Class 2 (2nd Engineer) MEKG 📅 Nov 2024

Exam Question

(a) Explain the necessity of intercooler on a multi-stage compressor. What attention is required to keep them safe and good working order? Sketch and describe an intercooler suitable for a 2-stage compressor and state materials used. (8)

(b) What attention is needed before opening up an air compressor for inspection? (4)

Reference Answer

### (a) Intercoolers in Multi-Stage Compressors
#### Necessity of Intercoolers
Intercoolers are heat exchangers placed between the stages of a multi-stage compressor. Their primary function is to remove the heat of compression from the air after it leaves a lower stage and before it enters the next higher stage. This process, known as intercooling, is essential for the following reasons:
* **Reduction of Work of Compression**: According to Charles's Law, the volume of a gas is proportional to its absolute temperature at constant pressure. By cooling the air, its volume is reduced. Compressing this cooler, denser air in the subsequent stage requires significantly less work. This energy saving is a primary economic justification for multi-stage compression.

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