Exam Question
Explain how sluggish action of the suction and delivery valves reduces the volumetric efficiency of an air compressor. (16)
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
MEKM
📅 Jul 2024
Reference Answer
The volumetric efficiency of an air compressor is a critical performance parameter, representing the ratio of the actual volume of air drawn into the cylinder per stroke (and subsequently delivered at specified standard conditions) to the theoretical swept volume of the piston. Sluggish action of the suction and delivery valves significantly diminishes this efficiency by hindering the free flow of air, causing pressure losses, and increasing the effective clearance volume.
### 1. Definition of Volumetric Efficiency
Volumetric efficiency (η_v) is defined as:
$$ \eta_v = \frac{\text{Actual volume of air drawn into cylinder per stroke (at suction conditions)}}{\text{Piston swept volume}} \times 100\% $$
### 1. Definition of Volumetric Efficiency
Volumetric efficiency (η_v) is defined as:
$$ \eta_v = \frac{\text{Actual volume of air drawn into cylinder per stroke (at suction conditions)}}{\text{Piston swept volume}} \times 100\% $$
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