User guide

10
What is a reciprocating compressor?
A reciprocating compressor is a piston type pump which develops
pressure from the action of a piston moving through a cylinder. The
cylinder, or cylinders, may be vertical, horizontal or angular.
When air is drawn in from the atmosphere and compressed to its final
pressure in a single stroke, the compressor is referred to as a “single
stage” pump. Single stage units normally are used in the 90 to 125 PSI
range and are available as single or multi-cylinder (twin cylinder)
compressors.
When the air drawn from the atmosphere is compressed first to an
intermediate pressure, and then further compressed to a higher pressure,
it is done in a “two stage” pump. These cylinders are unequal in size and
the first stage always takes place in the larger, low pressure cylinder.
From there it passes through the inner cooler to the smaller, high
pressure cylinder. The cycle is completed as the air then moves through
the after
cooler and discharge line into the tank. Two stage compressors are
generally used for pressure ranges from 100 to 175 PSI and deliver
more air per horsepower at these pressures. This increase in efficiency is
partially
due to the heat dissipated as the air passes through the inner cooler.
Description Of Cooling
Our compressors are cooled by fan blades, incorporated into the driven
sheave (pulley), blowing air across the intercooler, after cooler, and
cylinder head.
Description Of Controls
Stop/Start Receiver or plant air system pressure is controlled within limits
by a pressure switch automatically stopping and starting the compressor
as the air pressure reaches a maximum preset pressure (cut out) and
then drops to a minimum presser pressure (cut in).
unit description