40 Questions
Why is leakage of compressed gases around the shaft of a compressor considered detrimental?
It results in energy wastage
Where are labyrinth seals typically used?
In air compressors where some gas leakage is acceptable
What is a characteristic feature of labyrinth seals that makes them effective at preventing gas leakage?
They present an intricate path for escaping gases
How are carbon ring seals different from labyrinth seals?
They wear considerably due to the near zero clearance design
Why can the entire seal assembly of carbon ring seals be removed from the compressor?
To replace broken segments or worn seals
What type of seal creates a thin liquid film between the seal and the rotating shaft?
Liquid film seal
Why is it important to cool the air in between compression stages and after the last stage?
To remove water and oil vapours
What could happen if oil vapour is not condensed and removed from the compressed air?
It could ignite and explode in pipes and reservoirs
How do intercoolers contribute to the compression process?
By decreasing the power needed for compression
What type of aftercooler is typically used when the compressor itself is air-cooled?
Air-cooled
What purpose does the cyclone separator serve in relation to the aftercooler?
To remove moisture and particles from the air stream
Which of the following is a role of adsorbents in an air dryer system?
Attracting moisture from the air volume
What is one potential consequence of moist control air in instrumentation lines?
Risk of plugging nozzles in controllers and positioners
Why is it crucial to have separators installed close to aftercoolers?
To remove condensed moisture and particles
What is a primary function of an air dryer filled with adsorbents like silica gel in an air dryer system?
Attracting moisture via a condensation process
What is the purpose of regenerating the adsorbent in air dryers?
To drive off the adsorbed moisture by evaporation
Why are absorbents not commonly used in air dryers?
Absorbents add significant pressure loss to the system
What is the function of an air receiver in a compressed air system?
To reduce pulsations in the discharge pressure of a reciprocating compressor
Why should safety valves in air receivers be tested regularly?
To ensure they are functioning correctly
What can result from overpressure conditions in an air receiver?
Rupture of piping or equipment
Why are check valves used in a compressed air distribution system?
To prevent high-pressure air backflow
How do refrigerated air dryers work to remove moisture from compressed air?
By cooling and condensing the water vapors
What is one of the functions of an air-to-air heat exchanger in a refrigerated air dryer system?
To warm up the outgoing dry compressed air
Which of the following is NOT typically a component of an air receiver?
An intercooler
What is a crucial reason for keeping safety valves in an air receiver properly maintained?
To ensure proper operation and prevent overpressure conditions in the system
What is the purpose of the oil injected between the rings in a seal?
To prevent wear and heat generation
Why are mechanical seals preferred over labyrinth or carbon ring seals?
They provide better sealing capabilities
In what type of compressors are oil-free packing ring seals commonly used?
Reciprocating gas compressors
What is a characteristic of dry gas seals compared to other seal types?
They use sealing or separation gas
Why are tandem dry gas seals used with flammable and toxic gases?
To prevent leakage into the atmosphere
Which type of bearing material is typically used in smaller compressors?
Bronze
How are compressor bearings lubricated in the splash system?
By splashing oil from the bottom part of the crankcase
Which type of compressor does not require internal lubrication?
Centrifugal compressors
What is the purpose of an intercooler in a compressor system?
To cool the gas before compression
In reciprocating compressors, how is cylinder lubrication mainly provided?
By splash lubrication
What is the function of the pressure relief valve in a compressor?
To prevent overpressure in the discharge line
Why do some applications, like in food processing and medical industries, require oil-free compressors?
To ensure compressed air quality
For small single-acting reciprocating compressors, what lubrication system is frequently used?
Splash system
What part of a compressor system is responsible for removing some heat of compression after the first stage?
Intercooler
How is lubricating oil delivered to the cylinder walls in reciprocating compressors?
By mechanical lubricator
Learn about internal and external lubrication methods for compressors, including how external lubrication is used for moving parts outside of the compressor cylinder or casing. Discover the components involved in external lubrication, such as crankshaft bearings and rotor shaft bearings.
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