The Theory of Spring-Loaded Valves for Reciprocating Compressors

Abstract

Abstract The inlet and discharge processes of a reciprocating compressor equipped with spring-loaded valves of the automatic type have been analyzed to determine the effects of the main design variables on performance. The most important criterion is found to be a parameter involving effective flow area through the valves and piston speed. Valve dynamics is a secondary consideration. For optimum valve dynamics, the valve would have no weight and a very small spring constant, giving an infinite natural frequency of the valve system. If certain valve characteristics are known (or measured by static-flow test), the performance of a compressor using these valves can be predicted with fair accuracy.