Design And Fabrication Of A Reciprocating Compressor

ABSTRACT

Reciprocating compressor also known as a piston compressor is a positive displacement device. It is one of the most widely used types of compressor in which gas is compressed by reciprocating motion of a piston. It handles low mass of gas but high pressure ratio. During the operation of reciprocating compression, it takes a large amount of gas from the suction line, it is then get compressed by the reciprocation motion of piston driven by the crankshaft, and then it discharges the compressed gas to the discharge line. The main aim of this study is to fabricate a reciprocating compressor with , a reciprocating compressor with cylinder length = 57mm, piston diameter of 60mm and cylinder diameter of 80mm was fabricated. The result of this work indicates that the machine more efficient than the conventional compressors.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWELDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

1.2      PROBLEM STATEMENT

1.3      AIM OF THE PROJECT

1.4      OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

1.5      SCOPE AND LIMITATION

1.5      SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

1.6      SCOPE / LIMITATION OF PROJECT

1.7      APPLICATIONS OF RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR

1.8      ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR

CHAPTER TWO

2.1    LITERATURE REVIEW

2.2   HISTORical background

2.3    DEVELOPMENT

2.4    WORKING PRINCIPLES

2.5      RELATED MATHEMATICAL FORMULA

2.6    REVIEW OF RELATED WORKS

CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1      MACHINE PARTS

3.2      MATERIAL SELECTION

3.3      PROJECT METHODOLOGY

3.4      PART DESIGN

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1      MACHINE CONSTRUCTION

4.2      OPERATION AND WORKINGS

4.3      DESIGN CONSIDERATION

4.4      DESIGN SPECIFICATION

4.5      CALCULATIONS

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0   CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1    CONCLUSION

5.2    RECOMMENDATION

REFERENCE

CHAPTER ONE

1.0                                                      INTRODUCTION

A compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume. A compressor is also a device that converts power (using an electric motor, diesel or gasoline engine, at c) into potential energy stored in pressurized air (that is compressed air). There are basically 5 types of air conditioner compressor that are commonly used in the HVAC industry and are;

• Reciprocating
• Scroll
• Screw
• Rotary
• Centrifugal

A reciprocating compressor is a type of positive displacement type of air compressor in which air is secured into a chamber and compressed with the help of a reciprocating piston. A reciprocating compressor has a piston that moves downward thus reducing pressure in cylinder by creating a vacuum, this difference in pressure forces the suction chamber values open and bring gas or air in pneumatic (air powered) tools, such as drills and angle-grinders, are important industry because they are generally lighter and safer than those with an electric motor which further highlight the significance of reproaching compressors.

1.1      BACKGROUND

The reciprocating air compressors are found in places where low flow rate and high pressure of the gas are required. These compressors are used primarily for filling the vehicles tire air, small paint jobs, commercial purposes, dust cleaning, hand tools, etc.

1.2      PROBLEM DEFINITION

Before the invention of other compressors like the reciprocating compressor, generation of pressure was lower, high efficiency of operation was not achieved. Thus, there was a big need for the use of a reciprocating compressor having a piston that aids in higher pressure generation and higher efficiency.

1.3      AIM OF PROJECT

The main aim of this study is to design and fabricate a reciprocating type of compressor for mechanical engineering department.

1.4      OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT

The objectives of the project are:

1. To design the components required for this
2. To design the machine that is cost effective and easy to handle.

• To overcome the low efficiency seen in other types of compressors.

1.5      SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

Its process of operation is faster and reliable. Air is a free gift of nature which is used as the working fluid and in essence, it saves cost. They are also capable of giving large pressure ration.

1.6                  SCOPE / LIMITATION OF PROJECT

The scope of this work covers fabricating a reciprocating type of a compressor. The mechanism of the machine can be used to convert any rotational input to a translational output motion.

In this study, a reciprocating compressor with cylinder length = 57mm, piston diameter of 60mm and cylinder diameter of 80mm was fabricated.

1.7                    APPLICATIONS OF RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR

Reciprocating compressor used to produce high-pressure gas output. Reciprocating compressor is mainly used in the refrigeration cycle. It is widely used in oil refineries, gas pipelines, natural gas processing plants, chemical plants, etc. it is also used in blowing of the plastic bottle.

1.8   ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR

Advantages

• Used to produce high-pressure gas.
• It can compress gases and refrigerant of a wide range of molecular density.
• High efficiency and flexibility.
• Cheap and rugged design.

Disadvantages

• One of the drawbacks of the reciprocating compressor is that it cannot self-regulate its capacity against a given output pressure, it will continue displacing the gas until told not to do.
• The size of compressor is very large for a given capacity.
• Part of the work input is lost due to frictional resistance between the piston and cylinder.
• Pulsating of fluid flow. The operation can be made smooth by using a flywheel.
• High vibration and noise.

Piston rings and valves are extremely sensitive to the dirt present in the fluid.

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1      CONCLUSION

After the design and fabrication of the air receiver tank, it was tested and was found okay with no sign or chances for leakage. He was also noted that it will last long while storing compressed air.

Although, we had some challenges in detecting the kind of material to be used and that will enhance durability while considering cost.

5.2      RECOMMENDATION

We recommend that the reciprocating compressor should be maintained and every precautionary action or measure as pertaining it usage should not be neglected. With the above adhered, we will enjoy the comfort and pleasure that is derived from its operation.