How oil screw compressors work | Complete guide to components and working Animation Atlas copco

Summary

This video delves into the workings of an oil-injected screw compressor, explaining its components, history, and operation. Viewers will learn about key parts such as the screw element, oil filter, and separator, as well as the compressor's function in compressing air by reducing its volume and increasing pressure. The video outlines each stage of the process, from air intake to cooling and oil separation, ensuring efficient performance. It also highlights the importance of proper maintenance and troubleshooting for optimal operation. Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of common compressor issues and preventive measures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Compressors have evolved from ancient roots, such as Greek bellows, to modern, advanced machines used in various applications.
• 😀 A compressor works by reducing air volume to increase pressure, which helps in efficiently storing and using compressed air.
• 😀 Key components of a compressor include the screw element, oil filter, oil separator, cooler, and various valves.
• 😀 The screw element plays a critical role in compressing air by rotating to reduce its volume, which increases pressure.
• 😀 Oil is injected into the compression chamber to cool the compressed air and lubricate the screws, reducing friction.
• 😀 The oil separator uses centrifugal action to separate oil from the compressed air, ensuring clean air is produced.
• 😀 The minimum pressure valve helps maintain a certain pressure, which is crucial for efficient oil separation and circulation.
• 😀 The air heat exchanger cools the compressed air before it exits the compressor for storage or use.
• 😀 The oil filter cleans the oil before it is recirculated back into the system, ensuring the compressor remains well-lubricated and efficient.
• 😀 The thermostatic valve controls whether oil bypasses the cooler or goes through it, depending on the temperature of the oil.
• 😀 Preventive maintenance is essential to keep compressors running smoothly, including managing alarms and troubleshooting problems.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of a compressor?

A compressor reduces the volume of air to increase its pressure, enabling it to be used in various applications.

What are the key components of a screw compressor?

The key components of a screw compressor include the screw element, oil filter, oil separator, cooler, and the drive unit, among others.

How does the compressor work to compress air?

The compressor works by rotating screw elements that reduce the volume of air, thereby increasing its pressure inside the chamber.

Why is oil injected into the compression chamber of a screw compressor?

Oil is injected into the compression chamber to cool the compressed air and lubricate the screws, reducing friction and improving sealing efficiency.

What is the role of the oil separator in a screw compressor?

The oil separator separates the oil from the compressed air using centrifugal action, ensuring that the compressed air is clean before being sent to its next stage.

What does the minimum pressure valve do in a screw compressor?

The minimum pressure valve ensures that a certain pressure is maintained, which is crucial for efficient oil separation and proper circulation of oil within the system.

How does the air heat exchanger improve compressor efficiency?

The air heat exchanger cools the compressed air and oil before they exit the compressor, enhancing overall system efficiency by reducing the temperature of the compressed air.

What function does the thermostatic valve serve in a screw compressor?

The thermostatic valve regulates whether oil bypasses the cooler or passes through it, based on the oil's temperature, optimizing the cooling process.

How does the oil flow through the system to ensure cleanliness?

The oil flows through an oil filter where it is cleaned before being recirculated into the system to maintain efficient lubrication and system operation.

What historical roots do compressors have?

Compressors trace their roots back to ancient Greece, where bellows were used in blacksmithing to create airflow for stoking fires, which evolved into the advanced machines we use today.