Reciprocating Type Air Compressor

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Knowledge

Reciprocating Type Air Compressors consists of one or more cylinders with cranks, connecting rods and pistons. The inlet and outlet valves are of the automatic spring-loaded type. Large cylinders may be water cooled, but small ones are usually finned.

Air is drawn into the cylinder at slightly below atmospheric pressure, compressed to the required discharge pressure during part of the stroke, and finally discharged at outlet pressure. A small clearance volume is necessary. The cylinders may be single or double acting.