Reciprocating compressors

Reciprocating compressors belong to the category of one of the first types of compressor units that have become widely in demand on the market. The possibility of intensive operation with significant volumes of productivity, ease of use and high performance make it possible to use an air piston compressor both in small industries and in large industrial facilities.

Piston compression units are volumetric mechanisms equipped with a special piston compression system. This equipment is designed to compress and supply air masses under high pressure.

The design and principle of operation of reciprocating compressors

The design and operating principle of compressors of this type may vary depending on the type of specific equipment. Thus, reciprocating compressors can vary:

• The number of working cylinders (single, double, multi-cylinder),
• The way the cylinders are arranged (inline, V-, W-shaped),
• The number of stages of compression of air masses in the equipment (single-stage, multi-stage).

Nevertheless, regardless of their own type, piston installations differ in basic equipment, which is typical for all these devices. Single-cylinder models are considered the simplest in execution.

The principle of operation of a reciprocating compressor unit is quite simple. The classic compressor consists of:

• Housings (usually made of cast iron),
• Cylinder (can be positioned at an angle, vertically or horizontally),
• The piston,
• Valves.

To communicate the reciprocating movements to the piston, a crank mechanism connected to the crankshaft begins to work. The working piston starts moving from the direct drive of the crank mechanism. During reciprocating movements, the piston compresses the air received from the atmosphere, after which it pushes it into the place of the connected main line.

One revolution of the shaft occurs, often, in 2 strokes of the piston. When the piston is moved to the right, a vacuum appears in the condenser directly above the piston space. Significantly exceeding the resistance of the spring, the closing valve, which performs the functions of suction, opens it, entering through the suction pipe into the cylinder.

The return action of the piston provokes compression of air masses and an increase in air pressure. The discharge valve, held by a spring, is opened by means of a high-pressure air flow. Then the compressed air moves into the discharge pipe. Note that an industrial reciprocating compressor can be powered by an electric motor or an autonomous motor (gasoline or diesel).

The scope of use of reciprocating compressors

Reciprocating compressors are in high demand in the modern market. This fact is due to the considerable number of advantages of this type of equipment. Modern piston installations are actively used in a wide variety of industries and in everyday life. Piston-type compressor stations can operate in:

• Textile production,
• Engineering and steel industries,
• The composition of refrigeration, cryogenic and hydraulic systems,
• Military facilities,
• As components of power plants.

If we talk about low-power models intended for private use, they can be used for sandblasting parts, painting walls, cars, pumping tires, etc.

The main advantages of reciprocating compressors

The main advantages of reciprocating compressors include the following features:

• Low price (the final cost of reciprocating compressors depends on their power and performance indicators),
• Simple design,
• Long service life,
• Maintainability,
• Cost-effectiveness,
• Quite high performance,
• The ability of application for the organization of the process of compression of aggressive gases,
• The ability to maintain low performance at a single, static level.

Buy reciprocating compressors from Salutech

Our company offers to buy a piston compressor in Moscow at an adequate cost. The range includes a huge number of different models of this equipment. We cooperate with leading foreign and domestic manufacturers. All products have the appropriate quality certificates and are complemented by a long-term warranty. It is possible to provide advice in the process of choosing a product.