What is the compression ratio for a high speed reciprocating compressor?

What is the compression ratio for a high speed reciprocating compressor?

• A. 12:1
• B. 8:1
• C. 20:1
• D. 6:1

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that the compression ratio is the relationship between where the gas enters the compressor (suction pressure) and where it leaves it (discharge pressure). For a high-speed reciprocating ammonia compressor, designers target about eight to one. This balance keeps the discharge temperature from getting too high and fits well with how the condenser can reject heat, while still delivering good efficiency. For example, if the suction is around 20 psi and the discharge around 160 psi, that’s roughly an 8:1 ratio. Ratios much higher would push temperatures up and stress the hardware; ratios much lower would reduce capacity and efficiency. That’s why eight to one is the typical, practical value.

The main idea here is that the compression ratio is the relationship between where the gas enters the compressor (suction pressure) and where it leaves it (discharge pressure). For a high-speed reciprocating ammonia compressor, designers target about eight to one. This balance keeps the discharge temperature from getting too high and fits well with how the condenser can reject heat, while still delivering good efficiency. For example, if the suction is around 20 psi and the discharge around 160 psi, that’s roughly an 8:1 ratio. Ratios much higher would push temperatures up and stress the hardware; ratios much lower would reduce capacity and efficiency. That’s why eight to one is the typical, practical value.