Explain construction and working of single stage reciprocating air compressor with neat sketch. Also represent it on P-V diagram.
In single stage reciprocating air compressor, the entire compression is carried out in a single cylinder. The opening & closing of a simple check valve (plate or spring valve) depends upon the difference in pressure, if mechanically operated valves are used for suction & discharge then their functioning is controlled by cams. The weight of air in the cylinder will be zero when the piston is at top dead centre. At this position, you have to neglect clearance volume. When piston starts moving downwards, the pressure inside the cylinder falls below atmospheric pressure& suction valve/inlet valve opens. The air is drawn into the cylinder through a suction filter element. This operation is known as suction stroke. When the piston moves upwards, compresses the air in cylinder & inlet valve closes when the pressure reaches atmospheric pressure. Further compression follows as the piston moves towards the top of its stroke. Until when the pressure in the cylinder exceeds that in the receiver. This is compression stroke of a compressor. At the end of this stroke discharge/delivery valve opens & air is delivered to a receiver
