Industrial compressors are in use in many different applications. They sit on top of structures and work inside cooling facilities. They are components in many different industries. Over the years, manufacturing companies have developed various types of compressors. They can be classified as hermetic (completely sealed in their casing), semi-hermetic (partially sealed) and open.
Another more common way of categorizing compressors indicates their actions as well as their prominent refrigeration compressor parts. As a result, compressors are usually regarded accordingly:
- Centrifugal – Known for being oil-free
- Reciprocating – Major component is a piston
- Rotary or Helirotor– Utilizes a rotary device includes two subcategories: screw and scroll
- Rotary Vane
- Screw – Operates with the use of two screws or rotors
- Scroll – Utilizes a pair of scrolls. One is attached to the motor. It is a rotary-type compressor
- Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Preference for one type over the other tends to be the result of a combination of factors such as habit, personal taste, application requirements, environmental setting and budget.
Different Refrigeration Compressor Parts
With different compressors in the market, it is essential to understand not only the Company that makes the compressor but also the specific type. While it is true Danfoss Turbocor only produces centrifugal compressors, other companies, such as York, manufacture both reciprocating and screw types of compressors. Below is a list of basic parts for each simplified type of refrigeration compressor.
Centrifugal Compressor: This type of compressor possesses four basic components:
- Inlet
- Impeller/Rotor
- Diffuser
- Collector
Reciprocating Compressor: The essential components of this type of volumetric compression system are:
- Pistons
- Cylinders
- Suction valves
- Discharge valve
Rotary Vane Compressor: The basic parts of this type of rotary compressor are:
- Cylindrical casing
- Rotor
Screw Compressor: Operates with the use of two screws or rotors. It has lobes, but the main component is the two intermeshing screws.
Scroll Compressor: A scroll compressor has two major parts. These are:
- Fixed scroll
- Rotating scroll
Refrigeration Compressor Parts
Refrigeration systems cannot function without a proper working compressor. This is true no matter what type of industrial purpose compressor is employed. If it is faulty, or the refrigeration compressor parts are malfunctioning, the result will be an inefficient, ineffective refrigeration system. Regular maintenance, an annual inspection, accurate records, an understanding of the system, and how it works, and the replacement of parts whenever dictated or necessary is one way to ensure the compressor will continue to function optimally.
