Reciprocating Compressor Experiment.

In summary, the conversation discusses an experiment to find the volumetric efficiency of a reciprocating compressor. The value of n is found to be close to 1, making the process isothermal. However, the temperature in the receiver changes by about 3K, raising the question of whether this is still considered an isothermal process. It is suggested to compute the difference between n and 1 to determine if the temperature change is within a consistent range. The person inquiring is new to this module and may need more time to understand the concept.
  • #1
SherlockOhms
310
0
So, I've recently carried out an experiment to find the volumetric efficiency of a singular reciprocating compressor. During the experiment, there are sub questions asking you to find the value of n and then whether the process is isothermal, poly tropic or adiabatic. Well, n is found to be very close to 1 so the process is isothermal. However, the temperature in the receiver (where the compressed gas is stored) does change by about 3K from t= 0s until t = 180s (when the compressor switches off). Why is that? And, is this therefore not an isothermal process? Or, am I just not properly understanding what's happening? Thanks.
 
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  • #2
From the information posted, it is not possible to tell whether the temperature change observed is small enough to be consistent with the measured difference between n and 1. You could try to compute that.
 
  • #3
haruspex said:
From the information posted, it is not possible to tell whether the temperature change observed is small enough to be consistent with the measured difference between n (η?) and 1. You could try to compute that.

The difference between n and 1? Well, the average value of n was found to be 1.034. So, the difference between n and 1 is 0.034. Is this what you're asking? I may have misunderstood.
 
  • #4
SherlockOhms said:
The difference between n and 1? Well, the average value of n was found to be 1.034. So, the difference between n and 1 is 0.034. Is this what you're asking? I may have misunderstood.
Yes, that's what I was asking, but the next step is to determine whether the observed rise in temperature is within the range consistent with that n.
 
  • #5
haruspex said:
Yes, that's what I was asking, but the next step is to determine whether the observed rise in temperature is within the range consistent with that n.

How do I go about doing that? Only just began this module 3 weeks back so apologies if I'm catching on a bit slowly.
 
  • #6
SherlockOhms said:
How do I go about doing that? Only just began this module 3 weeks back so apologies if I'm catching on a bit slowly.
Not my area, I'm afraid. I was just pointing out a possible explanation.
 
  • #7
No problem. Thanks for the help.
 

FAQ: Reciprocating Compressor Experiment.

1. What is a reciprocating compressor?

A reciprocating compressor is a type of positive displacement compressor that uses a piston to compress gases. It works by drawing in a gas on the intake stroke, trapping it in a closed space, and then reducing the volume of that space to compress the gas.

2. How does a reciprocating compressor work?

A reciprocating compressor works by using a piston and cylinder to compress gas. When the piston moves down, it creates a vacuum that draws in gas. As the piston moves up, the gas is compressed and pushed out of the cylinder.

3. What are the applications of a reciprocating compressor?

Reciprocating compressors are commonly used in industrial settings to compress gases for various purposes such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and natural gas processing. They are also used in automotive engines and small appliances.

4. What are the advantages of using a reciprocating compressor?

The main advantage of using a reciprocating compressor is its ability to handle high pressures and compress gases to a high degree. It is also relatively simple in design and easy to maintain, making it a cost-effective option for many industries.

5. What factors affect the performance of a reciprocating compressor?

The performance of a reciprocating compressor can be affected by factors such as the type of gas being compressed, the speed of the piston, the clearance between the piston and cylinder, and the temperature of the gas. Other factors such as lubrication, wear and tear, and maintenance can also impact its performance.

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