The compressor is one of the mechanical devices that is widely used in small and large industries today. In fact, the compressor’s job is to create the suction force necessary to suck the refrigerant gas from the evaporator, condense the gas, and then send it to the condenser, where the gas is converted into a liquid. The compressor’s suction transfers the gas from the right side of the high pressure, and the volume of gas that needs to be compressed depends on the displacement of the compressor piston.

Types of compressors

Compressors come in many different types. Different categories classify compressors based on different characteristics. One of the most common of these classifications is compressors based on different characteristics.

• Dynamic compressor
• Positive displacement compressor
• Rotary vane compressor
• Scroll compressor
• Pressure intensifiers
• Auxiliary compressors

Dynamic compressors

In this type of compressor, the energy transfer to the fluid is continuous. Dynamic compressors are used at low pressure and higher flow rates. Dynamic compressors are available in both axial and radial designs. Radial designs are often called turbine compressors or radial turbine compressors, and radial designs are often called centrifugal compressors. Unlike reciprocating compressors that operate at constant flow, dynamic compressors operate at constant pressure. The performance of a dynamic compressor is affected by external conditions, such as a small change in inlet pressure causing a large change in capacity.

Types of dynamic compressors

• Centrifugal compressor

A characteristic of a centrifugal compressor is its radial flow. Air enters the center of a rotating impeller using radial blades and is thrown outwards towards the periphery of the rotating impeller by centrifugal forces. Before the air is driven to the center of the next rotating impeller, it passes through a diffuser and a volute chamber, in which kinetic energy is converted into static pressure.

It determines the overall pressure ratio of the compressor. Also, after each impeller, the air velocity increases significantly. The air temperature at the inlet of each stage plays an important role in the power requirements of the compressor, which is why interstage cooling is required. Various seals are used in these compressors, the most advanced of which are used in high-speed compressors that provide high pressures. The most common types of quadruple seals include labyrinth seals, ring seals (graphite seals that run dry, but liquid seals are also used), mechanical seals, and hydrostatic seals. Centrifugal compressors are used in internal combustion engines as superchargers and turbochargers. Centrifugal compressors are used in small gas turbine engines or as the final compression stage of medium-sized gas turbines.