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Technology, Service, Parts & Maintenance

Pop Quiz! Test Your Compressor Knowledge – Answers

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Last week we put your knowledge to the test with our pop quiz. Grab your answer sheet and check your responses with those from our Atlas Copco experts.

1. To offer pressures higher than standard 100 psig in a fixed speed, direct coupled drive air compressor (in which the motor shaft is directly connected to the male rotor shaft), the compressor element must be…

    1. Larger in diameter
    2. Longer in length
    3. Chrome plated

Answer: B – A longer rotor will help get higher pressures because it prevents air from flowing back into the inlet. These are also known as volumetric losses.

2. The most important criteria for selecting large air compressors are…

    1. Reliability, price and quality
    2. Price, energy efficiency and quality
    3. Energy efficiency, quality and reliability

Answer: C – While initial price may play a part in a compressor purchase, operators should always look at the reliability, quality and energy efficiency of a machine. Even with a higher initial cost, compressors that are high quality tend to be reliable, leading to less down time and maintenance costs. These savings, coupled with money saved from energy efficiency, can more than offset the initial capital investment.

3. Approximately what percent of compressed air is lost due to leaks?

    1. 25%
    2. 30%
    3. 35%

Answer: A – Compressor systems can lose up to 25% of energy due to leaks. This can really add up throughout the year, and the compounded cost can be detrimental to your bottom line. Check out some tips on how to prevent and fix leaks to avoid this pricey problem.

4. When sizing air receivers, it’s best to choose a receiver with a capacity ___________ the flow demand for 1 minute.

    1. Smaller than
    2. Larger than
    3. Equal to the

Answer: B – When in doubt, always chose an air receiver that is larger than your flow demand. Choosing an air receiver that is smaller than the flow doesn’t make sense, because you will not have the necessary air to meet the needs of your system or end use. An air receiver with a capacity equal to demand isn’t a bad idea, but applications with variable demand may experience an increase in demand that the air receiver cannot accommodate.

5. What is hybrid compression system technology?

Answer: Hybrid technology is a combination of oil-free screw VSD and oil-free centrifugal compression. It uses the benefits of both the compression technologies to help obtain optimum compressed air usage and reduce the overall operating cost of the compressed air system. Centrifugal compressors are best for base load applications, so combining them with variable speed drive screw compressors offers larger turndown to address plant air demand.

6. What is the impact of the heat exchanger’s approach temperature in air compressors?

Answer: A lower approach temperature equates to lower compressed air discharge temperatures. This can help with sizing the compressed air dryer. When the inlet temperature to the dryer is low, a smaller dryer can be selected, reducing losses and improving energy efficiency.

7. What is the best type of compression technology?

Answer: That depends entirely on your compressed air needs. There are various technologies available in the market such as screw, piston, scroll, tooth, vane and centrifugal compression. Each offers its own advantages, so your selection should depend on the application and flow demand. It is important that your selected technology can meet flow demand with the best specific energy and lowest overall operating cost.

How did you do? Let us know in the comments below.

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