Process Plant Layout, 2nd Edition

Chapter 32

Compressors

Abstract

Compressors are basically pumps for gases. Generally the strengths and weaknesses of rotodynamic and positive displacement pumps are shared by their compressor counterparts. There are, however, more safety concerns with compressors than pumps, as the compressibility of gases means that they can carry much more energy, so the consequences of containment failure can be far more serious. As with liquid pumps, compressors also fall into three basic types: momentum, rotodynamic, and positive displacement.

Keywords

Compressor; momentum; centrifugal; positive displacement; reciprocating; rotary

32.1 General

Compressors are basically pumps for gases. Generally, the strengths and weaknesses of liquid pump types ...