Reciprocatingkompressorer

Reciprocatingkompressorer, or reciprocating compressors, are positive-displacement machines that increase gas pressure by reducing its volume with a piston moving inside a cylinder. They are widely used to compress air and process gases in manufacturing, chemical processing, oil and gas, and service industries. Units can be configured as single-acting or double-acting, and as oil-lubricated or oil-free. They may operate as single-stage machines for modest pressures or as multi-stage systems with intercooling for higher final pressures and improved efficiency.

Construction and operation: Most machines have one or more pistons connected to a crankshaft within a lubricated crankcase. Gas enters through suction valves during the intake stroke and is compressed and expelled through discharge valves during the compression stroke. Oil-lubricated types use oil to seal, cool, and lubricate moving parts; oil-free designs use alternative seals. Multi-stage arrangements interpose intercoolers between stages to reduce work and temperature rise.

Types and configurations: Single-acting compressors deliver gas on one side of the piston; double-acting units use both sides. They come in inline, V, or horizontal layouts, driven by electric motors or engines, with speeds commonly in the hundreds to thousands of revolutions per minute.

Performance and maintenance: Performance depends on displacement, clearance, heat rejection, and valve efficiency. Cooling, lubrication, and proper valve seating are critical for reliability. Pulsations are managed with dampers and silencers. Regular maintenance includes inspecting rings, packing, valves, and bearings and monitoring for leaks.

Applications and considerations: They provide high-pressure capability and good part-load control for moderate to high flow rates but can be noisy, vibration-prone, and require frequent maintenance relative to other compressor types. Environmental and safety measures address oil management and high-pressure gas handling.