Mapua University

School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

ME144L-2

Mechanical Engineering Laboratory 2

Experiment #2

AIR COMPRESSOR

Cordova, Martin Sydney V. Date Performed: Sept 7, 2023

2021101326 Date Submitted: Sept 14, 2023

ME144L-2/B20

Group 1

Engr. Teodule A. Valle

Professor
 Table of Contents
Objectives 1

Theories and Principles 1

List of Apparatus 1

Procedures 4

Set-up of Apparatus 6

Final Data Sheet 8

Computation 9

Test Data Analysis 11

Question with answers / Problem with solution 12

Conclusion 13

References 14

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OBJECTIVES

 To be acquainted with an air compressor

 To determine the amount of air compressed and delivered.
 To determine the indicated power
 To determine the efficiency of the air compressor

THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES

This experiment covers a performance test on a reciprocating-piston compressor or a
rotary- type machine that operates on the positive-displacement principle. Such machines are
characterized by a pulsating or intermittent delivery of air compression. The main purpose of an
air compressor test may be accomplished through the measurement of but three quantities:
a) The amount of air compressed and delivered per unit time.
b) The pressure difference between intake and discharge
c) The power required by the machinery.
The principal dimensions and the speed of the machine would, of course, be recorded also,
together with certain data on the performance of the driving element (steam or gas engine or
electric motor). The taking of certain additional data may be required by the purpose of the test
when the object relates to the fulfillment of a guarantee. But the accurate determination of even
the three primary quantities mentioned above involves two of the most difficult of mechanical
measurements, ie., quantity measurement of a compressible and non-condensable fluid and the
measurement of power input to a machine.
The measurement of the power required usually involves the application of an indicator to
the compressor cylinders and compressor cylinders if the drive is steam, gas, or oil engine. It
may involve the use of a calibrated or cradle-mounted electric motor or of a transmission
dynamometer.

LIST OF APPARATUS

1. Air Compressor 2-stage - A type of air compressor that compresses air in two stages for
higher pressures and increased efficiency.

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2. Electric motor 3-stage - An electric motor with three stages of operation, typically used to
power machinery and equipment.

3. Belt and pulley - A mechanical system consisting of a belt connected to pulleys, used to
transmit power and motion between rotating shafts.

4. Water Manometer - A device used to measure the pressure of gas or air by comparing it to
the height of a column of water.

5. Pilot Tube - A small tube used to measure gas flow velocity or pressure in ducts or pipes.

6. Thermometer - An instrument used to measure temperature.

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7. Tachometer - A device used to measure the rotational speed or velocity of a motor or
shaft.

8. Amprobe - A brand of clamp meter used to measure electrical current in a conductor.

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9. Stopwatch - A portable timekeeping device used to measure the duration of an event.

10. Steel tape - A measuring tape made of steel, typically used for taking linear
measurements in construction or surveying.

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PROCEDURE

1. Measure the diameter of the nozzle.

2. Determine the existing barometric pressure.
3. Start the motor of the compressor with the discharge valve closed first so that compressed
air will enter the tank receiver.
4. Then open the discharge slowly and throttle the valve until desires pressure is maintained.
5. For five minutes duration, start the trial by placing the Pitot tube connected to water
manometer inside the nozzle so that the velocity head can be obtained.
6. Then measure the speed of the compressor using a tachometer and the current as well
using the amprobe.
7. Before the trial ends, measure the suction temperature of air.
8. Determine all the requirements needed to complete the data sheet.

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SETUP OF APPARATUS

6
The Air Compressor of Mapua University

Getting the temperature

7
Usage of the tachometer

Usage of the Amprobe

8
FINAL DATA SHEET

Item 1 2
Duration of Run, min 1 1
Compressor Pressure 95 95
Discharge, psig
Temperature of intake, F 102.2 103.1
Temperature of discharge, F
Speed, rpm 400 400
Size of Nozzle, in 7/8
Velocity Head, in H2O 1/8 1/8
Velocity of Air, ft/sec 24.34 24.36
Current, amp 8.4 7.35
Free Air Delivered, ft3/min 0.1016 0.1017
−4 −4
Mass flow rate lbs/min 7.31∗10 7.30∗10
Indicated Power, HP 0.88 0.9
Work LP, Hp 0.44 0.44
Work HP, Hp 0.44 0.49
Compressor Efficiency, % 33.75% 40.53%
Overall Efficiency, % 25.77% 31.00%

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SAMPLE COMPUTATIONS

Pair 1=14.7
lbf
¿
1
¿ ¿ ¿h air 1= ∈¿V air 1=√ 2 g h air 1= 2
8
32.17 ft
s
2
√(
( 9.205 ft )=24.34
ft
s )
( )( )
3
' π 2 π lbm ft −4
Q 1=V 1 1= d ( V air 1 ) = ¿¿ m1=Pair 1V '1 1= 0.0706 3 0.102 =7.31∗10
4 4 ft s

[( ) ]
n−1
I P1= ( )2n
n−1
( P1V 1 1)
' PD
PS
2n
−1

( )(( )( )( ))[( ) ]
2 3 1.3−1
2 ( 1.3 ) lb in ft 95+14.7
¿ 14.7 2
144 2 0.1016 2 ( 1.3 ) −1
1.3−1 in ft s 14.7

( ) [( ) ]
lbft 1 hp h−1
¿ 486.600
s
550
lbf
s
=0.88 HP
W LP 1=
n
n−1
( P1V 11)
'
( )
P2
P1
h
−1

[( ] ( )
lbft 1hp
)
1.3−1
√14.7∗( 95+ 14.7 ) ¿ 243.300 =0.44 HP
¿ (
1.3
1.3−1 )
( ( 14.7 ) ( 0.1016 ) )
14.7
1.3
−1 s
550
lbf
s

[( ) ] ( ) [( ) ]
h−1 1.3 −1
W HP 1=
n
n−1
( ( )
P1 V 1 1 )
' P4
P3
h
−1 ¿
1.3
1.3−1
( ( 14.7 ) ( 0.1016 ) ) 95+14.7
√( 14.7 )( 95 +14.7 )
1.3
−1

( )
lbft 1hp
¿ 243.300 =0.44 HP
s lbf
550
s
Pinput =√ 3 ElPF= √3 ( 220 V ) ( 8.4 A ) ( 0.8 ) =2560.66 W ( 7461 hpW )=3.43 HP
MS P 1=ηmotor −Pinput 1=( 0.85 )( 3.43 HP )=2.91 HP
CS P1=ηtrans MSP 1=( 0.9 )( 2.91 HP )=2.62 HP
I P1 0.88
η comp 1= = =33.75 %
CS P1 2.62
I P1 0.88
ηOA 1= = =25.77 %
Pinput 1 3.43

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TEST DATA ANALYSIS

In this experiment the procedures were followed carefully, and we obtained two sets of

data, both with sample given. We did the experiment and was able to gather the data we needed

to complete the table. Using the formula shown to us, we solved and derived with the answers

shown in the sample computations. We did the experiment 2 times, both having different results

and to get the results of the 2 nd trial of the experiment, we can just apply the formula used in the

1st trial of the experiment. As we change the system's output, we also see a link between the

discharge pressure and the input power. The first difference I observe is in the power needed to

generate the requisite pressure; as pressure rises, so does the input demand, raising the necessary

current. It is evident that a higher compressor discharge requires a larger compressor power to

generate it. Additionally, the temperature often rises as the pressure does. The precision of the

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measurement of the compressor shaft's speed determines a great deal of the air and free air

delivery's velocity.

QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS / PROBLEM WITH SOLUTION

1. What is an air compressor?

- It is a mechanical device that transforms power, usually from an internal combustion

engine or electric motor, into the potential energy contained in compressed air.

2. How does an air compressor work?

- Air is drawn in from the atmosphere and compressed to a greater pressure using air

compressors. To compress the air, the procedure commonly uses a piston-cylinder

mechanism in which the piston travels inside the cylinder. A vacuum is created when

the piston descends, drawing air into the cylinder. The air is compressed, and its

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 pressure is raised as the piston rises. After that, the compressed air is kept in a tank

for future use.

3. What are the uses of an air compressor?

- They are frequently used to power pneumatic instruments including air drills,

sprayers, and impact wrenches. Additionally, they are utilized to operate pneumatic

equipment, inflate tires, deliver compressed air for industrial activities like painting

and sandblasting, and supply air for HVAC and air suspension systems.

4. What are the different types of air compressors?

- There are several types of air compressors, including reciprocating or piston

compressors, rotary screw compressors, centrifugal compressors, and scroll

compressors.

5. What are the parts of an air compressor?

- An air compressor consists of a compressor pump, a motor or engine, an air tank, a

pressure switch, pressure relief valve, an air filter, regulator, cooling system, and

gauges and controls.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the air compressor experiment revealed useful information about how they

work and the range of uses they have, notably in mechanical engineering. We now have a better

grasp of how air compressors produce and store compressed air because to our study of the

components and the concepts underlying their operation. The experiment made clear how crucial

it is to collect information on variables like required pressure, airflow capacity, and energy

efficiency. Overall, this experiment has advanced our understanding of air compressors and their

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critical function in driving mechanical processes, operating tools, and powering pneumatic

systems in many technical and industrial contexts.

REFERENCES

https://www.quincycompressor.com/how-do-air-compressors-work/
https://www.jetir.org/view?paper=JETIR1804007
https://www.compresstech.com.ph/2020/03/23/rotary-air-compressor-parts-how-they-work/
https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/air-compressor/industrial-air-
compressors.html#:~:text=They%20are%20used%20to%20power,construction%20uses%20an
%20air%20compressor.
https://www.atlascopco.com/en-ph/compressors/wiki/compressed-air-articles/displacement-and-
dynamic-compression

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