Choosing the Right Compressor Material: Which One Is Best for Your Needs?
Several industries make use of compressors in all forms. For instance, reciprocating compressors are positive displacement machines involving pistons that compel and displace elements within cylinders. However, when it comes to determining the right compressor material for you, it is another ball game entirely.
This article focuses on determining the right compressor for your needs based on a few factors.
Why It is Important to Choose the Right Compressor Material
Compressors are used for a wide variety of things, including air conditioners and refrigerators. Compressors in these household appliances require regular servicing and maintenance in order to prolong their lifespan. Regular servicing significantly reduces the likelihood of compressors failing suddenly or without warning.
But what if life gets in the way, and you neglect to give adequate care and attention to the compressor in your refrigerator or air conditioning system? These household appliances can also break down, seemingly without warning.
Here’s how to choose the right compressor materials to help fix these issues. But first, understanding how compression takes place is crucial, so look at the involvement of compression in the cooling and heating cycle in these machines.
The Cooling and Heating Cycle
When gases are compressed, it results in high temperatures. Decompressed gas results in low temperatures. This is the First Law of Thermodynamics. Refrigeration via compression of gases is primarily based on this all-important concept.
The coolant – usually a gas – travels through a compressor and undergoes compression. This increases the temperature of the gas, but it condenses and cools when the gas travels to the condenser.
However, without a metering device that helps drop the pressure, the last action will not occur. But when it does, the air is conditioned to the desired cooling temperature, and every perishable in your refrigerator stays fresh for a long time.
Determining the Right Compressor Material for Your Needs
There is a wide range of compressor materials, some of which will be highlighted in the next section. Some of these materials have their weaknesses and strengths. This can make it somewhat challenging to determine the right compressor material for your needs.
To bypass this challenge, seek the professional assistance of experts in this field. Specialists can advise or recommend the best compressor materials for your needs. This, of course, will be based on your system’s compression type.
For instance, let’s say your air conditioning system has taken a hit due to a faulty compressor. An HVAC specialist is in the best position to make recommendations. Taking their advice seriously and not with a pinch of salt is one of the guaranteed ways of ensuring the longevity of your air conditioning system.
Types of Compressor Material You May Need When Fixing Your Household Appliances
You may be confused when searching for compressor materials used in manufacturing components. However, here are the common types of compressor materials you should know:
- Carbon-PEEK
Carbon-PEEK – or carbon polyetheretherketone – is a compressor material reinforced with carbon fibers. This semi-crystalline high-performance thermoplastic material has an incredibly low coefficient of friction. The latter is a multiplying factor for determining specific attributes or properties.
Carbon-PEEK doesn’t break down or wear out easily, making it one of the most durable compressor materials today.
- PEEK
PEEK – or polyetheretherketone – is a material reinforced – up to 30 percent – with glass fibers for durability and strength. This highly durable material is an excellent choice for sterilizing medical devices, food contact surfaces, etc.
PEEK also has a low coefficient for superior thermal expansion. However, this compressor material mostly shines within a static compression system over a dynamic one.
- MT
MT – or Mid Temperature – is a gas-filled material that is mostly nylon. It has excellent heat resistance and strength, almost comparable to Carbon-PEEK. MT also possesses impressive durability and strength, just like its counterpart.
- Nylon
Nylon is also one of the most common materials used to manufacture various compressor valve components. But the nylon is usually reinforced with up to 30 percent glass fiber for durability and strength.
Moreover, this heat-stabilized and hydrolysis-resistant material is often lubricated. This ensures the refrigerant flows with zero obstructions while maintaining its physical properties for the most part as it undergoes various changes.
- Thermoplastic
Thermoplastic is one of the most common compressor materials used in a wide variety of industries. Thermoplastics are polymers that soften when heated, making them easy to mold in specific shapes. When cooled, the polymers harden, forming the solid shape of the component they were molded into.
The Most Vital Compressor Components You Should Know
Compressors generally comprise several components, all of which work together for seamless performance.
However, the compressor valve, which many consider the most crucial component, requires several vital parts for optimal functionality. Here are some of these compressor components, arranged in no particular order:
- Radius Rings
- Valve Plates
- Studs
- Center Bolts
- Ported Plates
- Locknuts
- Spring Plates
- Wafer Plates
- Damping and Cushion Plates
- Bullets
- Poppets
There are more, but these are the most vital to compressors and their corresponding valves.
This is why you should never take things lightly when it comes to the regular maintenance of your machine. The compressor materials’ quality helps determine this intricate machine’s longevity.
Therefore, choose the right compressor material carefully and ensure you undertake proper maintenance from time to time.
Conclusion
Compressors are mechanical devices that function in a wide variety of ways. They are used extensively in several industries and are available in different forms. Common compressors include the rotary vane compressor, the reciprocating compressor, etc.
Compressors are also used in air conditioning systems and refrigerators. These mechanical devices work almost 24/7, making them prone to breaking down, especially if they don’t undergo regular care and maintenance.
It is crucial to know the materials to fix your compressor when it does break down. It can help prolong the lifespan of your machine if done well or total your refrigerator or air conditioner. This article covers this subject, so make your choice carefully.