You will find reciprocating compressors in several large-scale industrial plants like natural gas plants, oil refineries, or chemical plants. This equipment includes a gas chamber, cylinder, piston and it release highly compressed gas. This equipment is used in multiple mechanical applications. The reciprocating compressors have a robust design, and they are highly energy efficient. In this equipment, the pistons which are attached have to be moved in a reciprocating manner. This compresses the gas, which is then released outside under high pressure. This compressed air is used in many industrial applications.
Some interesting facts relating to reciprocating compressors are as follows:
1. These were the first compressors launched in the market for different industrial uses.
2. The reciprocating compressors are widely used in many industries (nearly 80% of the large-scale sector). These compressors are mainly designed for large-scale industries, and they are so designed that they can efficiently run even in a highly demanding environment.
3. During the compression process, heat is generated. When the air is compressed inside the reciprocating compressor, the air molecules are forced to a lesser space, which creates heat, pressure, and weight. This heat can be efficiently utilized to heat the building or power batteries.
4. The average noise level created by a reciprocating compressor is within the 40 dB to 92 dB limit. Furthermore, a double-piston compressor produces significantly less noise than a single-piston model of the reciprocating compressor. Any noise level above 85 dB is harmful for the health of human beings as it affects our eardrums and can lead to a spike in our blood pressure.
5. Reciprocating compressors are available in oil-free and oil-flooded varieties. Furthermore, these compressors are also available as base mounted, or tank mounted. This flexibility in design helps you with the challenges of space constraints for installing these compressors.
6. The reciprocating compressors can produce high-pressure without utilizing high energy. This makes this compressor extremely important for running those applications where you will need intermittent use along with high pressure.
The points shared in this article shows why reciprocating compressors are so essential and why they are widely used in large-scale industries.