A compressor is a mechanical device like a pump that is used in various different applications. Find out here what a compressor does and what its different types are.

Types of Compressors

Rotary: Compressors of the rotary type are generally low capacity equipment, used normally in home refrigerators and freezers, and not used for air conditioning. These compressors can consist of one vane, which is placed in the body, and sealed against the rotor, or multivane rotary, with vanes located in the rotor.

Centrifugal Compressors: These compressors revolve at high speed, and refrigerant is compressed by the application of centrifugal force. These compressors are normally used with refrigerants possessing higher specific volumes, which need lower compression ratios. Multi-stage units can be used to attain greater discharge pressures, and the number of stages is determined by the discharge temperature of the gas as it exits from the rotor. These compressors are utilized for water chilling in air conditioning and for low temperature freezing purposes.

Reciprocating Compressor: These compressors have pistons, and move in cylinders. Types of reciprocating compressors are:

Open Compressors: One extremity of the crankshaft is drawn out of the crankcase, due to which multiple drives can be used with the compressor. A mechanical seal is used to check external seepage of refrigerant and oil, and escape of air towards the inside. These compressors are driven by electric motors or internal combustion engines. With belt drive, changes in speed are achieved by altering the dimensions of the pulleys, while with direct drive units the compressor is planned to operate at the speed of motor.
Hermetic Compressors: These compressors are serviceable hermetic, in which motor and compressor are enclosed in the same housing, while the welded hermetic type has the compressor and motor sealed in a welded steel shell.