How Natural Gas Compressors Work - An Overview

1. How Natural Gas Compressors Work - An Overview Natural Gas compressors are straightforward, gasoline-powered air compression systems with several important components. To understand how natural gas air compressors work, we need to understand the components that are working together. It has two main components: An air end and a gas engine. The air end is a part of the air compressor that compresses air. It draws atmospheric air into the compression chamber, where it is then forced into a compact space. It’s this act of forcing air molecules closer together that compresses air. It includes rotors and a rotor housing in rotary screw air compressor designs, and pistons in reciprocating air compressor designs. While the air ends do the compressing, they need a power source to move. This is where the gas engine comes in. Gas engines convert gasoline into motion, forcing the air end to move and consequently compress air. Intake Stroke During the intake stroke, the intake valve opens and allows fuel and air into the compression chamber. A carburetor controls the amount of fuel and air released, ensuring the right mix enters the system. While this happens, the piston lowers, creating a natural vacuum that sucks the mixed fuel and air into the cylinder. The piston is at its lowest point to make space for the air and fuel. Compression Stroke As the compressor stroke begins, the inlet valve closes. The piston then compresses the fuel and air mixture within the engine cylinder, by reducing the amount of space available within the cylinder. At the end of the compression stroke, when the mixture is in its most condensed state, a spark plug produces a spark. Power Stroke / Expansion Stroke The spark ignites the mixture, resulting in combustion. This miniature explosion pushes the piston to the bottom of the cylinder. Combustion transforms fuel energy into mechanical energy, which powers the air compressor system.

2. Exhaust Stroke Exhaust is a natural by-product of the combustion and needs to be removed from the cylinder. During the exhaust stroke, the exhaust valve opens, and the piston pushes the exhaust out of the engine. Cooling When air is compressed, it naturally generates a lot of heat and cooling is necessary for all air compressors. There are several common air compressor cooling methods available, including natural air convection, liquid cooling, air- to-liquid heat exchanging, and liquid-to-liquid heat exchanging. However, gas air compressors tend to use one of two cooling methods. Reciprocating gas air compressors typically use natural air convection, with cooling fins that help keep the air compressor cool. Meanwhile, gas air compressors with rotary screws typically use an air-to-liquid heat exchanger. Oil Filtering Most rotary screw gas air compressors are oil-injected, relying on oil to lubricate the system. However, this oil must be filtered and separated from the air before the air exits the system. Oil filters are used to filter out particulates, such as dust, dirt and material from wear and tear, in the compressor oil. Filtering these contaminants prevents them from being recirculated through the compressor system, which extends compressor life. Gainwell India is the leading provider of affordable, high-quality, gas compressors that are reliable, easy to use and maintain, and backed by responsive support.