A liquid compressor works by using a rotating impeller or vanes within a casing partially filled with liquid (often water or oil) to compress a gas. This process isolates gas pockets, reduces their volume, and thereby increases the gas pressure.
Here's a breakdown of the operating principle:
- Partial Liquid Filling: The compressor casing contains a certain amount of liquid.
- Rotating Impeller/Vanes: An impeller with vanes rotates inside the casing. As it rotates, the liquid is forced outwards, creating a liquid ring along the inner wall of the casing.
- Gas Intake: Gas enters the compressor through an inlet port.
- Pocket Formation: The rotating liquid ring creates crescent-shaped pockets of gas between the impeller vanes.
- Compression: As the impeller continues to rotate, the shape of the casing causes these gas pockets to decrease in volume. This reduction in volume compresses the gas. The liquid acts as a seal, preventing the compressed gas from leaking back.
- Discharge: The compressed gas is then discharged through an outlet port.
- Liquid Cooling: The liquid ring also helps to cool the gas during compression, which is particularly beneficial for handling flammable or explosive gases.
In essence, the liquid ring compressor leverages the properties of both a liquid and a rotating component to efficiently compress gases. The liquid acts as both a sealant and a coolant during compression.
