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1. Introduction
This report is intended to explain why the compressor of gases and vapors in the
process industry is very important. Compressors are used in a variety of applications.
In a modern plastics facility, compressors are used to transfer granular powders and
small plastic pellets from place to place. In natural gas plants, compressors are used
to establish feed gas process pressures. Compressors also provide clean, dry air for
instruments and control devices. In a refinery or chemical plant, compressors are
used to compress gases such as light hydrocarbons, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon
dioxide, and chlorine. These gases are sent to headers, from which they are
distributed to a variety of applications.
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2. Key Terms
Aftercooler—a heat-exchange device designed to remove excess heat from the
discharge side of a multistage compressor.
Compression ratio—the ratio of discharge pressure (psia) to suction pressure (psia).
Multistage compressors use a compression ratio in the 3 to 4 range, with the same
approximate compression ratio in each stage.
Double-acting compressor—a reciprocating compressor that compresses gas on
both sides of the piston.
Dryer—removes moisture from gas.
Intercooler—a heat exchange device designed to cool compressed gas between the
stages of a multistage compressor.
Enthalpy— is a measurement of energy in a thermodynamic system. It is the
thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the total heat content of a system. It is equal
to the internal energy of the system plus the product of pressure and volume.
Entropy— a measure of the unavailable energy in a closed thermodynamic system
that is also usually considered to be a measure of the system's disorder, that is a
property of the system's state, and that varies directly with any reversible change in
heat in the system and inversely with the temperature of the system; broadly: the
degree of disorder or uncertainty in a system.
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3. Classification

Compressors type

Compressors come in three primary designs: dynamic, positive displacement, and

thermal. Centrifugal (radial flow) and axial (straight-line) compressors are examples of
dynamic compressors. Both varieties work by altering the gas's velocity and
transforming energy into pressure. Rotating and reciprocating compressors are
examples of positive displacement compressors. They work by squeezing a certain
volume of gas and trapping it within. By pulling air in axially and rotating it outward
(as in centrifugal compressors) or in a straight line (as in axial flow compressors),
dynamic compressors increase airflow. Gas is compressed into a smaller volume and
released at higher pressures using positive displacement compressors. By directing
high-velocity gas or steam into the process stream through ejectors, thermal
compressors are able to entrain the gas and transform its velocity into pressure
diffuser assembly.
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3.1 Centrifugal Compressors

Centrifugal Compressors working principle/Component

At the suction inlet of a centrifugal compressor, gas enters and is propelled radially
by rotating impellers. The driveshaft and impeller are the only moving parts of
centrifugal compressors. The impeller of a centrifugal compressor empties into the
diffuser, a narrow, circular chamber. The impellers are totally encircled by this small
aperture. Gas velocity is increased through the diffuser assembly and into a circular
volute while back-pressure rises in the impeller. Kinetic energy is transformed into
pressure as high-velocity gas passes through the diffuser and into the volute. As the
gas speed slows in the ever-widening volute, it eventually exits the discharge port.
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3.1.1 Centrifugal Compressors (Continued)

Centrifugal Compressors easy working principle

The compressibility of the gas a compressor moves affects its performance; centrifugal
compressors are more sensitive to fluid properties and density than reciprocating
compressors.

Compressors with centrifugal force can have one or more stages. While multistage
compressors transfer the discharge of one stage to the suction of another, single-
stage compressors only compress the gas once. High gas flow rates and low discharge
pressures are the design parameters of single-stage centrifugal compressors; high gas
flow rates and high discharge pressures are the design parameters of multistage
compressors.
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3.2 Axial compressors

Axial Compressors working principle/Component

For applications requiring the highest flows and pressures, axial compressors are the
recommended compressor type. Axial compressors do not increase gas velocity by
centrifugal force, in contrast to centrifugal compressors. The parts of an axial flow
compressor consist of a rotor with rows of fan-shaped blades. Axial motion of the
airflow occurs along the shaft. Gas is forced over stators—stationary blades—by
rotating blades that are fixed to a shaft. The casing is where the stators are installed
or fastened. The stator blades slow down the gas as its velocity increases due to the
rotating blades. Pressure is the result of the gas's kinetic energy being released when
it slows. From stage to stage, the gas velocity rises till it reaches the discharge scroll.
Axial multistage compressors can produce extremely
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3.2.1 Axial compressors (Continued)

Axial Compressors easy working principle

Axial compressor's stator blades can be fixed, individually adjustable, or continuously

variable. It is possible to change each stator blade independently from the exterior of
the housing. A drive ring connected to a driveshaft that is automatically activated by
a power cylinder adjusts continuously varying blades.

In contrast to a centrifugal compressor, axial compressors accelerate and compress

gas in a horizontal, straight-through motion, without the turbulent changes in direction
characterized by centrifugal compressors.
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3.3 Rotary Screw Compressors

Rotary Screw Compressors working principle/Component

Manufacturing frequently uses the rotary screw compressor. Two helical rotors that
rotate in the direction of one another drive the teeth of this device, which resembles
a lobe compressor. Gas gets trapped in the center chamber as a result of the right
rotor rotating counterclockwise as the left rotor rotates in a clockwise direction. An
exit discharge port and an intake suction line are features of rotary screw compressors'
design. The two rotors are connected to a driver that supplies the necessary energy
for operation, timing gears, and a driveshaft.
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3.3.1 Rotary Screw Compressors (Continued)

Rotary Screw Compressors easy working principle

Once inside the device, the flow is directed axially in the direction of the discharge
port. Most of the compression happens in close proximity to the compressor outlet.
The inner wall or any other moving part of the rotary screw compressor are kept
apart. The power rotor can rotate the alternate rotor with the use of timing gears. The
revolving elements are ideal for dry gas service because of their design, which
eliminates the need for lubrication. During operation, some internal slip happens
because of the tiny tolerances between the moving parts.
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3.4 Lobe Compressors

Lobe Compressor working principle/Component

The two-kidney bean-shaped impellers employed in lobe compressors to catch and

transmit gases are its defining feature. A timing gear set maintains the precise
clearances between the impellers and casing. While in operation, the lobes of the
two impellers sweep across the suction port while they travel in opposing directions
on parallel mounted shafts. Both an idler shaft and a driveshaft make up the parallel
shafts. The idler shaft spins through the gears because of the driveshaft's force. On
the exterior of the compressor are the gears and bearings. Released into the discharge
line are compressed gases.
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3.4.1 Lobe Compressors (Continued)

Lobe Compressor easy working principle

Rotary lobe compressors are made with internal lobes that are intended to remain
apart. The distance between the lobes and casing is a few thousandths of an inch. In
lobe compressors, some slippage is permitted by the design clearances on the
internal lobes. Because low-density gases are being forced, the slip is exacerbated at
high discharge pressure. The consistency of process slip is contingent upon the
constancy of system pressure.

Constant-speed drivers and constant-volume discharge pressures are features of the

design of lobe compressors. Neither suction nor discharge valves are used in lobe
compressors. They are not made to function at a particular pressure. The process
pressure of the system controls the discharge pressures.
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3.4.2 Lobe Compressors (Continued)

Wet and dry gas service can both employ lobe compressors. This means that the
discharge port might be located at the top or bottom of the unit depending on which
way the lobes rotate. The upward rotation is the recommended direction in dry
servicing. To enable any condensed liquids to escape, downward rotation is advised
in wet service. Vacuum pumps and compressors are two applications for lobe
compressors.
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3.5 Liquid Ring Compressors

Liquid Ring compressors working principle/Component

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3.5.1 Liquid Ring Compressors (Continued)

A very unusual compressor design is the liquid ring compressor. It combines the
centrifugal action of the liquid with a positive displacement, rotary action. A liquid
ring compressor has one moving transfer element and a casing that is filled with
makeup water or seal liquid. As the rotor turns, the fluid is centrifugally forced to the
outer wall of the elliptical casing. An air pocket is formed in the center of the casing.
As the liquid ring compressor rotates, a small percentage of the liquid escapes out
the discharge port. Makeup water or seal liquid is admitted into the compressor
during operation. The liquid medium helps cool the compressed gases. The off-center
position of the rotor creates an offset in the air pocket. Located on the rotor are
suction and discharge ports. The inlet ports are much larger than the discharge ports.
As the vanes turn, gases are compressed in the volute-shaped air pocket.
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3.6 Sliding Vane Compressors

Sliding Vane compressors working principle/Component

The sliding vane compressor uses a slightly off-center rotor with sliding vanes to
compress gases. The gas inlet port is positioned so that gas flows into the vanes when
they are fully extended and form the largest pocket. As the vanes turn toward the
discharge port, the gases are compressed. The body of the compressor is fabricated
from cast iron or steel. A set of cooling water jackets is fabricated into the initial
design and tested for tightness. The rotor and shaft are made of high-strength alloy
steel. The rotor is precision made with slots around the entire rotor.
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3.6.1 Sliding Vane Compressors (Continued)

Sliding Vane compressors easy working principle

The sliding vanes are composed of asbestos-phenolic resin, metal, or

high-temperature, durable metal. Sliding vane compressors require lubrication
between the vane and contact surface. Lubricating oil is injected into the suction side
of the compressor. This procedure helps prevent internal slip and provides a positive
seal. Sliding compressors are typically non pulsing systems. As gas enters the sliding
vane compressor, it is captured in vanes and swept around the casing, filling the
chamber. As the vanes rotate toward the discharge, the vane length shortens because
of the rotor’s eccentric position with the shaft, and volume is decreased. As volume
decreases, pressure increases until maximum compression is achieved.
At this point, the gas is discharged out of the compressor. This type of compressor
does not use suction or discharge valves because it is designed to discharge against
system pressure.
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3.7 Scroll Compressors

Scroll Compressors working principle/Component

Scroll Compressors working principle/Component

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3.7.1 Scroll Compressors (Continued)

Scroll Compressors easy working principle/Component

The main function of a scroll compressor's two interlocking spiral vanes is to

compress fluids into ever-smaller quantities. Fluid is trapped between the scrolls by
scroll compressors, which operate smoothly and silently at lower volumes. One scroll
is usually fixed while the other orbits eccentrically without turning.
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3.8 Reciprocating Piston Compressors

Reciprocating Piston Compressors working principle/Component

Their distinctive back-and-forth motion characterizes reciprocating compressors.

During operation, reciprocating compressors perform best with clean gases. Entrained
water, dirt, and impurities will cause excessive wear on the piston and cylinder.
Reciprocating compressors are selected when low flow rates and high discharge
pressures are required.

There are several advantages of using a reciprocating piston compressor. They have a
flexible pressure range and overall capacity, low power cost, and high efficiency
rating. They can handle density and gas composition changes, and small volumes and
can deliver high pressures.
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3.8.1 Reciprocating Piston Compressors (Continued)

Reciprocating Piston Compressors easy working principle

Reciprocating piston compressors work by trapping and compressing specific amounts

of gas between a piston and the cylinder wall. The back -and forth motion
incorporated by a reciprocating compressor pulls gas in on the suction or intake
stroke and discharges it on the other. Spring-loaded suction and discharge valves
work automatically as the piston moves up and down in the cylinder chamber.
Reciprocating piston compressor design varies from model to model. These variations
usually occur in the total number of cylinders and in the arrangement of the suction
and discharge lines. Most piston compressors have one to four cylinders. Each
cylinder has its own piston, rings, and automatic valves. Common crankshafts can be
shared with multiple connecting rods. The same cylinder can be equipped with
multiple suction and discharge valves in double-acting compressors.
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3.9 Diaphragm Compressors

Diaphragm Compressors working principle/Component

Diaphragm compressors utilize a hydraulically pulsed diaphragm that moves or flexes

to positively displace gases. This type of compressor is closely related to a
reciprocating compressor. This type of compressor is a combination of several
systems; a gas compression system and a hydraulic system. Gas compression occurs
when a flexible metal diaphragm or membrane hydraulically flexes.
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3.9.1 Diaphragm Compressors (Continued)

Diaphragm Compressors working principle/Component

In this type of an operation only the membrane and the compression chamber come
into contact with the gas. For this reason, the diaphragm compressor is ideal for
applications that involve explosive and toxic gases. Membranes are designed to be
durable and tough and able to withstand high temperatures and a variety of
conditions. Diaphragm compressors can generate very high pressures and are used to
compress hydrogen, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, compressed natural gas.
Diaphragm compressors come in one, two, three, or more stages. Each stage requires
the use of one diaphragm.
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3.10 Ejectors

Ejectors working principle

When a motive fluid passes through a comparatively tiny converging-diverging nozzle,

an ejector transforms its pressure energy into kinetic energy, or velocity. The process
fluid is drawn into the mixing chamber by suction created by the motive fluid's
increased velocity, which also results in a matching drop in pressure. The motor fluid
stream incorporates the process fluid and becomes entangled in it. After going
through the converging-diverging diffuser, the mixed fluid's velocity is changed back
into pressure energy. The ejector's suction pressure is lower than the discharge
pressure that results.
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3.10.1 Ejectors (Continued)

Ejectors working principle

Ejectors have traditionally been employed mostly for vacuum generation. To reach
deep vacuum levels, ejectors can be arranged in series. They have a wide variety of
motor fluids at their disposal. Steam and air are the most widely used. It's crucial to
select a motive fluid that is compatible with the process fluid to prevent
contamination and other issues. Among the few compressor types that are
comparatively impervious to liquid carryover in the suction gas are ejectors.
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3.10.2 Ejectors (Continued)

Ejectors flow

Although an ejector lacks moving parts and is simpler than most mechanical
compressor types, it is less efficient than other models. This contributes to the
ejectors' high dependability and low maintenance costs.
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4. Conclusion
For the reasons given above the process sector is necessary to compress gases and
vapors. A wide range of applications call for compressors. Small plastic pellets and
granular powders are moved around in a contemporary plastics facility using
compressors. It set feed gas process pressures in natural ga s facilities. For
instrumentation and control devices, compressors also supply dry, clean air. Gases
such light hydrocarbons, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and chlorine are
compressed using compressors in refineries and chemical plants. After being delivered
to headers, these gasses are dispersed among several uses.
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Bibliography
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https://hassanelbanhawi.com/rotatingequipment/compressors/
Engineer Waqar. (n.d.). What is a Diaphragm Compressor? | How does a
Diaphragm Compressor work.
Retrieved from https://mechanicalboost.com/diaphragm-compressor/
CPI (Compressor Products International). (2012). Compressor Valves - Hi-Flo Valve.
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DX_s3kGCfI
Mekanizmalar. (2012). Roots Pump Two Lobe. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-fwWrFLiyY
MAN Energy Solutions. (2014). 3D animation of integrally geared centrifugal
compressor.
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leosVYDGb-Q
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principle.
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il27VvHu-s0
Transvac Systems Ltd. (2015). Transvac - How an Ejector Works.
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOFJ-yCnh7M
Howden. (2017). Reciprocating Compressor C series - animation | Howden.
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owNOdUBL37U
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Bibliography (Continued)
Dustin Eusebio. (2020). How Air Compressors Work: An Animated Guide.
Retrieved from https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/how-air-compressors-work
Air Change. (2021). The Scroll Compressor - Basics & The Fixed Speed Type.
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDfXosZR_eA&t=11s
Sarah Zayan. (2022). Liquid Ring Compressor. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l7XK_GCMq0
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Appendix
P&ID Symbols