1

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE AND TECNOLOGY

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department

19 8 0

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING

MODULE 7
Gas Compressors
Learning Outcomes:
1. Discuss the operation of compressor.
2. Formulate the energy equation of compressor.
3. Recognize the relationship of volumetric and compressors efficiency.
4. Acquire knowledge to analyze and solve problems involving the compressor operation

Introduction:

The compression of gases is so important in industry that separate brief chapter devoted to this topic
is deemed appropriate. Compressed air at some pressure above atmospheric, has many practical uses, a few
of which are operation of small air engines and pneumatic tools, operation of air hoist, cleaning by air blast,
tire inflation, paint spraying, air lifting of liquids, and many other specialized industrial applications.
Gas transmission pipelines that extend across our nation and move huge volumes of gaseous fuels
require booster compressor station to maintain this daily flow.

Operation of Compressor

Figure 18 shows a conventional indicator card for a compressor without clearance. As the
piston starts the stroke 4-1, the inlet valve opens and gas is drawn into the cylinder along the line 4-1.
At point 1, the piston starts the return stroke, all valves being closed, and the gas is compressed along
the curve 1-2. At 2, the discharge valve opens and the compressed gas is delivered to the receiver.

The events of the diagram with clearance are the same as those with no clearance, except that
since the piston does not force all the gas from the cylinder at the pressure, process 3-4, before intake
starts again. Without clearance, the volume of gas taken into the cylinder is equal to the displacement
volume. As see form Fig. 19 for the diagram with clearance, the volume of gas drawn into the
cylinder is V1-V4 = Vi/ and is less than the displacement volume VD.
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p1Vi/ = m̕RT1
p1V1 = m1RT1
where
m1 = m/ + mc, total mass after admission
m̕= mass of gas drawn in and delivered
mc = clearance or residual gas
V1/ = volume of gas drawn in, corresponding to mass m’
p1 = pressure at start of compression
T1 = temperature at start of compression
V1 = total volume at end of admission, corresponding to mass m 1
Compressor Work
Q= P+ K+ H+W
W=Q- K- H
W=Q- H
( K = 0)
For reciprocating compressors, K is negligible.
(a) Adiabatic compression ( K = 0)
W = - H = -m̕cp (T2-T1)
̕ kRT1 T2
m
W=- [T1 - 1]
k−1
̕ kRT1
m P2
W= [(P1)k-1/k – 1]
k−1
kp1V̕1 P2
W =[ ] [(P1)k-1/k – 1]
1−k

(b) Polytropic compression ( K = 0)

̕ RT1
nm P2
W=Q- K =[ ] [(P1)n-1/n – 1] H
1−n

W = m̕cn (T2 – T1) - m̕cp (T2 - T1)

W = m̕(cn – cp) (T2 – T1)
cv (k−n)
W = m̕[ ] - kcv] (T2 –T1)
1−n
cvk−ncv−kcv+nkcv
W = m̕[ ] (T2 –T1)
1−n
̕ ncv(k−1)
m
W=[ ] (T2 –T1)
1−n
̕ nRT1
m T2
W=[ ] [T1 – 1]
1−n
̕ RT1
nm P2
W=[ ] [(P1)n-1/n – 1]
1−n
̕ V1
np1 P2
W=[ ] [(P1)n-1/n – 1]
1−n
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(c) Isothermal compression ( K = 0, H= 0)

W=Q- H
W=Q
P1
W = p1V/1 ln p2
P1
W = mRT1ln p2

Preferred Compression Curves

The work necessary to drive the compressor decreases as the value of n decreases. Polytropic
compression and values of n less than k are brought about by cooling circulating cooling water.
Comparison of work for Isothermal and for Isentropic Compression.

Heat Rejected
The heat rejected during compression 1-2 is,
Q1-2 = m1cn (T2-T1)
Problems
1. A rotary compressor receives 6 m3/min. of a gas (R = 410 J/kg.K, Cp = 1.03 J/kg.K, k = 1.67)
at 105 kPa, 270C and delivers it at 630 kPa. Find the work if compression is (a) isentropic, (b)
polytropic with pV1.2 = C, and isothermal.

Solution:

𝑃1 𝑉′1 (105)(6)
m’ = = (0.410)(300)
= 5.122 kg/min.
𝑅𝑇1
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(a) Isentropic compression

𝑘𝑃1 𝑉′1 𝑃 (1.67)(105)(6) 630
W’ = [(𝑃2)(k – 1)/k - 1] = [(105)(1.67 – 1)/1.67 - 1] = - 1652 kJ/min.
1−𝑘 1 1−1.67

Another solution:
𝑃 630
T2 = T1 [𝑃2](k – 1)/k = (300)[ 105](1.67 – 1)/1.67 = 615.6 K
1

W’ = - ∆H = - m’Cp (T2 – T1)

W’ = - (5.122)(1.03)(615.6 – 300) = - 1665 kJ/min.
(b) Polytropic compression
𝑛𝑃1 𝑉′1 𝑃 (1.4)(105)(6) 630
W’ = [(𝑃2)(n – 1)/n - 1] = [(105)(1.4 – 1)/1.4 - 1] = - 1474 kJ/min.
1−𝑛 1 1−1.4

Another solution:
𝑃 630
T2 = T1 [𝑃2](n – 1)/n = (300)[ 105](1.4 – 1)/1.4 = 500.5 K
1

𝐶𝑝 1.03 𝑘𝐽
Cv = = = 0.6168 𝑘𝑔 .𝐾
𝑘 1.67
𝑘−𝑛 1.67−1.4 𝑘𝐽
Cn = CV [1−𝑛] = 0.6168 [ ] = - 0.4163 𝑘𝑔 .𝐾
1−1.4

W’ = - ∆H + Q = - m’Cp (T2 – T1) + m’Cn (T2 – T1)

= - (5.122)(1.03)(500.5 – 300) = - 1486 kJ/min.

(c) Isothermal compression

𝑃 105
W’ = P1V’1 ln [𝑃1] = (105)(6) ln [630] = - 1129 kJ/min.
2

2. A centrifugal compressor handles 300 cu.ft per minute of air at 14.7 psia and 80 0F. The air is
compressed to 30 psia. The initial speed is 35 fps and the final speed is 179 fps. If the
compression is polytropic with n = 1.32, what is the work?
Solution:

𝑃1 𝑉′1 (14.7) (144)(300)

m’ = = (53.34)(540)
= 22.05 lb/min.
𝑅𝑇1
𝑃 30 (1.32 – 1)/1.32
T2 = T1 [ 2](n – 1)/n = (540)[ ] = 641.90R.
𝑃1 14.7
𝑘−𝑛 1.4−1.32 𝐵𝑡𝑢
Cn = CV [1−𝑛] = (0.1714) [ 1−1.32 ] = - 0.0429 𝑙𝑏.𝑅0

∆H’ = m’Cp (T2 – T1) = (22.05)(0.24)(641.9 – 540) = 539.3 Btu/min.

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Q’ = m’Cn (T2 – T1) = (22.05)(- 0.0429)(641.9 – 540) = - 96.4 Btu/min.

𝑚′ (𝑣22 − 𝑣12 ) (22.05)[(170)2− (35)2 ]
∆K’ = = (2)(31.174)(778)
= 12.2 Btu/min.
2𝑘

Q’ = ∆P + ∆K + ∆H + W
W’ = Q - ∆K - ∆H = - 96.4 - 12.2 - 539.3
W’ = - 647.9 Btu/min or - 15.28 hp.

Volumetric Efficiency
volume of gas drawn in
Conventional volumetric efficiency =
displacement volume

nv = V1/VD = V1-V4/VD
Displacement volume VD is the volume swept by the face of the piston in one stroke.
The clearance ratio or percent clearance, c = V3/VD
then, nv =1 + c – c [P2-P1]1/n

If the compression process is isentropic, let n = k

π
VD = 4 D2LN

where:
D = diameter of piston
L = length of stroke
N = number of cycle completed per minute
N = (n) (1) (number of cylinders), for single-acting compressors
N = (n) (2) (number of cylinders), for double-acting compressors
n = compressors speed, revolution per min., rpm

A single-acting compressor makes one compete cycle in ones revolution.

A double-acting compressor makes two complete cycles in one revolution.

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Free Air
Free air is air at normal atmospheric conditions in a particular geographical location.

Problems
1. A twin-cylinder, double-acting compressor with a clearance of 5% handles 20 m 3/min. of
nitrogen from 100 kPa, 370C to 725 kPa. Compression and expansion are polytropic with n =
1.30. Find (a) the work, (b) the heat rejected, and (c) the bore and stroke for 150 rpm and L/D
= 1.30.
Solution:

𝑛𝑃1 𝑉′1 𝑃
(a) W’ = [( 2)(n – 1)/n - 1]
1−𝑛 𝑃1

(1.30)(100)(20) 725
W’ = [(100)(1.30 – 1)/1.30 - 1] = - 5023 kJ/min.
1−1.30

𝑃
(b) nv = 1 + c - c [𝑃2]1/n
1
725
= 1 + 0.05 - (0.05) [100]1/1.3 = 0.8205

𝑉′1 20
VD = 𝑛𝑣
= 0.8205
= 24.38 m3/min.

V’1 = VD + V3 = VD + cVD = VD (1 + c)

V’1 = (24.38)(1 + 0.05) = 25.60 m3/min.

𝑃1 𝑉′1 (100)(25.60)
m’ = = (0.2967)(310)
= 27.83 kg/min.
𝑅𝑇1
𝑃 725
T2 = T1 [𝑃2](n – 1)/n = (310)[ 100](1.3 – 1)/1.3 = 489.7 K.
1

𝑘−𝑛 1.399−1.30 𝑘𝐽
Cn = CV [1−𝑛] = (0.7442) [ ] = - 0.2456
1−1.30 𝑘𝑔.𝐾0

Q’1-2 = m’1 Cn (T2 – T1) = (27.83)(- 0.2456)(489.7 – 310) = - 1228 kJ/min.

π π
(c) VD = 4 D2LN = 4 D2(1.3D)(150)(2)(2) = 612.6 D3 m3/min.

24.38 = 612.6 D3
D = 0.3414 m or 34.14 cm.
L = (1.30)(34.14) = 44.38 cm.
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2. A single-acting air compressor operates at 150 rpm with initial condition of air at 97.9 kPa and
270C and discharges the air at 379 kPa to a cylindrical tank. The bore and stroke are 355 mm
and 381 mm, respectively with a percentage clearance of 5 %. If surrounding air are at 100 kPa
and 200C while the compression and expansion processes are pV1.3 = C. Determine (a) Free air
capacity in m3/s. (b) Power of the compressor in kW.

𝑃 379
(a) nv = 1 + c - c [𝑃2]1/n = 1 + 0.05 - (0.05) [97.9]1/1.3 = 0.9094
1
π π
(b) VD = D2LN = (0.355)2 (0.381)(150)(1) = 5.657 m3/min.
4 4

V’1 = (nv)(VD) = (0.9094)(5.657) = 5.144 m3/min.

𝑃 𝑇 97.9 293
V’o = V’1[𝑃1] [𝑇𝑜 ] = (5.144) [ 100 ] [300] = 4.918 m3/min. or 0.082 m3/s.
2 1
𝑛𝑃1 𝑉′1 𝑃 (1.3)(97.9)(5.144) 379
(c) W’ = [(𝑃2)(n – 1)/n - 1] = [(97.9)(1.3 – 1)/1.3 - 1]
1−𝑛 1 1−1.3

= - 800.3 kJ/min. or 13.34 kW.

Compressor Efficiency
ideal work
In general, efficiency =
actual work

A. Mechanical Efficiency

The mechanical efficiency of a compressor is

indicated work of compressor, WI
nm =
brake work of compressor, WB

If the compressor is driven by a steam or internal combustion engine, the mechanical

efficiency of the compressor system is
indicated work of compressor
nms =
indicated work of driving engine
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B. Compression Efficiency
Adiabatic compression efficiency is
adiabatic ideal work
nc =
indicated work of compressor

Isothermal compression efficiency is

isothermal ideal work
nt =
indicated work of compressor

Polytropic compression efficiency is

polytropic ideal work
np =
indicated work of compressor

C. Overall Efficiency
Overall efficiency is
no = (mechanical efficiency) (compression efficiency)
Adiabatic overall efficiency is
noc = (nm) (nc) = WI/WB [adiabatic ideal work/WI]
not = adiabatic ideal work/WB
Isothermal overall efficiency is
not = (nm) (nt) = WI/WB [isothermal ideal work/WI]
not = isothermal ideal work/WB
Polytropic overall efficiency is
nop = (nm) (np) = WI/WB [polytropic ideal work/WI]
nop = polytropic ideal work/WB
Indicated work is the work done in the cylinder. Brake work or shaft work is the work
delivered at the shaft. Adiabatic compression efficiency is the compression efficiency commonly
used. Compression efficiency, therefore, would mean adiabatic compression efficiency.
Problems
1. A two-cylinder, single-acting air compressor is directly coupled to an electric motor running
1000 rpm. Other data are as follows:
Size of each cylinder, 150 mm x 200 mm
Clearance volume, 10 % of displacement
Exponent (n) for both compression and re-expansion process, 1.6
Air constant, k = 1.4
Air molecular mass, 29
Calculate:
(a) The volume rate of air delivery in terms of standard air for a delivery pressure of 8
times ambient pressure under ambient conditions of 300 K and 1 bar.
(b) Shaft power required if the mechanical efficiency is 81 %.
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Solution:

π π
(a) VD = 4 D2LN = 4 (0.150)2 (0.200)(2)(1000) = 7.069 m3/min.
𝑃
nv = 1 + c - c [𝑃2]1/n = 1 + 0.10 - (0.10) [8]1/1.6 = 0.7332
1
V’1 = (nv)(VD) = (0.7332)(7.069) = 5.183 m3/min. or 0.064 m3/s.
𝑛𝑃1 𝑉′1 𝑃 (1.6)(100)(0.0864)
(b) W’ = [(𝑃2)(n – 1)/n - 1] = [(8)(1.6 – 1)/1.6 - 1] = 27.21 kW.
1−𝑛 1 1−1.6
27.21
Shaft power = = 33.59 kW.
0.81

2. A 12 x 14-in. double-acting air compressor with 5.5 % clearance operates at 150 rpm, drawing
air at 14.5 psia and 850F and discharging it at 62 psia, the compression and expansion
processes are polytropic with n = 1.34. Determine (a) the volume of free air handled per
minute, if atmospheric conditions are 820F and 14.7 psia, (b) the heat rejected, (c) the indicated
work of the compressor if the compression efficiency is 87 %, and (d) the ideal work.
Solution:

𝑃 62
(a) nv = 1 + c - c [𝑃2]1/n = 1 + 0.055 - (0.055) [14.5]1/1.34 = 0.8924
1

π π 12 14
VD = 4 D2LN = 4 (12)2(12)(150)(2) = 274.9 cfm.

V1’ = (nv)(VD) = (0.8924)(274.9) = 245.3 cfm.

𝑉1′ 𝑃1 𝑇𝑜 (245.3)(14.5)(542)
Vo = = (14.7)(545)
= 240.6 cfm.
𝑃𝑜 𝑇1

(b) V1 = VD + V3 = VD + cVD = VD (1 + c)
= (274.9)(1 + 0.055) = 290.02 cfm
𝑃1 𝑉1 (14.5) (144)(290.02)
m1 = = (53.34)(545)
= 20.83 lb/min.
𝑅𝑇1
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𝑃 62
T2 = T1 [𝑃2](n – 1)/n = (545)[ 14.5](1.34 – 1)/1.34 = 7880R.
1

𝑘−𝑛 1.4−1.34 𝐵𝑡𝑢

Cn = CV [1−𝑛] = (0.1714) [ 1−1.34 ] = - 0.03025 𝑙𝑏.𝑅0

Q1-2 = m1 Cn (T2 – T1) = (20.83)(- 0.03025)(788 – 545) = - 153.1 Btu/min.

𝑘𝑃1 𝑉1′ 𝑃 (1.4)(14.5)(144)(245.3) 62
(c) W’isen. = [(𝑃2)(k – 1)/k - 1] = [(14.5)(1.4 – 1)/1.4 - 1]
1−𝑘 1 (1−1.4) (778)

= - 1185 Btu/min. or - 27.97 hp.

adiabatic ideal work
nc =
indicated work of compressor
27.97
Indicated wok = = 32.15 hp.
0.87
𝑛𝑃1 𝑉′1 𝑃 (1.34)(14.5)(144)(245.3) 62
(d) W’ = [(𝑃2)(n – 1)/n - 1] = (1−1.34)(778)
[(14.5)(1.34 – 1)/1.34 - 1]
1−𝑛 1

= - 1157 Btu/min. or - 27.29 hp.

References:

R01 Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics by M.J.Moran, H.N. Shapiro, D.D. Boettner, M.B. Bailey
Copyright 2014, ISBN 978-1-118-41293-0, ISBN 978-1-118-82044-5

R02 Thermodynamics 1 by H.B. Sta. Maria. Copyright 1990, ISBN 971-08-4683-3

R03 Thermodynamics by V.M. Faires & C.M.Simang copyright 1981, ISBN 971-08-1100-2

R04 Theory and properties of Thermodynamics by M.M. Abbott and H.C. Van Ness, ISBN 07-000040-9

Prepared by: ENGR. BONIFACIO A. HONTIVEROS

Course Facilitator
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EXERCISES:

Name: _____________________________________ Rating: _____________

Course & Year: _____________Date Perform: ___________Date: Submitted: ___________

Activity # 7

Gas Compressors

I. Problem sets: Read the statement carefully and analyze the known and needed unknown data.
Show your solutions clearly in a long bond paper and fasten to long folder with complete name,
course and year.

1. A reciprocating compressor handles 1000 cfm of air measured at intake where p1 = 14 psia and t1 = 800F.
The discharge pressure is 84 psia. Calculate the work if the process of compression is (a) isothermal, (b)
polytropic with n = 1.25, and (c) isentropic.
Ans. (a) -109.5 hp; (b) -131.7 hp; (c) -143 hp

2. A twin-cylinder, double acting, compressor with a clearance of 5% draws in oxygen at 450 kPa, 17 0C and
discharges it at 1800 kPa. The mass flow rate is 20 kg/min, compression and expansion are polytropic with
n = 1.25. Find (a) the work, (b) the heat transferred, and (c) the bore and stroke for 100 rpm and L/D = 1.20.
ans. (a) -40.23 kW (b) -829 kJ/min ; (c) 21.71 x 25.76 cm.

3. A double-acting compressor with c = 7% draws 40 lb per minute of air at 14.7 psia and 80 0F and discharges it
at 90 psia. Compression and expansion are polytropic with n = 1.28. Find (a) the work, (b) the heat rejected,
and (c) the bore and stroke for 90 rpm and L/D = 1.25.
ans. (a) 77.68 hp; (b) -1057 Btu/min; (c) 18.96 x 23.70 in.

4. A 14 x 12 in., single-cylinder, double-acting air compressor with 5.5% clearance operates at 125 rpm. The
suction pressure and temperature are 14 psia and 1000F, respectively. The discharge pressure is 42 psia.
Compression and expansion processes are polytropic, with n = 1.30. Determine (a) the volumetric efficiency,
(b) the mass and volume at suction conditions handled each minute, (c) the work, (d) the heat rejected, (e) the
indicated air hp developed if the polytropic compression efficiency is 75%, and (f) the compression efficiency.
ans. (a) 92.7%; (b) 247.8 cfm, 16.72 lb/min.; (c) -18.93 hp; (d) -175.7 Btu/min.; (e) -25.24 hp; (f) 77.42%.

5. From a test of an air compressor driven directly by a steam engine, the following data and results were
obtained: capacity, 800 cfm; suction at 14.7 psia; discharge at 110 psia; indicated work of the compressor, 155
hp; indicated work of steam engine, 172 hp. Calculate (a) the compression efficiency and (b) the overall
efficiency.
ans. (a) 90.06% (b) 81.16% ;

Prepared by:

Engr. Bonifacio A. Hontiveros

Course Facilitator