Exercise Problems- Reciprocating Compressor

1. A single stage, single acting reciprocating a ir compressor takes in air 5 m3 /min at 1 bar and 27C
and compresses to a delivery pressure of 7 bar. Determine each of the below neglecting clearance
with the help of P-V and T-S diagram, when compression takes place (a) polytropically (PV 1.3 =
constant), (b) adiabatically (PV1.4 = constant), and (c) isothermally (PV = constant). Take ambient
conditions 1.013 bar and 15C.
(a) Temperature and volume of air at the end of compression
(b) Work done by air during suction, work done on air during compression, work done on
air during delivery and net work done on air (I.P)
(c) Heat transfer during compression
(d) Brake power of compressor if the mechanical efficiency is 80%.

2. The diameter of reciprocating air compressor cylinder is 140 mm and stroke length of the piston
is 180 mm and the clearance volume is 77 cm3 . The pressure and temperature at the end of
suction and at beginning of compression is 0.97 bar and 13C. The delivery pressure is constant
at 4 bar. Taking the law of compression and expansion as PV 1.3 = constant. Calculate,
a. For what length of stroke air is delivered
b. The volume of air delivered per stroke in liters
c. The temperature of the compressed air

3. In a two stage single acting reciprocating compressor, intake pressure and temperature are 1 bar
and 20C respectively. Air is taken into the compressor at the rate of 6 m3 /min and compressed to
a final pressure of 9 bar. The law of compression in both the cylinders is PV1.3 = C. If the
intermediate pressure is ideal and intercooling is perfect and the compressor runs at 600 rpm.
Neglecting the clearance and determine,
(a) Intermediate pressure
(b) Volume of L.P. and H.P cylinder
(c) Power required to drive the compressor if mechanical efficiency is 80%.
(d) The rate of heat rejected in the intercooler
(e) Rise in temperature of cooling water if the mass flow rate of water through the
intercooler is 8 kg/min. Take Cp = 1 kJ/kg k for air and Cp = 4.2 kJ/kg k for water.

4. A single acting, two stage reciprocating air compressor has to deals with 3 m3 /min of air under
atmospheric conditions 1 bar, 25C at 220 rpm and delivers it at 80 bar, assuming perfect
intercooling between stages. Find out,
(a) Minimum power to drive the compressor
(b) Diameter of L.P and H.P cylinder and common stroke length
(c) % saving in minimum power if compression is assumed as three stages
Take piston speed is 154 m/min, mechanical efficiency of compressor is 80%, volumetric
efficiency is 85% same for each stage, law of compression in both the cylinders is PV1.3 = C.