How Single Stage Reciprocating Air Compressor Works?

In single stage reciprocating air compressor the entire compression is carried out in a single cylinder.
If the compression is affected in one end of the piston & cylinder then it is known as Single Acting & if the
compression is affected in both ends of piston & cylinder then it is known as Double Acting reciprocating
air compressor.The opening & closing of simple check valve (plate or spring valve) is depend upon difference in pressure,if mechanically operated valves are used for suction & discharge then their functioning is controlled by cams.
Now come to main point "How Single Stage Reciprocating Air Compressor Works?"
The weight of air in the cylinder will be zero when the piston is at top most position,if we neglect clearance
volume.When piston starts moving downwards,the pressure inside the cylinder falls below atmospheric pressure
& suction valve/inlet valve opens.The air is drawn into the cylinder through air cleaner (SUCTION STROKE).
When piston moves upwards,compresses the air in cylinder & inlet valve closes when pressure reaches to
atmospheric pressure.Further compression follows as the piston moves towards the top of its stroke until,
when the pressure in the cylinder exceeds that in the receiver. (COMPRESSION STROKE.)At the end of this stroke discharge/delivery valve opens & air is delivered to receiver for reminder of the stroke.(DISCHARGE STROKE)
When it is double acting reciprocating air compressor,suction stroke is in process at one end of piston while at same time discharge stroke is in process at other end of piston.
In simple word we can say that suction & compression took place on both end of piston & cylinder in double acting reciprocating air compressor.
The working of Double Stage (Two Stage) reciprocating air compressor will be describe in next post.
Bye till next post.
Prasanna
http://www.pnengineering.blogspot.com/

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