheric pressure. The intake valve opens and air is drawn in as the cylinder volume increases. Pressure remains constant until the piston reaches the bottom turning point.

The medium's temperature rises in line with the compression ratio.Conversely, high temperature diminishes compressor efficiency.

high compression ratio » high temperature » low efficiency

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